Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by worldoftravelswithkids
Fitzroy Island near Cairns is a true island paradise! With pristine white beaches and turquoise water fringed by ancient rainforest, this national park really epitomizes a remote island escape. Whether you want to stay for a few days or just enjoy a Fitzroy Island day tour, this is a place you must put on your list for your Great Barrier Reef holiday.
If you are wondering, “is Fitzroy Island worth visiting?” our answer is a resounding yes! Whether you are looking for an active family holiday or want a relaxing island escape, there are so many things to do on Fitzroy Island for all the family. It really is a bucket list family holiday destination.
Low key, laidback and offering fantastic Barrier Reef experiences, Fitzroy Island is a wonderful family holiday destination and a relaxed island getaway. Our post covers the main things to do on Fitzroy Island! Obviously, enjoying the beaches, including world-famous Nudey Beach, should be high on your list!!!
However, Fitzroy Island turtles definitely rate a mention, and you should visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehab Centre on your what to do list at Fitzroy Island. We also enjoyed some beautiful walks, both in the morning and at sunset, as well as taking a trip on the Glass bottom boat.
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Where is Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy Island is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. The island is a national part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks and is near popular destinations such as Green Island and the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Fitzroy island boasts stunning hiking trails and ample marine life with lots of local wildlife to spot. You can reach Fitzroy easily via the Fitzroy Flyer.
Our Trip to Fitzroy Island with Kids
My first visit to Fitzroy Island was as a 6-year-old (suffice to say, a long time ago), and I so wanted to re-live those wonderful memories with my kids.
At the time of this trip, the kids were 5 months, 5 years and 8 years old; we also visited Cairns and Port Douglas during this trip.
You can read more about these trips in the articles below:
Our 7-day Cairns Itinerary
A Guide to Cairns Family Holidays
Our 7-day Port Douglas Itinerary
Things to do at Fitzroy Island Australia
Fitzroy Island is a stunning destination with ample things to do. From snorkeling to kayaking to hiking and exploring Nudey beach, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
1. Explore The Fitzroy Island Beaches
I’m just going to put this right up front; Fitzroy Island has white coral beaches; they are not sand. If you are not prepared, this might be a shock to you! If you want to enjoy a walk or swim at Fitzroy, I strongly encourage you to buy cheap reef shoes before leaving the mainland. (Eg, Big W has them for $8 and Kmart for $10) .
One of the advantages of having coral (instead of sand) is that in choppy weather, it doesn’t stir up sand, meaning Fitzroy island water is supposed to be clearer than other places on the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately for us, the weather was still so stormy we had poor visibility.
You will want to plan well if you’re heading to the Fitzroy island beaches with kids. You can read our ultimate beach packing list here. If you are travelling with toddlers who might not be so into the more adventurous activities on the reef, this will be useful.
Nudey Beach Fitzroy Island
Bearing the title of Australia’s #1 beach has catapulted Nudey Beach … and Fitzroy Island Queensland to fame. This cute little white coral beach is accessed by a gorgeous track through the jungle. After about 30 minutes of walking, you pop out to a little cove of sand, with rainforest right to the water’s edge, turquoise waters and a feel that is a million miles from nowhere. And, despite the name, this is NOT a nudist beach!!! Clothes are definitely required!
We feel that Nudey Beach won the prize as the #1 beach due to the feeling that you are in a remote, secluded place, and the walk over boulders is a little bit adventurous. The beach is much sandier than the other coral beaches on the island. But … in the words of our daughter: “This is Australia’s best beach? We have beaches that are MUCH better at home (in Western Australia). In fact, we wrote a whole post on them on our sister site called The Best Beaches in Western Australia, take a look.
Nudey Beach is a 1.2 km walk from the resort area. It is undulating with rocks, boulders and rainforest tree roots to climb over. If travelling with kids, don’t take the pram! We walked easily with our 75 year old grandmother and a 4-month-old in a carrier
2. Go on a Snorkeling Tour
There are good reefs for snorkeling straight from the beach at Fitzroy Island, and this is one of the things that makes it so appealing, especially for younger kids. You can snorkel for as long – or as short as you like. Fitzroy Island is famous for being able to see turtles swimming off the beaches of the island (though we didn’t see any). There are lots of soft corals around Fitzroy island, which provide excellent conditions for smaller fish species.
We packed our own snorkels and flippers, which we recommend doing if you are doing any other snorkeling in the area –it’s much more cost-effective. You can hire your equipment and find out more information at the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub. You can read our tips on snorkel sets for kids here.
Why Fitzroy is good for kids who are learning to snorkel?
If you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef with your kids by snorkeling, Fitzroy island is the perfect place. You don’t have to jump off a boat in deep water. Instead, you can access the Great Barrier Reef straight from the beach.
3. Try a Glass Bottom Boat Tour
We also went out on the Glass Bottom Boat (tours depart twice a day), which enables all ages to get a good look at the reef. The morning Glass Bottom Boat tour takes you to snorkeling spots that are not accessible from the beach. This was a wonderful way for Miss 9 to snorkel off the boat in a safe, supervised environment.
If you have kids that are too young for snorkeling, you can still see the reef from the safety of the boat.
4. Have a Go on the Giant Ocean Trampoline
As your ferry pulls onto the Fitzroy Island jetty, you won’t miss the intriguing-looking ocean trampoline waiting for you in front of Foxy’s Bar. It sounds like a bit of a challenge. A big ocean trampoline in front of a bar?
Either way, the giant ocean trampoline is a big hit with the kids, but adults definitely take their turn at it too!
Walks on Fitzroy Island (Apart From the One to Nudey Beach)
If you love hiking, many walking tracks are available at Fitzroy island. Here are the best ones:
5. The Secret Garden Walk
Distance: 1km
Return Walk Length: 25 minutes
This is a nice short walk that’s perfect if you’re travelling with kids. To start the walk, follow the track from the western end of the Fitzroy Island Resort.
Detour off the track at Nudey Beach and start walking along the secret garden track. Along the route, there are many signs and platforms where you can see and learn about the plants and animals of the area.
6. The Lighthouse Road Hike
Distance: 3.6 km
Return Walk Length: 3 hours
The lighthouse road is formed of steep concrete wheel tracks, starting north of the Fitzroy Island Resort Camping area and ending at the Fitzroy Island lighthouse.
If you’re travelling with kids, keep in mind that the walk is very steep but manageable for older kids due to the amazing view at the end. Once you’ve reached the lighthouse, you can either go back to the way you came or walk the summit track.
7 . The Fitzroy Island Summit Track Hike
Distance: 3.6 km
Return Walk Length: 3 hours
You can start the summit track 1.6km off the lighthouse road OR start on a different trail at the camping area. The best way is to follow the lighthouse path and walk down the summit trail. This way, you can do this walk and the hike above in the same walk without any extra distance. At the summit, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Fitzroy island.
8. Try Your Hand at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
SUP boards can be hired from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub. The island’s calm waters and beautiful scenery make it an ideal location for SUP. You can also join a guided tour or lesson to help you and your kids get started and learn the proper techniques.
It’s important to keep in mind that SUP can be physically demanding, especially for young children. It’s recommended to start in calm waters and with smaller boards and always wear a personal flotation device (eg lifejacket).
If you are staying in Cairns but still want to explore the magic of Fitzroy Island while trying your hand and snorkeling and SUP, there is a tour for you. Click here for more information.
9. Go Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a great alternative to stand-up paddle-boarding for younger kids. You can choose from single or double kayaks depending on the age of your kids. If you’re staying at the Fitzroy island Resort, you can join a guided sea kayaking tour that the whole family can enjoy together.
Kayaking is a great way to get up close to the island’s marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
10. See Fitzroy Island Turtles on a Turtle Rehabilitation Tour
A tour of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Center is one of the best things to do at Fitzroy Island. You can learn all about the turtles and what is done at the centre to help them recover from some of the threats posed by humans and finally be released back into the wild.
You can listen to interesting 30-minute talk and meet the resident turtles. For more information check out the Turtle Rehabilitation website.
11. Go on a Whale Watching Tour
From May to September each year, Humpback Whales migrate along the coast, providing a spectacular opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Whale watching is popular in Tropical North Queensland, including Fitzroy Island. You may even spot Pilot Whales and Dwarf Minke Whales.
12. Visit the Fitzroy Island Pontoon by Boat
The pontoon is located in Welcome Bay and is operated by the Fitzroy Island Resort. It offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and sea kayaking. You can also relax on the pontoon’s sun deck or enjoy a meal or refreshments at the onboard cafe.
13. Experience a Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight
Taking a helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience that provides a unique perspective on this natural wonder.
During the flight, you can expect to see the vibrant colours of the reef from above, as well as the stunning turquoise waters and diverse marine life.
14. Visit the Outer Reef
The Outer Great Barrier Reef is part of the bigger Great Barrier Reef. You can read more info on the Great Barrier Reef in our Great Barrier Reef Facts for Kids.
The outer reef is located a few hours offshore. It has better visibility than the surrounding reefs due to having less runoff from other islands. Many fish are the same, but you will also spot larger species than at Fitzroy Island due to more hard corals.
One advantage of doing an Outer Reef tour from Fitzroy Island is that you save time compared to the trips that leave either Cairns or Port Douglas. Those spend a lot of time motoring out to the reef.
15. Scuba Diving at Fitzroy Island and the Outer Reefs
The Fitzroy Island Resort has a fully accredited Dive Centre offering all types of dives. The vessel Sunkist stops at Fitzroy Island often to visit two diving and snorkeling locations.
You can choose a trip that travels to the reefs you want to dive at. These include Mill, Briggs, Moore and Elfor, Sudbury and Thetford which are all part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Be aware that children should not scuba dive until they are at least 10 years old.
Should You Do a Day Trip to Fitzroy Island?
If you are researching Fitzroy Island Day trips, there are many great resources on the web. In short, leave Cairns on the first ferry available, and plan for a long and full day as you try to get as many activities as possible. Then head home late in the day.
Even though the idea of making a day trip is appealing, having now stayed on the island overnight and seen how much quieter and more beautiful it is without the day-trippers – I would thoroughly recommend staying a night at the Fitzroy Island Resort.
If you are starting to plan your trip to the reef and need to know which snorkeling or Great Barrier reef tour to do, we have a post for you. Check out Amazing Great Barrier Reef Tours and Tips for Snorkeling in Cairns. You will want to consider taking a Go Pro!
How to Get to Fitzroy Island
The are a few different options to reach Fitzroy Island. The most popular way to get to Fitzroy Island is by taking a ferry from Cairns. The Fitzroy Island Resort ferry, also known as the Fitzroy Flyer, operates daily services between Cairns and Fitzroy Island. There are multiple departures per day. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way.
You are also allowed to sail your own private boat if you have one. However, note that strict regulations are in place to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Another way to get to Fitzroy Island is by helicopter. Several tour operators offer helicopter transfers from Cairns, with flight times of around 10-15 minutes.
Parking
It’s important to note that parking near the ferry terminal can be limited during peak season. It’s recommended to arrive early or consider public transport options, such as taxis or buses. Some hotels in Cairns offer complimentary or paid shuttle services to the ferry terminal, so it’s worth checking with your hotel if this is an option.
You could also consider alternative parking options near the terminal. Most of these parking lots offer a range of parking options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rates.
If you do want to park right outside the ferry terminal, make sure you book your parking spot in advance.
Booking Your Fitzroy Island Ferry Journey
You can book your seat on the Fitzroy Island Flyer here.
Stay at Fitzroy Island
During our trip to Fitzroy Island, we stayed at the Fitzroy Island Resort which is the only accommodation option on Fitzroy Island. The Fitzroy Island resort prides itself on being affordable and family-friendly and that sums it up.
Accommodation at the Fitzroy Island Hotel is modest, or a little rustic around the edges. It’s not the luxurious resort you will encounter in other parts of the Great Barrier Reef. However, the setting is spectacular. Also, unlike other very pricey resorts, Fitzroy Island is pretty laid back and affordable. It even has a camping section. So you don’t have to worry about blowing the budget if you are on a shoestring.
All rooms at the Fitzroy Island Resort are air-conditioned and come with private balconies or terraces, providing stunning views of the Coral Sea or the island’s rainforest. The resort also has a range of facilities and services, including a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, spa, and various water sports equipment for rent.
You can read our full review of the Fitzroy Island resort here.
How to Get Around Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is very small, just 3km. The island has well-maintained walking trails, which is a great way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Most of the island’s popular attractions, including the Nudey Beach, Summit Walking Track, and Secret Garden Walk, can be reached on foot.
The Verdict – 15 Things to do at Fitzroy Island Australia with Kids + Essential Info
Fitzroy Island is a stunning tropical paradise that is a must-visit. There are so many things to do and see and it’s the perfect destination for a family holiday or a day trip from Cairns.
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