Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise located in the heart of the Coral Sea – the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforest, the island is a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing and picturesque vacation. But beyond the island’s more popular attractions, there are plenty of unique and unconventional ways to explore Fitzroy Island.
In this article, we’ll share some of our favourite off-the-beaten-path adventures for visitors looking to experience the island in a new and exciting way.
Adventure Awaits in Tropical North Queensland
Here are some of the incredible ways you can discover Fitzroy Island:
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a fun and unique way to explore Fitzroy Island’s coastal waters. With its calm and clear waters, the island is an ideal destination for kayaking, even for beginners.
One of the most popular kayaking tours on the island is an hour-long guided kayak tour that you can join through the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub. You can paddle around the island’s stunning coastline, with opportunities to spot sea turtles, rays, and other marine life. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to stop at secluded beaches and coves that can only be accessed by kayak. The tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels and includes all necessary equipment, as well as a guide who can provide information about the island’s history and ecology.
You can also hire sea kayaking equipment and adventure on your own!
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If you’re looking for a more active way to explore Fitzroy Island’s coastline, stand-up paddleboarding might be the perfect option for you.
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is kind of like a type of surfing that involves standing on a large board and propelling oneself through the water with a paddle. Through the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub, you can take a one hour guided stand up paddleboarding tour that takes visitors on a scenic tour of the island’s waters. The tour includes instruction on basic SUP techniques, as well as a paddle around the island’s secluded bays and beaches and are quite intimate, with groups of 4.
Along the way, visitors can expect to see colourful coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life. The tour is suitable for all skill levels and includes all necessary equipment, as well as a guide who can provide information about the island’s flora and fauna.
Like sea kayaking, you can also hire stand up paddle boards from the Sports Hub and enjoy some time out on the water.
Island Hiking
For visitors looking to explore Fitzroy Island’s lush rainforest, hiking is a great option. The island offers a variety of hiking and walking trails that range in difficulty from easy to challenging. One of the most popular hiking trails on the island is the Secret Garden Walk, a 1.2-kilometre trail that takes visitors through the island’s rainforest and offers stunning views of the coastline. The trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
For more experienced hikers, the Lighthouse and Summit Walk is a challenging trail that takes visitors to the island’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef. The trail is 3.6 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours to complete. Visitors should be prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.
You can also enjoy a pretty leisurely walk along the Nudey Beach track where you will be rewarded by the spectacular Nudey Beach, which is the perfect place to spend the afternoon.
Snorkelling
No trip to Fitzroy Island is complete without exploring the Great Barrier Reef, and one of the best ways to do so is through snorkelling. Snorkelling is a popular activity on the island, with many tour providers offering guided snorkelling tours of the reef.
Through the Sports Hub, you can take part in the guided snorkel safari tour where you can discover the wonders of the reefs and coral gardens that surround the island. The tour is suitable for people of all ages and also included equipment hire for the whole day, so you can take your time exploring.
Learn more about the types of marine life you can expect to see here.
Fishing
Fishing is another off-the-beaten-path adventure that visitors can enjoy on Fitzroy Island.
The island’s waters are home to a variety of fish species, including coral trout, red emperor, and Spanish mackerel. Visitors can either bring their own fishing gear or book a fishing charter with a local tour provider.
A number of tour companies provide half-day and full-day fishing charters that take visitors to the best fishing spots around the island. Many of the charters are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers, and include all necessary equipment, as well as a guide who can provide tips and techniques for catching fish.
Island Camping
For visitors who want to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty, camping is a great option.
Fitzroy Island has a designated camping area with basic facilities such as toilets and showers. Visitors can either bring their own camping gear or rent it on the island. Camping on the island allows visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace, with opportunities for hiking, snorkelling, and other outdoor activities. It’s important to note that camping permits are required, and visitors should book in advance to secure their spot.
Wildlife Spotting
Fitzroy Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including a colony of blue-footed boobies, a rare and colourful bird species. Visitors can spot these birds at the island’s birdwatching platform, which offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. In addition to the boobies, visitors may also spot other bird species such as ospreys, herons, and egrets. The island’s waters are also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. Visitors can spot these creatures from the island’s beaches or by taking a guided tour.
Are you looking for adventure?
While Fitzroy Island is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path adventures for visitors to enjoy. From sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to hiking and wildlife spotting, there’s something for everyone on the island. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature-lover, Fitzroy Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
You can enjoy many or all of these activities by visiting the island as part of a day trip or staying for a while. Fitzroy Island Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options, with something suit all budgets.
Experience the adventure at Fitzroy Island today.
