Fitzroy Island Resort is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush rainforest, Fitzroy Island is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there is always something new and exciting to discover on the island.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top things to do while at Fitzroy Island Resort, including snorkelling, hiking, and more. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable island adventure!
Outdoor Activities
Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef is a popular activity at Fitzroy Island Resort. The island is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the colourful coral and marine life of the reef, including a wide variety of fish, turtles, and even sharks.
The resort offers a range of snorkelling options, including guided tours to some of the best spots on the reef, as well as equipment rental and instruction for those who are new to the activity. Snorkelling is a great option for those who want to experience the reef without getting their head too deep under the water, while allowing visitors to dive deeper and experience the reef in a more intimate way.
It’s important to note that the Great Barrier Reef is a fragile ecosystem and visitors should take care to avoid touching or damaging the coral, and follow guidelines provided by the tour operators.
Hike and Explore the Island’s Rainforest
The island is covered in lush tropical rainforests, and visitors can take guided or self-guided hikes to explore the island’s natural beauty. The most popular hiking trail on the island is the Summit Track, a 3.4 km return walk that takes visitors to the summit of the island where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and reefs. The trail is considered to be of moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours to complete.
There are also other shorter trails that visitors can explore such as the Nudey Beach Track, which is a 1.2 km return walk that takes visitors to the beautiful Nudey Beach and the Lighthouse Track, a 1.8 km return walk that leads to the island’s lighthouse. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and visitors should be prepared for the tropical weather, with appropriate clothing and footwear, and carry water and sunscreen.
Exploring the rainforest is a great way to experience the island’s diverse ecosystem, and visitors may spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, lizards, and even the occasional tree kangaroo.
Swim and Sunbathe on the Beach
Fitzroy Island has several beautiful beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing while surrounded by crystal-clear waters and tropical vegetation. The beaches are just perfect for relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
The main beach on the island is the aforementioned Nudey Beach, which was named the best beach in Australia in 2018. It is a wide, white coral beach that is fantastic for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. Visitors can enjoy the clear waters and colourful coral, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Another popular beach on the island is Welcome Bay, which offers easy access and the perfect spot for a romantic picnic, a relaxing day out, or a whole lot of fun. Visitors can also take a short hike to the nearby rocky headlands to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding islands and reefs.
Keep in mind that most beaches on Fitzroy Island are not patrolled by lifeguards, so visitors should be aware of the conditions and use caution when swimming.
On-site Amenities
Relax at the resort pool
The resort features a swimming pool and spa area, where visitors can take a dip, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tropical ambience. They’re the perfect spots for visitors to relax and unwind after a day of activities on the island. The pool area is a great place to cool off after a day of activities on the island.
Dine at the resort’s restaurants and bars
There are some great dining options when you’re on the island, with kid and family friendly options, as well as places couples may love to escape to.
You can enjoy outdoor alfresco dining at Zephyr where you can watch the sun set as you eat their incredible modern Australia cuisine that takes advantage of the local produce. Zephry is also open daily for breakfast offering you gorgeous vistas while you enjoy your morning coffee.
For more casual dining, Foxy’s Bar is the way to go. The very kid-friendly menu also offers loads of delicious options for adults too.
You can also enjoy the swim up bar at the Resort, where you can cool off and stay hydrated while you relax in the most stunning tropical setting.
The island also has a general store where you can get a range of food, drinks, snacks and other handy supplies.
Participate in guided tours and activities
The resort offers a range of indoor activities for visitors to enjoy, allowing them to discover the island’s history, culture and art. Some popular indoor activities and guided tours offered by the resort include:
- Island history tours: Take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and its significance to the local indigenous people.
- Art and craft workshops: Partake in art and craft workshops to learn about traditional techniques and create their own souvenirs to take home.
- Cultural shows and performances: Attend cultural shows and performances featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
- Movie nights: Enjoy movie nights at the resort’s in-house cinema and watch a variety of films while enjoying the comforts of air-conditioning.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the nearby town of Cairns and its many attractions
Fitzroy Island Resort is located just 45 minutes by ferry from the city of Cairns, a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Cairns Esplanade is a must-see destination, it’s a scenic promenade that runs along the coast and offers a range of activities and facilities such as a swimming lagoon, playgrounds, barbecues, and picnic areas. Visitors can take a walk along the promenade, enjoy the views, and watch the sunset. There are also several cafes and restaurants on the esplanade, where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Another popular attraction is the Cairns Wildlife Dome. It’s an indoor rainforest where visitors can see a wide variety of Australian wildlife, including crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas and birds. The dome also features interactive exhibits and guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the animals and their habitats.
Cairns also offers a variety of other activities such as visiting the Botanic Gardens, visiting the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and checking out the Cairns Art Gallery. Visitors can also find a variety of shopping and dining options in the city.
Take a boat tour to see the surrounding islands
Fitzroy Island Resort is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is home to a wide variety of marine life and boasts a diverse range of islands and waterways to explore.
Boat tours are available for visitors to take and explore the surrounding islands and waterways. These tours can vary in duration, from half-day trips to full-day excursions and may include activities such as fishing and island hopping. Visitors can also explore the coral cays, mangrove forests, and lagoons that make up the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and see a wide variety of marine life, such as turtles, dolphins, and whales (depending on the season).
Some boat tours also offer sunset cruises and overnight camping trips, allowing visitors to experience the Great Barrier Reef in a unique and intimate way. Visitors can also take a boat tour to see the nearby islands such as Green Island and Michaelmas Cay, which are great spots for snorkelling.
Accommodations
Fitzroy Island Resort offers vast a range of accommodation options for visitors to choose from. There are a variety of hotel rooms and self-contained vacation rentals, ensuring that there is something to suit every budget and preference.
Hotel rooms are available in different categories, such as Resort Studio, Island Suite and the Penthouse. These rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with amenities such as air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, and a balcony or terrace. They can house one to four guests.
There are also bungalows, beach cabins and even a camping ground, so whatever your style and whatever your budget, Fitzroy Island has an option for you.
Takeaway
Fitzroy Island Resort is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both. From snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to hiking through the rainforest and relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the island.
The resort also offers a range of on-site amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and bars, as well as a variety of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to suites to camping to bungalows. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Fitzroy Island Resort is a destination that will not disappoint and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
