03 Jan
Top Ten Activities To Do On Fitzroy Island On A Budget
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Top Ten Activities To Do On Fitzroy Island On A Budget

The thought of indulging in a holiday or day trip to a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef may seem out of reach for a lot of people. It is often thought that experiences like that are just for the rich and famous.

However, this is not the case! Fitzroy Island is situated amongst the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and is just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns in Far North Queensland. It is a friendly, laid back tropical island that offers accommodation options and activities to suit all budgets, which is one of the reasons it is a favourite destination for the locals too.

Below we have shared with you the top ten activities to do on Fitzroy Island if you are on a budget.

Snorkelling On The Great Barrier Reef

To experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on scuba diving or boat tours. Fitzroy Island is surrounded by stunning reefs with an abundance of awe-inspiring marine life that can be accessed straight from the beach.

You can bring your own snorkel gear or alternatively you can hire a mask, fins and snorkel set from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub located inside the resort. You are then free to take in the sights of this magical underwater world at your own pace, which includes getting up close to majestic Sea Turtles and the lovable Clown Fish (Nemo).

Top Ten Activities To Do On Fitzroy Island On A Budget Snorkelling On The Great Barrier Reef

Relaxing On The Beach

After all that snorkelling, it doesn’t get much better than pulling up under the shade of a palm tree on a picturesque tropical beach for some rest and relaxation. Nudey Beach is a small stretch of pristine white sand and coral beach that lays on the South-West shores of Fitzroy Island.

Nudey Beach was ranked number 2 in Australia’s Best Beaches Awards of 2017 and is a quiet, chilled out beach and the perfect place for lazing the day away on your tropical getaway.

Picnic On The Beach

After all this fun and adventure you’ll have built up a big appetite. However, feeding yourself or a hungry family doesn’t have to blow out the budget. The Island has food available from the restaurant and bar but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks (alcohol excluded) over to the Island. Spreading out a picnic blanket on the beach and enjoying a beautiful home-prepared meal is a great way to keep your costs down.

Fitzroy Island Nudey Beach

Indulge In A Treat From The General Store

Fitzroy Island has its own general store where you can purchase a range of items including pies, sandwiches, BBQ packs, soft drinks and ice creams. Treating yourself to a delicious ice cream is a great way to finish off a beautiful picnic lunch.

Resort Pool

Of course no tropical island experience would be complete without a luxurious resort pool and spa. The pool is the perfect place to refresh yourself in the heat of the day or to unwind in the afternoon with a cocktail at the swim-up bar, and is free to use for all resort guests.

Fitzroy Island Resort PoolExploring The Walking Tracks

Fitzroy Island is 97% National Park, covered in tropical rainforest and home to some unique wildlife. There are a number of bushwalking tracks covering the Island on which to explore this amazing environment.

The walks range in length and cater to all fitness levels. The easier walks include the Secret Garden Walk that winds its way through the lush jungle, and the Nudey Beach Track that is famous for its sharp contrasting beauty – from the plush vivid greens of the rainforest, to the giant granite boulders and the stunning blue waters beyond.

 

For those that are up for more of a challenge, the Self Guided Historical Hike takes 2.5 hours to complete the full loop and includes the popular summit and lighthouse hike.

Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Fitzroy Island is also home to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, a volunteer operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.

The Centre runs tours that allow people to learn not only about the history of the organisation, but also the journey to recovery that injured or sick turtles undergo whilst at the Centre, prior to their release back into the ocean.

The tours run from 1pm daily and go for 45 minutes and cost just $8.80 per adult and $5.50 per child (4-13 years), infants are free of charge.

Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Watch The Sunset From Foxy’s Bar

Foxy’s is a large Pacific Islands bar, situated right on the beach. It has a casual, laid back vibe with live entertainment on the weekends. It is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day with a cocktail and take in the tropical sunset.

Camping

If you decide that you would love to extend your stay on the Island but don’t want the added cost of paying for a resort suite, then you have the option of camping on the Island. The Council Campground is located next to the beach and and is managed by the Fitzroy Island Resort. It has a very modern and stylish shower block, beachfront BBQs and pergola-covered eating areas. Camping costs $35 per tent per night for up to 4 people.

Fitzroy Island Resort Camping

So as you can see, taking a trip over to Fitzroy Island, whether it be for just a day or an extended trip doesn’t have to break the budget. Fitzroy Island prides itself on catering to all types of visitors with plenty of wallet-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.

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