Fitzroy Island is a stunning destination located just 29 kilometres south-east of Cairns. It’s a perfect spot for a day trip or a longer stay, offering beautiful beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef. Before you set off, here’s what you need to know to plan your visit smoothly.

Getting There: Ferry Transfers

Ferries to Fitzroy Island depart from Marlin Marina in Cairns, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. It’s crucial to pre-book your ferry tickets, especially during school holidays and weekends, as they can sell out quickly. You can book on the day if there’s availability, but it’s safer to plan ahead.

Ferry Operators and Check-In Locations

1. Fitzroy Island Adventures: This operator uses a smaller catamaran with indoor seating and a large outdoor area on the second level. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure at Marlin Marina A finger.
2. Sunlover Reef Cruises: Known for having the largest vessel, Sunlover requires passengers to check in 45 minutes prior at the Reef Fleet Terminal, located at 1 Spence Street. This terminal is conveniently close to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and the Pier Market Place.
3. Fitzroy Flyer Ferry: Check-in opens 1 hour before departure at the Fitzroy Island Resort Booking Centre, Reef Fleet Terminal, Shop 2/1 Spence Street.

All ferries take approximately the same time to reach the island, and they are generally suitable for infants and children, except for the Thunderbolt ferry.

What to Bring

Pack as you would for a beach day. Essentials include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. The beaches are coral-covered, so water sandals are recommended. If you plan to hike to the lighthouse, bring sneakers. Drinking water is available on the island, but it’s wise to bring a refillable bottle. There are taps around the island to refill your water bottles.

For those planning to snorkel, bringing your own gear is optional. Snorkel hire can be added to your ferry package, which often provides better value and more inclusions. If you’re unsure, you can hire gear on the island as well.

Snorkelling and Water Activities

Fitzroy Island offers excellent snorkelling opportunities, particularly in Welcome Bay and off Nudey Beach. These areas feature a fringing reef that supports a variety of fish and invertebrates, making it a vibrant spot for underwater exploration.

Stinger Season

Stinger season runs from November to May. While encounters with box jellyfish are rare due to the 4 km passage between the island and the mainland, wearing a stinger suit is recommended during these months. Suits are available for hire on the island and provide protection against stingers and sunburn.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The weather in Cairns is generally pleasant year-round, with two main seasons: the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October). The wet season brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, with some months receiving over 400 mm of rain. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, offering clear skies and warm temperatures ranging from 19 to over 30 degrees Celsius.

Exploring the Island

Fitzroy Island is large with rugged terrain and offers several walking tracks. These range from short 25-minute walks to longer 3-hour hikes. There isn’t a track that circles the entire island, so plan your walks accordingly and always carry water.

Nudey Beach

A 15-minute walk from Welcome Bay, Nudey Beach is accessible via a track behind Foxy’s Bar. The walk takes you through tropical rainforest and coastal woodlands, leading to a stunning coral beach. Nudey Beach is known for having more sand compared to the coral-covered Welcome Bay, making it a popular spot for relaxation.

Food and Drink

Foxy’s Bar & Cafe at the southern end of the island offers meals and drinks. There’s also a small convenience store for packaged food and drink. Resort guests can dine at Zephyr Restaurant or enjoy drinks at the Resort Pool Bar. Bringing your own food is allowed, but alcohol is not permitted as the resort is a licensed premises. If you’re staying in an Island suite, Welcome Bay suite, or 2-bedroom Island suite, you’ll have a full-sized fridge for storing groceries from the mainland.

Facilities and Accessibility

Fitzroy Island Resort is wheelchair friendly, but some areas like the glass bottom boat and snorkelling spots may be challenging to access. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available, but there are no accessible tracks in the national park. Foxy’s Bar has limited wheelchair access, with one step up or down to various sections, and there is no wheelchair-accessible toilet near the bar. However, the resort building has one in the reception area.

Luggage and Storage

There are generally no luggage restrictions on the ferry, but large items such as kayaks or excessive luggage may require prior approval and could incur additional fees. In Cairns, small paid lockers are available at the Lagoon for luggage storage. On the island, lockers are available for day visitors, and resort guests have access to baggage storage and changing facilities.

1. 4 hours – $10.00
2. 8 hours – $12.00

Mobile Reception and Connectivity

Mobile phone reception on Fitzroy Island is limited. The best reception is at the end of the jetty, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Additional Tips

1. Teenagers 16 or 17 years old can travel without adult supervision with Raging Thunder Ferry, but not with Fitzroy Flyer.
2. There are no cars on the island except for a few work vehicles used to transport baggage and food items from the jetty to the resort.
3. Day visitors cannot use resort facilities, which are reserved for resort guests. These facilities include Zephyr Restaurant, a large swimming pool and spa, a swim-up pool bar, tour desk, in-room massage services, conference and meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor function space, a cinema, games room, and kids playroom.
4. Changing your ferry departure time is possible with Fitzroy Island Flyer or Raging Thunder, subject to availability.
5. Fitzroy Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by a fringing reef home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life. This makes it a protected World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
6. A security deposit of $25 is required for any hire of equipment at Beach Hire, or you can leave a credit card or driver’s license as security.
7. Drinking water on the island is safe, but bringing your own water bottle is recommended for convenience.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set for a fantastic trip to Fitzroy Island. Enjoy the natural beauty and the unique experiences this part of the Great Barrier Reef has to offer!