Last updated September 2026
On our most recent trip to Cairns, we finally made it to Fitzroy Island. It’s one of those places that had been sitting on our list for ages. We’d been to Cairns a couple of times before, yet somehow kept finding other things to do instead. Queensland is ridiculously big, and no matter how many times we travel around our own state, there always seems to be another place we haven’t got to yet!
Just 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, Fitzroy Island feels surprisingly removed from the mainland. Much of the island is protected as national park and it sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so this is a place where the rainforest and reef are very much part of the experience.
There’s no sprawling resort development here either. Fitzroy Island has one resort, a couple of places to eat and a tiny general store, leaving the rest of the island to beaches, rainforest and reef. You can walk straight off the beach and snorkel, look for turtles in the shallows, hike up towards the island’s highest point, find your way to Nudey Beach or simply sit back with a cocktail and watch the sun disappear.
Most visitors come for the day, which is easy enough to do, but we quickly realised that Fitzroy Island is the sort of place where staying a little longer makes a lot of sense. Once the day-trippers leave, the island has a completely different feel, and that was when we really started to appreciate it.
How to get to Fitzroy Island?
It’s very easy to get to Fitzroy Island – just catch the Fitzroy Island Flyer from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Cairns Merlin Marina. The boat ride takes 45 minutes and departs three times daily, 8am, 11am and 1.30pm.
Current prices are: $99 per adult/$55 per child for day trippers. If you stay at the resort for the night you will get a discount rate of $63 per adult and $33 per child.
There are another two boat companies that also service the island, Sunlover and Fitzroy Island Adventures.
I’d recommend catching the first ferry to make the most of the day especially if only staying for the day.
Note weather contingency: ferries can be cancelled in rough conditions. You should always confirm 24 hours prior.
How long should you stay on the island?
It’s easy enough to take a day trip to the island while staying in Cairns. If you can only afford this, a day is enough to snorkel the pristine waters, and to do a short hike.
However, the island is so nice when all day trippers have departed for the day that I recommend staying at least one night. We stayed for two and although we did all the hikes we wanted to and snorkelled a lot, I could have stayed longer just because it was so relaxing.
Best time to visit Fitzroy Island
The best time to visit Fitzroy Island is during the dry season, from April to November. Days are generally warm and sunny with lower humidity, making this a great time for hiking, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches.
Fitzroy Island can be visited year-round, but from December to March the weather is hotter and more humid, with a greater chance of tropical showers. If you visit during the warmer months, be aware that marine stingers are more common and wearing a stinger suit while swimming or snorkelling is recommended.
For the best balance of warm weather, lower humidity and comfortable hiking conditions, we’d choose May to October.
What is there to do on Fitzroy Island?
Snorkeling
The most popular thing to do on the island is snorkelling of course! Being part of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s a delight to jump in the sparkling blue water and snorkel right off the beach.
The best places to snorkel are off Welcome Bay on either side of the pier. The snorkelling there is very easy for beginners. There is barely any current and it’s close to shore.
White Rock is another amazing spot to snorkel. This is the large white boulder at the northern end of Welcome Bay. White Rock has some stunning coral and is the best spot to snorkel with turtles.
Lastly, Nudey Beach offers up some great snorkelling too. It is a 20-minute walk to get to it, but the beach itself is so beautiful you won’t believe your eyes! The snorkelling there is done around the rocks off to the right as you step out onto the beach.
Relax on the beach
No trip to a Queensland island would be complete without some beach relaxation. As mentioned earlier, Nudey Beach is the best place to relax on the beach as it is just so breathtaking. That water is so appealing!
Welcome Bay is also a nice spot, especially closer to the Northern end where the coral rocks are not quite as rough on the feet. Bear in mind that the beaches on Fitzroy Island, although stunning, are made of broken-down coral rather than fine white sand like some other islands.
Hiking to the lookouts
We were trying to decide between visiting Green Island and Fitzroy Island. In the end, Fitzroy Island won because it has the combination of snorkelling and hiking. It’s always nice to have more options than just water activities when visiting an island.
During our two days we did all the hikes you can do on the island. There are 3 of them.
- Fitzroy Island Lighthouse and Summit Loop Walk – Definitely a do not miss if you enjoy a good work out. This hike is about 4.5 kms long and takes about 2 and a half hours. It’s steep but not technically difficult but it is a proper workout in the heat!
- Secret Garden Walk – This is a very easy walk that can be done in less than half an hour. The walk is 750m one way, it winds its way through some beautiful rainforest and is a good way to immerse yourself in nature.
- Nudey Beach Walk – This trail leads from Welcome Bay to the breathtaking Nudey Beach and is a 1.2kms return. It takes around 45 minutes return and is a nice walk, ending up with an amazing swim in crystal clear water!
Sunset drinks at Foxeys
I love a wine or cocktail while watching the sunset and Foxeys is the best place to go. We were lucky to witness two spectacular sunsets on both nights we were there. It was incredible. By 5 pm, most day trippers have returned to Cairns, so it feels a lot quieter. Happy Hour was on from 4pm to 5pm when we visited.
Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Fitzroy Island is home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which is a volunteer operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. A number of these are seriously threatened by a diverse range of natural and, more significantly, human induced factors.
The centre organises two daily tours (except Mondays) where you can learn more about the hard work that they do to rehabilitate injured turtles. You can meet the turtles currently in their care.
The tour only takes 15 people at a time, so be sure to book ahead. You can book online here or book directly at the Fitzroy Island Resort Reception. It costs $20 per adults and $12 per child (4-13 years).
Take a glass bottom boat
I rarely go out on glass bottom boats because I prefer to be in the water but if you like to stay dry, you can sign up for a glass bottom boat from the Fitzroy Island Resort Dive Centre.
The Glass Bottom Boat tours are 45 minutes long and are offered twice a day at 9:30am and 3:00pm.
The Glass Bottom Boat tours cruise leisurely across the reef surrounding Fitzroy Island. Through the glass bottom you will be able to see the beautiful reef, fish and all sorts of other marine life.
Have dinner at Zephyr Restaurant
After a long day of snorkelling and hiking, you’ll be very hungry. Zephyr Restaurant has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Welcome Bay.
It can get busy at dinner time so be sure to book a table just in case! You have the choice of a 2 or 3 course meal with locally sourced ingredients. We found the food to be very nice.
Zephyr is also open for breakfast; no booking is necessary but try going early to sit outside if you can.
Where to stay in Fitzroy Island?
There are not too many options on the island. There is just one resort, the Fitzroy Island Resort and a very small camping ground on the way to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
The Fitzroy Island Resort is a bit dated but it’s still a nice place to stay. There are a few different types of rooms available from studios, suites, and 2-bedroom suites through to Beach Cabins and Bungalows.
Find their latest prices here.
Essential packing list
- Reef shoes – Non-negotiable. The beaches are the beaches are coral rubble, not powder sand, and it’s uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) to walk barefoot.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and light long-sleeved shirt – Shade is limited on the main beaches, especially in the middle of the day.
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated, particularly if you’re hiking.
- Snorkel gear – Bring your own if you have it, or hire on the island from the resort dive shop.
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners – Needed for the summit and lighthouse tracks.
- Towel and swimmers
- Cash or a working card – There is no ATM on the island. The tiny general store and resort facilities accept cards, but it’s wise to have some cash as backup.
- Offline maps – Mobile coverage is patchy depending on your provider. Download maps before you leave Cairns.
Useful extras
- Small day pack for the Nudey Beach walk (water, sunscreen, snacks, reef shoes)
- Light rain jacket if you’re visiting in the wet season
- Underwater camera or phone case if you want photos of turtles and coral
- Insect repellent (especially for the rainforest walks)
Practical tips
- Nudey Beach has no facilities – No toilets, no showers, no shade structures. Use the toilets near the jetty and the outdoor showers near the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub before or after your walk.
- The general store is tiny – It stocks basics, but don’t rely on it for a full picnic or forgotten essentials.
- Stay on the marked tracks – The island’s terrain is rugged and the vegetation can be thick. It’s easy to get disoriented if you leave the paths.
- Leave no trace – Take all rubbish with you. Do not touch or stand on coral, do not take shells or rocks, and do not feed the wildlife.
- Biosecurity – Fitzroy Island is relatively pest-free. Check your bags, shoes and gear for seeds, insects or soil before boarding the ferry.
- No pets are allowed on the island or the surrounding tidal lands.
- Day-trippers vs overnight – The island feels completely different once the last ferry leaves in the afternoon. If you’re staying overnight, the quieter evenings and sunsets are a real highlight.
Read More
A Quick Guide to Great Keppel Island
Our Complete Guide to Magnetic Island
Leave a reply