ABOUT FITZROY ISLAND

Fitzroy Island, home to family owned and operated Fitzroy Island Resort, is a 45-minute boat transfer by the Fitzroy Flyer (about 30kms) from Cairns in Queensland and is surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, making it the perfect accessible base for snorkelling and exploring the reef.

Idyllic beaches lead into the safe, sheltered waters, which are also ideal for swimming and water sports as well as yachting and boating.

 

Island Facts

Total Area 339 hectares (838 acres)
National Park Area 324 hectares (796 acres)
Summit Height 269 metres (882 feet)

Close To Cairns

Fitzroy Island has long been close to the heart of the Cairns and surrounding local community.  This is hardly surprising given the close proximity of this pristine paradise and the safe, sheltered waters.

The island has always been freely accessible to the public, with a number of Fitzroy Flyer services travelling back and forth daily and local fishermen and private yachts making good use of the secure public moorings.

The island is less than an hour from the Cairns airport.

 

Climate

Fitzroy enjoys a typical North Queensland tropical climate but with the added advantage of the cooling effects of the prevailing South Easterly ocean breezes for the majority of the year. Welcome Bay is sheltered and protected by the Summit. Temperatures range from 24 – 31 C (75 – 88 F) in summer and 19 – 25 C (66 – 77 F) in winter.

Covered By Nature

Fitzroy is a continental island 4 square km in size, 97% of the island is National Park, covered in tropical rainforest and freely accessible to the public via an established network of clearly marked walking tracks.  The gentle, hilly terrain inland makes for great walking throughout the whole island, including to the two main beaches, Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach, the Summit the highest vantage point on the island and the historic lighthouse at the Eastern end.

Walking & Exploring

At Fitzroy Island, it’s all about rainforest, beaches and high reaches, with just as much to explore on land as in the sea.

Explore the bush walking tracks throughout the island, like the Lighthouse and Summit walks, with views all the way to the Great Barrier Reef.  Trek to magic spots like Secret Garden and Nudey Beach, one of Far North Queensland’s most iconic beaches.

The Island was converted into a military base during World War II to protect Australia’s mainland from invasion. Most of the walking trails were formed during this time, hence their access to some of the best vantage points in the region, although these days visitors are only on the lookout for the stunning views.

Discover Fitzroy Island’s peaks, valleys, rainforests, coral beaches, crystal clear springs, birds, and wildlife; and make sure you don’t miss our sunrise and sunset views across to the untouched coastline of Far North Queensland.

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Snorkelling, Swimming and Water Sports

Fitzroy Island is the perfect spot to visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, and it’s a great land-based alternative to the Barrier Reef pontoon experience.

You can swim, snorkel, kayak & SUP in safety off our iconic coral beaches, explore this World Heritage-listed coral reef system at your own pace. Make friends with the sea life, including clown fish, turtles and even whales (between July & September).

Have some fun on the water as well as in it, with activities including snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and glass bottom boat tours. Explore the coral fringe reef in the comfort of our Glass Bottom Boat. A sheltered passage from Cairns and secure moorings make Fitzroy Island an ideal destination for day trips on your own boat or yacht.

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History

The island has a dynamic and interesting History, starting with its original separation from the mainland (about 8000 years ago), at the end of the last Ice Age, and from then on with its continuing Aboriginal cultural links, mainly for visiting hunting trips and recreation.

There were also links with England’s Captain Cook and (much later) use of the island for a considerable time as a significant Chinese Quarantine Station (for the Queensland goldfields). Subsequently, it was used as a Mission School and then, during World War II, as a Coast Watch Station.

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Escape & Unwind On The Beaches

Picture yourself on a beach lined with coconut trees and sloping gently into the calm, clear Coral Sea; this is Fitzroy Island.

Step out from the Resort to Welcome Bay with all its life and activity, or take a short walk to the iconic and stunning Nudey beach, which despite the name, is not what you think! Nudey beach was voted the number 1 best beach in Australia for 2018, by Brad Farmer from 101 Beaches.

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Take Your Own Boat

Visiting the Island in your own yacht or boat gives you even more freedom to take things at your own pace, with the 15 nautical mile trip from Cairns offering a safe passage along the scenic coastline.

At Fitzroy Island, you’ll find secure moorings and anchorage in naturally sheltered waters for private vessels.

Public moorings are located at Latitude 16 deg 93.0S, Longitude 145 deg 98.6E

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together a list of our most frequently asked questions about visiting Fitzroy Island for your convenience.

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