Traveller Information for Fitzroy Island
About Travelling to Fitzroy Island
- Location: Fitzroy Island is 29 kilometres off the coast of Cairns. Visitors can arrive by a 45-minute ferry ride across the stunning Coral Sea.
- Getting There: Daily ferry services operate from Cairns Marina, and private charters are available for a more exclusive arrival.
- Weather: Fitzroy Island enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with the dry season (May to October).
- Activities: Enjoy snorkelling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking scenic trails, and relaxing on the island’s pristine beaches, including the iconic Nudey Beach.
- Facilities: The island features a range of amenities, including accommodation at Fitzroy Island Resort, Zephyr Restaurant, a beachside bar, a general store, and gear hire for activities.
- What to Bring: Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a camera to capture the island’s breathtaking beauty.
- Eco-Friendly Destination: Fitzroy Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and leave no trace during their stay.
Our Fitzroy Island travel information on how to get here and get around during your stay makes visiting Fitzroy Island easy.
Travel to Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is located just off the coast of Cairns, a domestic and international hub with road, rail, bus and airline facilities and connections.
The only way from Cairns to Fitzroy Island is by catamaran or private boat, both options requiring a relaxing and meditative journey over the tropical waters.
From Cairns, a popular option for visitors is to take a 45-minute ride on the Fitzroy Flyer, which departs from the Cairns Marina at 08:00, 11:00, and 13:30. The return services from Fitzroy Island depart at 09:30, 12:15, and 17:00.
The alternative is to travel by private boat or charter, with public moorings available around Fitzroy Island.
Check the conditions of use on the pick-up line tag when using a public mooring.
Guests of Fitzroy Island Resort can arrange their transfers to the island when booking accommodation.
Getting Around
While a rugged and hilly island paradise, Fitzroy Island is also quite easy to navigate and explore.
The island terrain offers idyllic strolls along the beach and amazing inland walking tracks ranging from gentle to more challenging.
All visitors can walk to the two main beaches, Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach (which is not a nudist beach!).
Explorers can hike to the summit or the historic lighthouse on the eastern end. The terrain can get rugged, so pack good shoes for an adventurous walk.
Guests of Fitzroy Island Resort can also choose to meander around. The exclusive resort facilities include a restaurant, pool and spa, swim-up pool bar, and other entertainment zones, including a movie theatre, games, and kids’ play facilities.
