Fitzroy Island
A continental island 45 minutes from Cairns, offering rainforest hikes, the coral-sand Nudey Beach and a sea turtle rehabilitation centre, a great-value island choice.
Fitzroy Island lies 29 kilometers from Cairns. Fitzroy Island Adventures runs three ferries each way daily, reaching the island in 45 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost about AUD 90–100. It is larger and more natural than Green Island, and 97% of its area is a national park. Nudey Beach, made of coral fragments and white sand, was once voted Australia’s most beautiful beach, and it is a 15-minute walk from the jetty. Welcome Bay is ideal for snorkelling, where you can see sea turtles and small reef sharks. Hiking routes include Secret Garden (rainforest, 20 minutes), the Lighthouse walk (1.5 hours return), and the Summit Track (269 meters above sea level, 2 hours return, with views over the coral reef and the mainland coast). The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island offers daily guided tours (about AUD 12), where you can see injured turtles being treated. The resort rents snorkelling gear, operates the Ocean Trampoline, and offers kayaks and glass-bottom boats, plus a restaurant and pool. It suits people who want to avoid crowds while enjoying both snorkelling and hiking, and staying overnight lets you enjoy an empty beach at dawn. Jellyfish season runs from November to May, when snorkellers should wear stinger suits. Carry plenty of water for hikes.
Opening hours
Ferries approx. 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Green Island
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Night Markets
- Rusty's Markets
- Cairns Aquarium
- Frankland Islands
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Moore Reef