03 Sep
School Holiday Activities for Kids Near Cairns – You Can’t Beat Fitzroy Island
by 0 Comments

School Holiday Activities for Kids Near Cairns – You Can’t Beat Fitzroy Island!

With school holidays fast approaching, whether you are a local to the Cairns area or travelling to Tropical Far North Queensland from interstate, you are no doubt beginning to think of ways to keep the kids occupied and having a blast while on break from school. Look no further than Fitzroy Island! Located just 45 minutes from Cairns Marina via Fast Cat and with a wide array of super fun activities for kids on offer, including the Giant Ocean Trampoline, snorkelling straight off the shore, visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, taking a Glass Bottom Boat Tour, exploring the island’s walking trails and sea kayaking and SUP’ing, Fitzroy Island is the ultimate school holiday destination for kids (and their families)!

Bounce Around on the Giant Ocean Trampoline

A fabulous way to meet and have tons of fun with other kids visiting Fitzroy Island is to bounce around on the island’s very own giant ocean trampoline, located a mere 25 metres off the shore of Welcome Bay! Loved by little and big kids alike, the giant ocean trampoline is often what kids are most excited to try out first when arriving at Fitzroy Island.

Snorkel Straight Off the Beautiful Beaches of Fitzroy Island

Whether you bring your own snorkelling gear or hire a mask, snorkel and fins from Fitzroy Island Sports Hub, snorkelling straight off the amazing beaches of Fitzroy Island (i.e. Welcome Bay and the award-winning Nudey Beach) onto the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is a great way for kids to explore the reef in comfort, especially where they lack confidence in the water or are afraid of deep and dark water (i.e. deep water snorkelling spots are commonly visited on outer reef tours).

With opportunities to watch majestic sea turtles swim by as well as to spot Nemo (clown fish), exploring the wondrous coral formations and fauna of the Great Barrier Reef by means of snorkelling is an amazing way for kids to witness and immerse themselves amongst the reef’s breathtaking beauty.

School Holiday Activities for Kids Near Cairns – You Can’t Beat Fitzroy Island Snorkel Straight Off the Beautiful Beaches of Fitzroy Island

Learn All About the Amazing Work That Is Undertaken at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is situated on Fitzroy Island and is operated by a truly passionate and dedicated team of volunteers, with the goal of rehabilitating sick or injured turtles back to optimal health and eventually releasing them back into their ocean home.

45-minute tours operate from 1pm each day at the centre, which gives kids the opportunity to see the turtles firsthand and learn all about the incredible work that is done at the centre. The vital importance of conserving the Great Barrier Reef and its many sea turtles that call it home is also covered during the tour.

Explore the Beauty of The Great Barrier Reef Below by Taking A Glass Bottom Boat Tour

A great option for very small children or those lacking confidence snorkelling off the shore, taking a Glass Bottom Boat Tour gives families the opportunity to experience the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef from both the safety and dry of the island’s very own glass bottom boat.

With tours running twice a day, kids have the chance to spot different types of coral, tropical fish and sea turtles that are home to the sheltered waters surrounding Fitzroy Island.

Best Places To See Turtles On The Great Barrier Reef Near Cairns

Explore the Island’s Numerous and Lush Walking Trails

Covered in an astounding 97% National Park, Fitzroy Island is home to some of the most beautiful, lush walking trails in the Cairns region. There are numerous walks available, including easy 5-minute trails suitable for little ones, longer 30-minute trails, and for the truly adventurous, 3-hour hikes for older, fit and more experienced kids.

The trails make their way through lush rainforest vegetation and kids will also have the chance to spot some of the many animals that live on the island.

Give Sea Kayaking And/or Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) A Shot

A fabulously fun way to explore the Great Barrier Reef below is to hire a sea kayak (single seater or double seater) and/or a stand-up paddle board that includes a glass viewing portal, giving kids the chance to paddle over the waters that surround Fitzroy Island while simultaneously enjoying the magic that lays beneath them.

3-hour guided Sea Kayaking Tours are on offer at the island for families wishing to take an adventure around the island, accessing different locations that cannot be reached by boat or by foot. (Please note, age restrictions apply for safety reasons).

School Holiday Activities for Kids Near Cairns – You Can’t Beat Fitzroy Island Give Sea Kayaking And or Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) A Shot

Enjoy the Amazing Resort Pool and Other Facilities as Guests of Fitzroy Island Resort

As guests of Fitzroy Island Resort (staying in one of the many different accommodation options on offer, from beachside camping all the way up to luxurious ocean-view rooms), kids can have a blast in the resort’s very own pool, and when they’re done, can play in the island’s game- and play-rooms as well as check out the island’s movie theatre.

Share this post
  • Share