• Fitzroy Islands famous Nudey Beach, bookended by boulders, is a stunning, yet small stretch of sand renowned for its clear waters. Perch on one of the boulders for a selfie that is bound to make your mates at home jealous.  
• If you’re up for the hike the summit and lighthouse view is spectacular and well worth the effort as you will be rewarded with 360 degree views across Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef. 
• Take the time on your full day Fitzroy Island tour to enjoy the spectacular walk to the Secret Garden.  Make sure you refresh at the bar with one of the famous Long Island Ice Teas.
• As soon as you reach Fitzroy Island book a tour of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to see and hear all about the great work being done here to rescue and release sea turtles.
• Family Deal - Save $57 based on 2 adults & 2 children

With rainforest and reef and located on the protected Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island is a fantastic location to snorkel and relax on one of the beaches. One of the best islands to visit off Cairns is Fitzroy Island.

What to Expect

With lush rainforest, open woodland, and stunning coral beaches, Fitzroy Island is an idyllic spot to snorkel, relax, and explore. Located just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, this island within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park offers pristine natural beauty and a variety of activities for all interests. Whether you prefer snorkelling, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, Fitzroy Island is a must-visit destination.

Features and Highlights

Full-Day Fitzroy Island Tour

• Departure: Check-in at the Fitzroy Island Adventures desk inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8.00am.
• Cruise: Enjoy a 45-minute boat ride to the island, passing spectacular coastal scenery.
• Location: Part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Activities on Fitzroy Island

• Snorkelling: Explore the calm, shallow waters off Nudey Beach or Welcome Bay, perfect for children and beginners.
• Hiking: Choose from a range of walking tracks through the national park:
  • Summit Trail: A challenging 2.5-hour hike to the island’s lighthouse summit with sweeping 360-degree views of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Lighthouse Trek: A 1.5-hour hike offering stunning views without the summit's intensity.
  • Secret Garden and Nudey Beach Tracks: Moderate difficulty trails perfect for a leisurely hike.
• Relaxing: Unwind on the coral beaches, swim in clear waters, or take in the serene surroundings.

Additional Activity Passes

• Activity Pass One: Includes snorkel equipment OR a glass bottom boat tour
• Activity Pass Two: Includes snorkel equipment & a glass bottom boat tour
• Actvity Pass Three: Includes guided snorkel safari
• Lunch Options: Add lunch to any activity pass or purchase meals directly on the island.

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

• Educational Tours: Visit the Fitzroy Island campus of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating sick and injured turtles.
• Tour Times: Tours run at 1pm and 2pm daily.
• Booking: Reserve your spot at the General Store on the island as soon as you arrive, as tours are limited to 15 people.

Fitzroy Island Ferry to Cairns

• Return: All beach hire equipment must be returned by 3.30pm. Board the ferry at 3.45pm for the cruise back to Cairns city.

Experience the natural beauty and diverse activities of Fitzroy Island, a tropical paradise perfect for a day of adventure and relaxation on the Great Barrier Reef.

See all Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns.

Learn more about the different Great Barrier Reef Tours. 

Green Island or Fitzroy Island, which is bettter?

It’s Island Time on Fitzroy Island

Check-in for the full-day Fitzroy Island cruise begins at the Fitzroy Island Adventures desk inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8.00am.

A 45-minute cruise to the island passing spectacular scenery as you hug the coastline.

Located within the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Fitzroy Island offers up an idyllic way of exploring the Inner Great Barrier Reef.

Children learning to snorkel can do so in the calm shallows off Nudey Beach or in Welcome Bay.

Things To Do On Fitzroy Island

The beauty of  the full-day Fitzroy Island tour option is that the extra time allows you to add one of the many additional activity passes to your day.  

The ‘Activity Pass One’ includes a choice of snorkel equipment OR a tour on the glass bottom boat.

The ‘Activity Pass Two’  includes snorkel equipment & a spot on the glass bottom boat tour

The ‘Activity Pass Three’  includes guided snorkel safari

You can also add on lunch to each of the Activity Passes, or order lunch on its own without pre-booking any other activities.

There are also some great choices for meals purchased on the island.

Explore Fitzroy Island As You Will

You might choose to climb the 269m to the summit (2.5 hours), with its breathtaking views of the island and mainland.

Or the lighthouse trek (1.5 hours), while still challenging with its steep sections, may be as much as you want to push yoursel or try Secret Garden or Nudey Beach tracks,these are graded moderate in their difficulty.

Alternatively, relax on the beach, swimming in the clear, calm waters or join a glass bottom boat tour.

However, this is subject to availability and is best arranged at the time of booking - just ask one of our consultants for the best option to suit.

Take a Trip to see the Turtles

You can’t visit Fitzroy without visiting the Fitzroy Island campus of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Run completely by volunteers it’s a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles and several these are seriously threatened.

The educational tours run at 1pm and 2pm every day.

Book as soon as you arrive at the General Store on the island as spots are limited to 15 people per tour. 

Fitzroy Island Ferry to Cairns

All beach hire equipment must be returned by 3.30pm.

This will give you plenty of time to sort yourself out prior to boarding the ferry at 3.45pm for the boat cruise back to Cairns city. 

Half Day Fitzroy Island Tour option - book here

See more Great Barrier Reef island tours from Cairns.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Check in 8.00am - Departs 8.30am - Returns Cairns 4.45pm
• Check in 10.15am - Departs 10.45am - Returns Cairns 4.45pm

Destinations

• Fitzroy Island
• Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Up to 6 hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Snorkel Equipment Hire
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour (30 minutes)
• Snorkel Experience Tour | 35 Minutes
• Snorkel Safari Tour | 50 Minutes
• Lunch: Delicious cold or hot individual lunch packs available. Must be prebooked. Dietary options such as vegetarian, coeliac, gluten free, dairy/lactose free, nut free & vegan can be arranged prior to travel.
• Return accommodation transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Baggage, weather, medical and seating restrictions apply
• Activities on the island include tracks which are graded as difficult, requiring a high level of fitness
• Guests visiting the island are to use the public bathroom facilities at the camping ground at no further charge
• Please note the beaches on Fitzroy Island are not patrolled by surf life savers

Additional Information

Guests can bring own snacks and bottled water

Eco Certifications

• Hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Cash or credit card for levies, drinks and snacks
• Comfortable shoes
• Bring your own lunch with you or upgrade to include packed lunch
• Bottled water

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times