The right holiday destination isn’t easy to find. Especially if you need to factor kids into the equation. But what if we told you there is a dreamlike tropical paradise destination that is just as much fun for the kids as it is for the adults?
Enter Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is known to be a supermodel in the world of islands. It has a photogenic, natural beauty, and is found just 29km off the coast of Cairns.
Unlike smaller coral cays or sandy islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island was once part of mainland Australia. Fitzroy bears a tropical climate which dances between 24 to 31 degrees for most of the year. The island is largely untouched and protected as Fitzroy Island as 97% of the island is a National Park. Walking trails take you through the rainforest, where you can make your way to the Summit of the island for spectacular views, or to the incredible Nudey Beach, which was named as Australia’s Best Beach in 2018. Within its 339 hectares, this island packs far more than meets the eye – one resort, two restaurants, a National Park, and a whole lot of activities to keep the family busy.
Why Fitzroy Island is the Perfect Holiday Destination for Everyone
You might have considered other places but there are a hundred and one reasons why Fitzroy Island is the perfect vacation spot for you and your family.
It’s chock full of natural resources and beautiful scenery. It is not too far off from the mainland either, making its proximity a highlight that visitors can’t ignore. It’s right by the Great Barrier Reef too, giving you the chance to jump in the water and see the coral gardens of the Reef for yourself. There are so many fun activities to occupy the entire family!
The all-year round warm weather gives tourists another reason to hop on a plane or go on a road trip to start their journey to Fitzroy Island. Toasty sand in between your toes, windswept hair, and the gentle crashing of waves are all part of the immersive experience at the island.
Fun Kid-Friendly Activities at Fitzroy Island
Keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge, but not on Fitzroy Island! Keep reading to learn about some of the things the kids can do while they are here.
Snorkelling
Name a child who hasn’t watched or heard of Finding Nemo, and we guarantee that you won’t be able to find one.
The Great Barrier Reef was already a world-renowned tourist attraction even before the movie’s release, but it was cemented further into popular culture due to the popularity of Nemo and his pals.
Being found right smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island is the perfect place to introduce your kids to such fun water activities as swimming and snorkelling. Since the reef itself is found just a few metres from the island’s shore, this place would be one of the best ways for those kids who become anxious when it comes to deep water to overcome those fears.
These activities aren’t just meant to be enjoyed alone though, as your whole family could join in all the fun and adventure swimming and snorkelling offer. All of you would have the chance to spot for yourselves different types of fish and marine life, perhaps even finding Nemo himself!
You can hire all the snorkelling gear you need and even book beginner snorkelling tours at the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub, so you don’t need to worry about packing a snorkel!
Walking Trails
Being mostly made up of forests, and with the entire island being a National Park, walking and hiking trails are found almost anywhere. You and your family could enjoy the breathtaking flora and fauna, as well as the beautiful coastal woodlands anytime you’d feel like taking a walk outdoors.
Even your kids can be brought along on these trips, with trail lengths ranging from 5-minute strolls, 30-to-45-minute walks, and eventually up to serious 3-hour hikes available any time of the day.
The wonders of nature are exposed for you and your family to discover together, including awe-inspiring wildlife such as Yellow Spotted Monitor lizards, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, and the Spectacled Flying Fox. Even several varieties of non-venomous snakes would be found in the forest, such as Carpet Pythons and Tree Snakes.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
An unmissable place to visit when you’re on the island is the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. The volunteer run, non-profit organisation specialises in caring for sick and injured sea turtles.
Did you know that there are seven species of sea turtles in the entire world? And the Coral Sea, which surrounds Fitzroy Island, is home to six of the seven species? A visit to the centre will give you and the kids a chance to learn about the sea turtles, the work the centre does, and you can even see the patients up close.
The Turtle Rehabilitation Centre runs turtle talks daily, but make sure you book ahead because this is a popular destination!
Junior Marine Biologist Program
If you’ve got an animal lover on your hands, then the ‘hands on’ learning experience of the Junior Marine Biologist program is going to be the best experience for your child!
Every Sunday, the kids can spend a few hours with the resident Marine Biologist of the island and learn about the oceans and the incredible marine life that live in them.
As part of the program, the kids will ride in a glass-bottomed boat where they can marvel at the marine world below; they will take part in beachcombing; learn about water quality testing and try it out for themselves; feed the local fish and at the end of the program, they will be presented with a certificate.
Island Resort Facilities
Besides being a National Park, Fitzroy Island is also a world class Island Resort with a wide array of facilities for endless fun all day and night.
One of the resort’s shining jewels would be the resort pool, which is the perfect spot to have a swim and have fun with all the kids. One could also choose to relax in any of the nearby sun lounges or have a cool drink together with your friends and loved ones in the swim-up bar.
The Island Resort comes with other amenities and activities such as play and games rooms, and even a complete movie theater system for unwinding in the evening after a long day of swimming and hiking.
Fitzroy Island – Fun for Everyone!
Fun can be had by all on Fitzroy Island, the tropical location gives the adults somewhere to relax, while the endless activities will keep the kids occupied for hours – what more could you ask for?
If you’re looking for your next holiday destination, you can’t go past Fitzroy Island.
