• 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.

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.

Fitzroy Island tours are conducted all year round on the Great Barrier Reef just a 45 minute boat ride from the city of Cairns.

Adorned with lush rainforest, open woodland and coral beaches, Fitzroy Island is a part of the World Heritage listed site of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is only a 45-minute ride from Cairns. 

Boasting pristine, natural beauty, visitors can snorkel, relax or hike their way around this idylic tropical island.

If you prefer hiking over snorkelling, there are a range of walking tracks through the national park, one of which leads up to the island’s lighthouse summit.

Take in the sweeping spectacle of the island and the 360 degree vista of the Great Barier Reef from here, then head back down to cool off at one of the beaches.  

If you have time, squeeze in a visit to the island’s tours of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Places on the tours are limited though, so book as soon as you arrive on Fitzroy Island. 

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 8.15am.

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.

You’ll also have the use of the stand-up paddle boards.

The ‘Activity Pass Two’  includes snorkel equipment, a spot on the glass bottom boat tour, plus use of the paddle boards.

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 4.15pm 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

• Departs 8.30am - Returns Cairns 5.00pm
• Departs 10.45am - Returns Cairns 5.00pm

Destinations

Fitzroy Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

7 or 5 hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Glass Bottom Boat Tour (30 minutes)
• Snorkel Equipment Hire
• 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

• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants 3 and under travel free but must be booked
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times