Discover & Learn on Fitzroy Island with a School Excursion

Are you looking for an Educational Tour for your students with school curriculum based activities?

Look no further than the affordable Fitzroy Island located just 45 minutes from Cairns via boat. Fitzroy Island is a listed National Park that is home to a Turtle Rehabilitation centre, the Reef Restoration project and Australia’s Best Beach for 2018, Nudey Beach.

Students will learn about the Great Barrier Reef, our ecosystems and the importance of preserving the reef and the things we can do to help protect our planet. Educational activities include ‘touch & feel’ marine talks, ‘Become a Marine Biologist for the day’ program, Beach Clean Up, Eye on the Reef Monitoring, Sustainability and more.

Our resident Marine Biologist Azri is dedicated to student development and providing a thorough understanding of the island and marine life. Azri is heavily involved with the Coral Nursery on Fitzroy Island and is passionate about our planet and educating others.

Come and experience the unique environments, history and marine life on Fitzroy Island.

QLD Education Experience Program – Government Subsidy 

The Queensland Government is investing $1 million over three years to support Queensland schools to undertake place-based educational experiences in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area – and Fitzroy Island Resort is a registered tourism operator! This means that the QLD government will subsidise your school excursions to Fitzroy Island, whether it’s a day trip or overnight stay. Find out more and apply here.

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School Curriculum Based Activities

Fitzroy Island Resort have created a whole range of activities that meet the Australian School Science and Geography curriculum objectives from Year 3 to Years 11 and 12. This program is also extended to undergraduates and students with particular interest in the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Year 3 – Exploring the Reef
  • Year 4 – Animal Life Cycle : Sea Turtle
  • Year 5 – Animal Adaptation
  • Year 6 – Marine Animals and Their Survival Needs
  • Year 7 – Coral Reef Ecology: Interactions in the Reef
  • Year 8 – Climate Change
  • Year 9 – Ecosystems
  • Year 10 – Climate Change
  • Years 11 & 12 – Biodiversity Investigative Task

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Day Trips for Students

Our Day Trip program is aimed at students aged 13-17 and includes return transfers from Cairns, lunch at Foxy’s and various activities with our Marine Biologist and Tours & Activities Coordinator.

The below sample schedules could be split across 2 half days for groups staying overnight in our campground or resort accommodation.

Option 1 – Marine Education

  • 0730 – Boarding begins from berth 20 on the Fitzroy Flyer
  • 0800 – Travel from Cairns on the Fitzroy Flyer
  • 0900 – Arrive at Fitzroy Island & orientation with our Marine Biologist
  • 1000 – Guided snorkel from Glass Bottom Boat
  • 1130 – Fish feeding on the jetty
  • 1200 – Lunch at Foxy’s
  • 1300 – Beachcombing, turtle spotting and a swim stop
    OR – Guided walk to Nudey Beach with swim stop
  • 1530 – Marine Presentation in Conference Room
  • 1630 – Boarding begins for Fitzroy Flyer
  • 1700 – Depart Fitzroy Island to Cairns aboard the Fitzroy Flyer

Option 2 – Outdoor Activities

  • 0730 – Boarding begins from berth 20 on the Fitzroy Flyer
  • 0800 – Travel from Cairns on the Fitzroy Flyer
  • 0900 – Arrive at Fitzroy Island & orientation with our tour guides
  • 1000 – Guided snorkel from Glass Bottom Boat
  • 1130 – Fish feeding on the jetty
  • 1200 – Lunch at Foxy’s
  • 1300 – Turtle Rehabilitation Tour Group 1
  • 1300 –Paddle Board Hire Group 2
  • 1345 – Turtle Rehabilitation Tour Group 2
  • 1345 – Paddle Board Hire Group 1
  • 1500 – Guided Walk to Nudey Beach and swimming
  • 1630 – Boarding begins for Fitzroy Flyer
  • 1700 – Depart Fitzroy Island to Cairns aboard the Fitzroy Flyer

Minimum 20 students, maximum 30.
The programs advertised may be changed due to operational needs

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All Inclusive Camping for Students

Have your students stay overnight on Fitzroy Island to get the most out of our educational programs. Packages can be tailored to suit your needs and requirements.

Sample Schedule (3 Days, 2 Nights)

Day One

  • 1330 – Travel from Cairns on the Fitzroy Flyer
  • 1400 – Check-in and set up tents at the campground
  • 1530 – Fish feeding on the jetty
  • 1630 – Reef Talk with our Marine Biologist
  • 1800 – Dinner at Foxy’s
  • Overnight camping at the Fitzroy Island campground

Day Two

  • 0730 – Breakfast at Zephyr Restaurant
  • 0900 – Become a Marine Biologist Program
  • 1200 – Lunch at Foxy’s
  • 1300 – Become a Marine Biologist Program
  • 1800 – Dinner at Foxy’s
  • Overnight camping at the Fitzroy Island campground

Day Three

  • 0730 – Breakfast at Zephyr Restaurant
  • 0900 – Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
  • 1000 – Free time for swimming & optional snorkelling
  • 1200 – Takeaway Packed Lunch
  • 1215 – Depart Fitzroy Island aboard the Fitzroy Flyer

Minimum 22 pax.

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Create your own Itinerary!

Our ‘hands on’ activities will immerse your students into the underwater world and encourage them to start making environmentally friendly choices.

Our events team can tailor-make a package to suit your needs and requirements. Request a quote.

Read More about Activities

Terms & Conditions

  • Parental consent is necessary for snorkelling – must fill in paperwork from FISH in advance.
  • 1 teacher FOC per 15 students.
  • Snorkel gear is not included in pricing but is available for hire at an extra cost.
  • Minimum 10 students for Day Trip.
  • Minimum 22 students for overnight camp.
  • Maximum 30 students – larger groups will have to split across different days.