What Is There To Do On Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy Island, located just off the coast of Cairns, is perfect for activities like hiking, swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, or relaxing at the stunning resort. There is so much to do on Fitzroy Island, as it is a large, mountainous, breathtaking tropical island that makes an epic day trip from Cairns. If you plan to visit this island paradise, here are some of the best things to do on Fitzroy Island!
The Best Things To Do On Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a beautiful tropical island located off the coast of Cairns, about 29 kilometres or 45 minutes by boat out on the Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by untouched coral reefs, the island is heaven for snorkelling and touring the reef in a glass-bottom boat. Fitzroy's surface is covered in lush forests, majestic hills, and pristine beaches that offer fun activities as well.
Whether you're just visiting on a day trip from Cairns or you're spending a few days at the glorious Fitzroy Island Resort for a peaceful getaway, here are the top things to do on Fitzroy Island!
Sunbathe at Nudey Beach
Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Tropical North Queensland. Nudey Beach has helped put Fitzroy Island on the map for tourism thanks to its glistening white sand, vibrant sapphire water, and gorgeous tropical forests. It's accessible via a scenic bushwalk and is great for swimming and snorkelling. Definitely bring your camera because Nudey Beach is breathtaking!
Hit the hiking trails
With its mountainous terrain, beautiful beaches, and dense rainforest, Fitzroy Island has the perfect scenery for hiking and bushwalking. Whether you want a challenging trek with sweeping views, like the Summit Track, or a peaceful, family-friendly stroll like the Secret Garden Track, Fitzroy Island has a trail for you. The Nudey Beach Track is the most popular trail on the island as it is only 45 minutes return and ends with the glorious beach views.
Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef
Along with hiking and beach-hopping, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef is absolutely one of the best things to do on Fitzroy Island. As a large tropical island nestled amidst the Great Barrier Reef, the waters around Fitzroy Island are full of marine life. From colourful corals, to unique fish, to sea turtles and more, a snorkel session in the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do for ocean and animal lovers visiting Cairns.
Most Fitzroy Island packages include snorkelling, otherwise you can hire snorkel gear when you arrive on the island. You can also purchase guided snorkel tours and let an expert show you around the wonders of the reef!
Go kayaking
Kayaking is another one of the top water sports to try on Fitzroy Island. You can hire kayaks at Fitzroy Island Resort and enjoy a peaceful few hours of gliding across the calm, tranquil waters. Look for marine life below and feel that tropical breeze as you paddle around the stunning island.
Treat yourself to a nice meal and a cocktail (or two)
Fitzroy Island Resort is home to some spectacular venues where you can enjoy delicious food and drink in paradise. Even if you're not staying overnight at the resort, visitors can make use of the resort's day-use facilities including the restaurants and bars. Zephyr Restaurant, Foxy's Bar and Cafe, and the Fitzroy Island Resort Pool Bar are great places to grab a bite and sip on a cocktail.
Enjoy a glass-bottom boat cruise
One of the top Fitzroy Island activities is a glass-bottom boat cruise where you can observe the Great Barrier Reef from above. This is a laid-back, safe, and easy way to admire the underwater world around Fitzroy Island! So if you're not a big fan of snorkelling or swimming, you can still check out the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet.
If you have only booked ferry transfers to Fitzroy Island, you can book your glass-bottom boat tour on the island. Or you can book a trip to Fitzroy Island that includes the glass-bottom boat tour so everything is already organised before you arrive!
Go swimming
Travellers often ask, "Can you swim in the sea at Fitzroy Island?" and you can! Swimming is one of the best things to do on Fitzroy Island. The water is warm, calm, and has a brilliant turquoise hue. Just note that if you're swimming between November and May, this is stinger season in Tropical North Queensland so you should wear a protective stinger suit. If you're visiting Fitzroy Island on a tour, stinger suits will be provided!
Fitzroy Island's beaches also have a steeper drop-off than the nearby Green Island. So if you're visiting with young kids, stick to the safe, shallow parts of the beaches.
Camp amongst the rainforest
Fitzroy Island also offers camping for those who want a more rugged, adventurous stay. Instead of staying overnight in a lavish hotel room, book a campsite or hire camping gear and sleep under the canopy of trees. Stargaze, listen to native birdlife, and enjoy an immersive nature experience. The Fitzroy Island Council Campsite is located near Fitzroy Island Resort and you can book your campground and gear on the resort website.
Other things to do near Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is conveniently located near Cairns, Green Island, and the Outer Great Barrier Reef, so you can combine your island visit with other fun activities. Instead of just visiting Fitzroy Island for the day, choose a tour package that showcases more of the natural beauty of Queensland's Tropical North. Here are some options for extending your exploration of Fitzroy Island and beyond.
Sunlover Moore Reef & Fitzroy Island
You can visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island in one exciting day tour with Sunlover! Though Fitzroy Island has great snorkelling, the reefs here aren't as huge and majestic as the colossal coral gardens of the Outer Reef. Those looking for a varied Great Barrier Reef experience can try snorkelling in both locations. This gives you more chance to see marine life and allows you some chill time on both an Outer Reef Pontoon and Fitzroy Island.
Green Island & Fitzroy Island
In addition to Fitzroy Island, Green Island is the most popular island to visit near Cairns. Both islands are stunning, though Green Island is flatter and has shallower, more kid-friendly beaches. If you can't decide which island to visit, book a 2-day package that includes day trips to both islands! This is the perfect way to go island hopping near Cairns and see both Green Island and Fitzroy Island.
Fitzroy Island, Green Island & Frankland Islands
Take your Cairns island hopping to the next level with a 3 day island discovery package. Including visits to Fitzroy Island, Green Island, and the less-touristy Frankland Islands, you can have the ultimate island tour of the hidden gems and hotspots of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Visit Green Island or Fitzroy Island on one of these tours!
Fitzroy Island Half Day Adventure & Explore Cairns
Another option for visiting Fitzroy Island is a half day tour so you can have more free time to explore Cairns. The vibrant city of Cairns is packed with cool attractions and things to see and do. So if you haven't had any downtime in the city yet, visit Fitzroy Island for a half day and spend the rest of the day sightseeing! From the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, to the bustling fruit markets, to the various bars, cafes, shops, and clubs, Cairns is an action-packed destination with something for everyone.
