My name is Nikita and welcome to my guide on Fitzroy Island! I was born in Queensland, which is commonly referred to as the Sunshine State, and is home to incredible natural attractions like the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. With family spread throughout the world, in NZ and Europe, this sparked my interest in travel from a very young age.
I have always loved the excitement of waking up in a new country, surrounded by foreign people and places, and the adventure and challenge that brings. After graduating from university I spent six months with my partner overseas traveling through Europe, the UK and North Africa.
After returning home to Australia, in the time I had outside of my work as a lawyer, I focused my travels on exploring my backyard of Queensland. Far North Queensland is a very special place that almost feels like you have traveled to an exotic destination on the other side of the globe!
Why Fitzroy Island is So Special
Fitzroy Island is one of my favorite places to visit in Australia. It’s home to secluded beaches, and offers incredible hikes and snorkeling spots. If you’re visiting Far North Queensland, this is an island you must visit! It’s a one stop shop for all things outdoors and is somewhere I repeatedly visit. My favorite thing to do is to take a book and a picnic, and spend the day by the water watching the world go by at Nudey Beach and snorkeling at “Bird Rock”.
5 Fun Things To Do in Fitzroy Island
1. Get the Lay of the Land by Hiking Up the Summit
The 2.5-hour hike to Fitzroy Island’s 296-meter summit is a challenging but rewarding experience. The 4.2km trail is a steady climb for the first half, leading you through rainforest and offering glimpses of the coastline. As you reach higher elevations, the vegetation changes and the panoramic views become breathtaking. From the top you’ll have a 360-degree perspective of the island, the coral reefs and the endless blue horizon.
2. Walk to Nudey Beach and Enjoy Your Time There
Walk to Nudey Beach where the lush, protected rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. This is a 1.2km trail each way but the payoff is worth it. Relax on the soft sand, soak up the sunshine and take in the stunning views. Let the crystal-clear water lap at your toes and explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish just a few meters offshore. Nudey Beach might just be the perfect spot on Fitzroy Island to connect with nature!
3. Sit Under Palms and Have a Margarita at Foxy’s
Imagine yourself on Fitzroy, with sand between your toes and the swaying of palm trees overhead. Escape the sun’s heat by finding a comfy seat at Foxy’s, the island’s premier bar. Sip on a frozen margarita – the perfect balance of sweet, tart and refreshing. As you enjoy your beverage, admire the ocean views and soak in the tropical atmosphere. Foxy’s offers the ideal place to savor the laid-back charm of Fitzroy Island.
4. Snorkel at “Bird Rock” and See the Marine Life
Dive into the underwater world of Fitzroy Island with a snorkel adventure at “Bird Rock”. This aptly named spot at Nudey Beach teems with marine life. Expect to see schools of tropical fish flitting between the coral formations. You might even encounter playful clownfish peeking out from their anemone homes or graceful turtles gliding by. Keep your eyes peeled for curious wrasse and colorful butterflyfish darting through the water.
5. Take a Boat Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
Fitzroy Island can be your launching pad to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This tropical island paradise is just a quick boat trip away from the reef’s massive coral gardens teeming with colorful fish. If you’re already staying at Fitzroy and want to dive deeper (literally), you can easily hop on a tour to access the outer reef’s underwater world. With Fitzroy Island as your base, you can experience both the island’s beauty and the reef’s magic!
Where to Stay at Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island Resort offers a range of accommodations, from Butterfly Bungalows to Penthouse Suites. For a more budget-friendly yet comfortable option, the Butterfly Bungalows consist of everything you need for a comfy stay. They are right on the water and nestled within the trees of Fitzroy, giving it a camping feel but with the comforts of a home.
Camping is a wonderful option during the slightly cooler months, and you can purchase camping bundles, so all you need to bring is your own clothing. Depending on the amount of time you have and your budget, there are vast accommodation selections to fully soak up the magic Fitzroy Island has to offer! Staying on the island also allows you to explore after the day trippers leave – perfect for those who like to visit beaches alone.
How to Best Reach Fitzroy Island
You can access Fitzroy Island from Cairns via boat, which takes 45 minutes. Other than by a personal boat, the best way to reach Fitzroy Island is by ferry. You can buy tickets from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns or book tickets online through various companies that offer tours to Fitzroy Island.
The Fitzroy Flyer, which costs AUD $90 for a round-trip, departs from the Cairns Marina and is operated by Fitzroy Island Resort. The ferry departs Cairns at 8:00 am, with additional departures at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. The return ferries from Fitzroy Island to Cairns depart at 9:30 am, 12:15 pm and 5:00 pm. I suggest booking in advance to avoid disappointment!
The ferry is equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seating, making for a pleasant journey. Fitzroy Island Adventures also offers full or half day tours to Fitzroy Island, which costs AUD $89 for a round-trip ticket.
Tips for Your Visit to Fitzroy Island
Queensland, particularly Cairns and the surrounding FNQ area, experiences two major seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is April to October, and the wet season is from November to March. One of the best times to visit Fitzroy Island is from May to October – when the sun shines, and you don’t need to experience the high levels of humidity and heavy rainfall of the wet season. The water temperature during these months is also perfect.
Another thing to be aware of is “Stinger Season”, which occurs between November and May. During this time, many of the beaches have dedicated stinger net areas and you can wear stinger suits to protect you. The Fitzroy Island Resort has an activity center where you can hire these stinger suits.
When packing for your visit, make sure to always wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and carry water with you – as the North Queensland sun is very harsh. It’s also important to abide by the rules provided by Fitzroy Island to keep the Island (and surrounding reef) clean and healthy for future generations. This includes avoiding standing on living coral when diving, snorkeling or wading in the waters offshore, and by not feeding any of the wildlife. It’s also important to take all your rubbish with you when you leave!