QLD’s Fitzroy Island Has One of Australia’s Best Beaches (And You Can Day Trip There)

The crystal clear waters of Fitzroy Island will knock your socks off just in time for you to dive headfirst into the ocean. Hike, swim, sail, and then chill out all in a day trip to this island paradise off the coast of Cairns, QLD.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gunggandji people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

About Fitzroy Island

A short 45-minute ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of the Cairns Marina lies Fitzroy Island – the undisputed hot spot for locals and visitors to Far North Queensland. The world famous Nudey Beach (not a nudist beach – keep your Speedos on) entices those seeking out a sun-drenched holiday or day trip.

For the more adventurous, the island also offers a half-day hike to the Fitzroy Island summit. Days on Fitzroy Island are laid back. It’s a playground filled with a mix of adventure and relaxation, offering a great selection of snorkelling, hiking, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, and sunset drinks.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to Fitzroy Island

To get to Fitzroy Island, first you have to make your way to Cairns. From there, the ‘Fitzroy Flyer‘ is your best bet. This 45-minute fast cat ferry can get you to and from the island in a day. Make it an early start and late finish – you’ll be surprised how quickly the day can slip away whilst you’re here.

Return transfers are $105 per adult, $55 per child, and $269 for a family (two adults, two kids).

Departing from Cairns, the ferry times are: 8am, 11am (high season only), 1:30pm

Departing from Fitzroy Island, the ferry times are: 9:30am, 12:15pm (high season only), and 5pm.

Alternatively, you can also take your own boat over! Moorings cost $39 per night.

Where to Stay at Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island Campground

Luckily you don’t need a big budget to spend a few nights in paradise. Fitzroy Island Campground is managed by Fitzroy Island Resort and features 20 tent sites with cold showers, toilets, BBQ facilities, and sheltered areas.

Campsites cost $39 per tent per night, for up to four people, and bookings can be made in advance online.

Campers should note that a campsite booking doesn’t grant you access to the rest of the resort’s facilities including the pool. A pool pass is needed in addition to your campsite booking.

Fitzroy Island Campground | Photo by Zoe Parsons

Where to Eat at Fitzroy Island

There are a handful of venues to eat at on Fitzroy Island, all managed by Fitzroy Island Resort.

Foxy’s Bar and Cafe offers casual meals, drinks, and coffee and a relaxed beachfront cafe. If you’re after something a little fancier or a dinner meal, Zephyr Restaurant features modern Australian cuisine, and a smart casual dress is required to dine there. There’s also the General Store for snacks, drinks, and other basics.

Day trippers should note that the resort facilities are only available to guests staying overnight.

Essential Gear

• Underwater camera
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snorkel and mask
• Swimmers and towel
• Hiking shoes
• Water bottle
• Camping equipment if staying overnight

What It’s Like to Visit Fitzroy Island

Snorelling at Nudey Beach

First up on the itinerary is Nudey Beach. It was crowned Australia’s best beach by Beach Expert Brad Farmer in 2018, and there’s no question why – just take a geez!

The beach is predominantly made up of coral, so be sure to bring shoes, but you’ll find a few sandy patches here and there to throw down your bags and take a dip. The southern end of the beach has some of the most incredible boulders, making it an ideal place to set up and snorkel.

Read more: 8 Ways to Minimise Your Impact While Snorkelling and Diving

This is one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling as its well protected from currents and features some of the fringing reef, with the chance to spot fish and other invertabrate.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

To reach Nudey Beach, take a right turn after disembarking from the ferry and follow the rainforest track for ten minutes. It’s an easy walk, filled with incredible glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Fitzroy Island Summit

Distance: 4km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced

If you want to get the heart racing, the Fitzroy Island Summit Track might be more your style. The hike begins and ends at the reception area of the resort and is a steep and gradual trail to the island’s highest point. You’ll want to take water, sunscreen, and food supplies for this one.

Views at the summit are breathtaking as you peer out of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the island below. The trail connects up to Lighthouse Road, which is also the main track to reach the lighthouse, so you can choose to take a detour towards the lighthouse before circling back down the hill to the campground.

Read more: How To Hike in Hot Weather

Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard at Welcome Bay

If you’re keen to spend more time on the water, Fitzroy Island Resort has a bunch of watersport equipment available for hire, including kayaks (single or double) and stand up paddleboards. Paddle your way across the bright blue waters of Welcome Bay, one of the island’s most protected zones, and see Fitzroy Island from a new perspective.

The resort also offers kayaking and paddleboarding tours for those who need a bit more guidance.

For those searching for the best of both worlds, a trip to Fitzroy Island has got you covered. Stay a few nights at the Fitzroy Island Resort to really sink your teeth into what’s on offer in the area. It’s an ideal paradise for adventurers, solo travellers and families alike.

Fitzroy Island FAQs

Is it worth going to Fitzroy Island?

Absolutely! Fitzroy Island is a pristine tropical island with plenty to do and stunning views. It’s definitely worth a day trip or a longer stay.

Do you need stinger suits at Fitzroy Island?

Although Box jellyfish aren’t prolific near Fitzroy Island, it’s still recommended to wear a stinger suit during stinger season, between November and May.

Are there crocs at Fitzroy Island?

Saltwater crocodiles aren’t generally found around Fitzroy Island as it’s a fair distance off the mainland and towards the reef. However they do still live in nearby waters, so there is always a risk.

Read more: How To Stay Safe in Croc Country

What is the best month to visit Fitzroy Island?

The best time to visit Fitzroy Island is during the region’s dry season, between May and October, when rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures range from 19-30ºC.