fitzroy island national park

A brilliant place to visit, enough to do in one day. The boat trip wasn't too long from Cairns which was great. The beach was really nice and we got some fabulous scenic pictures here too. we hired snorkelling gear and they gave us a life jacket for our 2 year old which was really good. Unfortunately the glass bottom boat wasn't open the day we went which was such a shame as we couldn't really snorkel with a 2 year old and she would have loved to have seen the fish and other reef creatures from the boat.

Had a fantastic day at this little-known treasure. Snorkelling, kayaking, beach trampoline, paddle skis, all great fun for the family. Only gripe would be the cost of food once you get to the island, but otherwise a great family day excursion. Beach is not sandy (its coral) so make sure you bring good footwear. We went during wet season but the rain didn't diminish our enjoyment, and for snorkelling stinger suits are provided. Highly recommended for families.

We took the early ferry over to Fitzroy island. Upon arrival we decided we would hike to the lighthouse and then go for a swim afterwards. We had come prepared with appropriate footwear and a change of clothes.The hike had a couple of strenuous sections but at least there was some shade along the way.When we arrived back we swam in the water for a fair while, then explored the shoreline and waited for the ferry back to the mainland. An enjoyable day except for the wait for the morning ferry on the Cairns dock - there is no shade.

I've been on a few of the outer reef tours and was looking for something different .You can't miss a visit to Fitzroy Island on your trip to FNQ. Nudey beach is a dream takes approx 20 mins to walk there from the main beach area, the walk is a Farley active one. Highly recommend snorkelling around white rock and lunch / Drinks at Foxy's bar . Take good reef shoes as the beaches are covered in dead coral and not for bare feet .

With rainforest, fringe reef, pretty beaches and only 45 mins by fast cat ferry from Cairns, Fitzroy Island made for a perfect day trip. I had seen pictures so knew not to expect a tiny tropical coral island with swaying coconut palms galore but a somewhat larger place with national park walks, a resort with restaurants and numerous water activities.Travelling as independent daytrippers we booked our return ferry tickets through the Fitzroy Island resort - and for what worked out to be only $12 extra each we were able to add on the morning "wet tour" from the resort (glassbottom boat + snorkeling). I struggled a bit with the snorkeling but a crew member kindly stayed with me - the lifebuoy great for rest breaks (I am a novice and get tired easily). I still managed to see fish and enjoy views of the beautiful coral gardens they had taken us to.Back on land I felt we also utilised our time well with a visit to the pretty Nudey Beach (NOT a nudist beach), and then a guided stroll to the island's turtle hospital with guide and marine biologist Jen, where we got to meet resident Green Turtle patients Barney and Betty. Prior to our visit Jen had been helpful with my nature enquiries and I always enjoy reading her Fitzroy Island Monthly Nature Wrap on the resort website. After the turtle tour our last couple hours were spent just enjoying the resort surrounds and we left feeling we'd had a great introduction Fitzroy Island and good value!Just some things to be mindful of:- coral beaches/paths near resort (don't expect talc soft sand), footwear/reef shoes advisable- National Park track to Nudey Beach, the Qld Parks and Wildlife sign suggested this to be an easy walk with no bush walking experience necessary. Despite being careful I had a fall. The track rocky in parts, uneven ground, dry dust and leaf litter plus lack of hand rails made for a hazardous combination. Others I spoke to also had issues.I do hope there will be some improvements regarding this track or signage as we do like to enjoy the natural aspects of Australia's islands and would love to visit Fitzroy again perhaps with a view to staying longer next time!

A visit to FITZROY ISLAND,is not a holiday its a totally AWSOME experience that i can really ,really,really gaurantee to be enjoyed.I have a dissability,<have had spinal and shoulder surgery.rely heavilyon my walking stick.>My 2nd visit to this TOYALLY AWSOME place,with my 11yer old Daughter.Upon our arrival we were greated with comments like Ah,your back,good to see you two again,or oh so and so will be happy to see yous are here,or you are in for good weather again.My Daughter and i love the simple things in life,snorkelling,scuba,snorkelling,good friends,great food,snorkelling,respect,cleaniness snorkelling ,fish ,attention to detail.FITZROY ISLAND ,when you visit ,if you can get a room,pls note you are visiting an Island that is occupied ,maintained and run by a truely dedicated team of professionals.Even though they might not appear it at times ,if you happen to catch a glimpse of them in their relaxed mode ,in their time off helping visitors to enjoy their island.I say this,Because I had to have a big laugh whilst we were waiting for our boat ride back to Cairns,Jen,<the local live in Turtle Rehabilitation bioligist,walked up to a group of people and suggested for those interested in walking down the peir,she was about to feed the fish,mind you it was 32 degress and bucketing down with tropical wet sunshine.Jenn had a huge smile on her face wearing a drenched yellow rain hat and jacket on,totally drenched.The meals at Zephyrs are probablly the best you could get from the top of the line,al-a-carte,to the buffet,that you will walk away from eventually knowing that this is fine dinning.By the way i cant mention her name but on the quiet the the duty manager overseeing this establishment is also the person who if approached in the right manner might be one to give you a exercise of a lifetime <walk to the lighthouse and summit,i cant do this but my daughter has been totally welcomed by the staff on this Island and they do go out of their way to make sure you had an experience,not just a holiday.The snorkelling,scuba,well as i say i have a dissability,but my Daughter doesnt.If having your 11year old Daughter explain to you that she has just had an experience swimming with 2 turtles whilst with 2 staff on their time of,whilst you try and limp down the beach on a walking stick ,doesnt bring a joyful tear to an eye.What can i say.Outer reef trip organised with a certain staff member on the island<REALLY,REALLY,REALLY good.as previous,takes time out to make sure best days forecast,best trip to do.I tell you when you visit FITZROY ISLAND, you are being allowed to visit a small group of dedicated people who will become friends,we are fortunate enough to spend time with this group of people who simply enjoy what they do.And that is making sure their visitors have an AWSOME EXPERIENCE.I dont think i am allowed to name ,namesfrom reception to chef to room cleaners to bar staff,dive shop personal,dive boat people and SIMON<photographer,what a laugh,>new staff,and those that have been there and dedicated for a long time.Christina,Katrina,Leah,Saretta,Tom,Mark,Ashley,Samantha,Jenn,Jenny,Emma,Gemma. Thank you all so very much and both my daughter and i cant wait till we can join you all again.Wether it be a family holiday,lovers weekend,wedding,proposal,corporate business.THIS place and the staff can and will cater to all needs,with in reason.

I used to work on Fitzroy Island, and I can tell that's one of the best places I've been to for a relaxing time. Despite the weekend parties, this is a really quiet place, so if you are looking for nightlife & co. just stay in Cairns. There are several paths in the national park you can follow, to reach the most iconic places of the island, like "nudey beach" (nudibranchs, not naked people) "the summit", "the lighthouse" or "secret garden". This island in very different from the near Green island, which is a reef-deposit formed island. Fitzroy was once part of the continent, before the rising of the sea level. Keep in mind this before your final choice for the destination. Plenty of activities can be undertaken on the island, like diving, kayaking, paddle-boarding, glass-bottom-boat tours on the reef and so on. The fauna is amazing, with on top of anything else a kind of varan you can only spot on the island, and only if you are lucky.If you plan to stay there overnight, you can choose for the resort option or the camping ground option. The thing you should really do then is to climb to the light house in the early morning, to watch the sunrise! You won't regret it. You can visit the turtle-rehab-center as well, contributing to help these amazing creatures the water around the island are full of. To spot one in the wild go to the main beach, near "white rock" (all the way to the right side of the beach watching the ocean) and spend some time snorkeling in the shallows above the reef. You will spot at least once, if you don't get lost looking for nemos!At night the silence is amazing, and the stars are so brilliant in the sky you will fight to say awake to stare at them.

A beautiful rainforest habitat. The perfect time to go for a walk is just after it has rained. Make sure you wear insect repellent and take water with you too.

As a family with a 12 year old we enjoyed our day on Fitzroy Island, swimming, eating, relaxing and more swimming. Our son enjoyed the trampoline in the sea a lot.

Island facilities a bit on the 'dated' side. Toilets very average too. Water and snorkelling is really good but beach is all coral so reef shoes are a must. I found Green Island much better equipped for day trippers if comparing them to each other.

There are a number of tourist boats that bring tourists to Fitzroy Island. Once there, you can opt for whatever type of experience you want. We have had fantastic day trips, but there is a resort, or a campground, if you want to stay for a longer time. There are various walks you can do, and the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre has daily tours at 2pm that can be booked at the Hotel reception.You can hire snorkelling gear, as well as kayaks & paddle boards.You can eat out at the resort restaurant or more casually at Foxy's bar.Or you can take your own picnic & gear & relax away the day at one of the beaches. Nudey Beach is gorgeous!There are patches of pretty fringing reef. Near the jetty is a big water trampoline. The beaches are mostly crushed coral fragments, so make sure you have suitable footwear.

Fitzroy Island has nice beaches. Blue sky, blue sea. Very picturesque. Nudey Beach (you still need to wear your swimsuit despite the name) is nice and is a short 10 minute hike further in on rocky ground which may prove challenging for those wearing slippers. The beaches here have coral bits rather than sand, which is VERY PAINFUL to walk on. Bring those beach booties if you have. I think they sell them for $19.90 per pair at the souvenir shop on the island.The reef at Fitzroy Island isn't spectacular compared to the outer reef place we went the next day. Snorkel rental was $15 I think but I bought a set at the souvenir shop at the Reef Terminal for $25. Bad decision, silly thing leaked after one use. Maybe still better to rent. Still worth a visit! Ferry fee was about $75.

We loved the beaches and the island itself is gorgeous. The coral isn't very pretty so we weren't to impressed snorkelling. The turtles that we spotted made it worth it though.

my Wife and I had been to there in year 2011. However we get on this island with bad weather. It kept raining, so we are afraid we cant give fair comment on this island.we would like to advise all travellers should not go in bad weather. and all tour company should not insist to go on the tour if bad weather is forecast.

Do not miss this island!! We did the rainforest trip from cairns and snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef - but non of them were as good as our day at fitzroy. We even thought the snorkeling was better on fitzroy! It so incredibly calm and relaxed. It's paradise. We just really regretted not staying here longer. A day trip was not enough! So if you have time and money I really think you should spend a night at the resort. Otherwise, do as we did, take a day trip with raging thunder. It was amazing!