🌊 Welcome Bay – Fitzroy Island’s Tranquil Tropical Escape

Welcome to Welcome Bay – a picture-perfect paradise where the rainforest meets the reef. Nestled on the sheltered western side of Fitzroy Island, this calm and scenic bay is the heart of island life and the perfect place to start your tropical adventure.

Why You’ll Love Welcome Bay

  • 🏖️ Home to Fitzroy Island Resort – step straight from your accommodation to the beach

  • 🐠 Direct access to snorkelling – discover vibrant coral gardens just metres from shore

  • 🌴 Fringed by rainforest – enjoy the rare beauty of lush greenery hugging the coast

  • 🌞 Calm, protected waters – ideal for families and swimmers of all ages

  • 🚶 Start of scenic island walks – access the Lighthouse Road and Secret Garden tracks

  • 📸 Breathtaking views – watch the sun set behind the mountains of the mainland

  • 🐢 Close to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre – meet rescued sea turtles and support conservation

A Tropical Welcome Like No Other

As you step onto the white coral and sand beach of Welcome Bay, you’re greeted by calm, crystal-clear waters and the gentle rustle of rainforest palms. This is the main landing spot for ferries and boats, making it the first glimpse of Fitzroy Island for most visitors – and what a welcome it is!

The water here is typically calm and shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling and simply floating the day away. Keep an eye out for colourful reef fish, soft corals, and if you’re lucky, a graceful sea turtle cruising by.

Stay, Play and Relax

Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying a while, Welcome Bay is the perfect base. Fitzroy Island Resort is just a stone’s throw from the shoreline, offering beachfront accommodation, delicious dining, and tropical cocktails at Foxy’s Bar. It’s all right here – yet still feels wonderfully secluded.

You’ll also find the start of several of Fitzroy’s scenic hiking trails just behind the bay, including the Secret Garden, Lighthouse Road, and the climb to Nudey Beach, voted one of Australia’s best beaches. Each offers incredible views and the chance to immerse yourself in the island’s unspoilt natural beauty.

Wildlife & Wonder

This part of the island is alive with nature. From butterflies flitting through the trees to colourful fish darting beneath the surface, Welcome Bay offers a front-row seat to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about the vital work being done to rescue and release sick and injured sea turtles.

Plan Your Visit

Welcome Bay is accessible via daily ferries from Cairns, with travel time around 45 minutes. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach day, a snorkelling escape, or a multi-day island holiday, this is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

💡 Tip from the Locals

Bring reef shoes or water-friendly footwear! The beach here is part coral, part sand, and your feet will thank you. And don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen – you’ll want to spend hours in the water!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Welcome Bay, Fitzroy Island

Can you snorkel at Welcome Bay?
Yes! Snorkelling is fantastic right off the beach. The fringing reef is just metres from shore and full of colourful marine life.

Is Welcome Bay suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The waters are calm and protected, making it a safe spot for kids to swim and paddle under supervision.

Do ferries arrive at Welcome Bay?
Yes, ferries and boats arrive directly into Welcome Bay. It’s the main landing area for visitors coming to Fitzroy Island.

Are there facilities at Welcome Bay?
Yes – you’ll find Fitzroy Island Resort, restaurants, bars, snorkel hire, and guided activities all nearby.

What’s the beach like at Welcome Bay?
The beach is a mix of soft sand and coral. We recommend wearing reef shoes for comfort when exploring the shore and shallow waters.

Discover the magic of Welcome Bay.
Stay, snorkel, and soak up the beauty of one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most accessible island hideaways. 🌿🐢💦