The Ultimate Fitzroy Island Guide - The Best Day Trips & Tours

Longing for a tropical island getaway? Good news—that paradise may not be as far away as you might have thought -  a Fitzroy Island day trip is exactly the island you need to visit!  

Fitzroy Island is a treasure trove filled with pristine coral beaches, untouched tropical rainforests, open woodlands, verdant walking trails, and other natural marvels that will soothe your soul. It’s also accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, making a Fitzroy Island day trip convenient for the weekend warrior. If you want to spend more time in paradise, a multi-day trip is also a great idea!

Before hopping on the Fitzroy Island ferry, here’s our guide of everything you need to know and expect during your trip. 

While you shouldn’t forget your sunscreen, you should also make sure to bring the necessary items for specific activities. Bring swimwear for your water activities or your own snorkelling gear set. If you’re unable to bring your equipment, Klook’s Fitzroy Island Day Tour & Water Activities package has a snorkel hire option. If you’re going camping, you can bring your own gear, as long as your tent does not exceed 3x3 metres. 

Fitzroy Island day trips are famous for their accessibility, but you can always opt for multi-day visits if you need more time to explore the island. 

Going to the island from Cairns Marina is a breeze. After a 45-minute scenic ferry ride, you’ll be able to step on the island’s immaculate shores. This transfer is not just about arriving at your destination, as the trip itself allows you to gaze at the glittering waters of the area as if you’re on a relaxing cruise! 

When you book the Fitzroy Island ferry on Klook, you can choose between a half-day or a full-day tour. You will depart Cairns by 11 AM for the half-day option and explore the island for two hours before leaving by 2 PM. For the full Fitzroy Island day trip option, you will depart Cairns at 9 AM and get a total of six hours to enjoy its natural beauty before departing by 4 PM. 

There’s plenty of activities on the island, especially for nature lovers! You can go swimming, sea kayaking, and even hiking! Here’s our rundown of highly recommended activities on the island:

With this tour and water activities package, you’ll be able to make the most out of your Fitzroy Island day trip and enjoy some of the best activities the island has to offer. Feel the rush by jumping on a water trampoline or explore the scenic surroundings by going standup paddleboarding. 

You can also opt for a half-day tour that includes snorkelling so you can marvel at the beautiful reefs and sea life underwater. If you’re not up for a swim, you can still discover the underwater world of Fitzroy via the half-day tour package that includes a glass-bottom boat tour. Better yet, you can book the full-day Fitzroy Island tour that includes both activities!

This is the perfect cruise if you’re after a jam-packed Fitzroy Island day trip! First, you can freely lounge around the acclaimed Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s most beloved beaches. Then, you’ll head over to Moore Reef, where a grand pontoon boat complete with a waterslide awaits. Here you can do as your heart pleases: go on a semi-submersible tour or a glass-bottom boat tour where you can see the Great Barrier Reef’s coral garden, or feel the waters and swim amongst the sea life by going snorkelling. You’ll need to refuel during a packed day of exciting activities, so the buffet lunch is a big plus. 

A camping trip at Fitzroy Island’s lush greenery is also an excellent option for lovers of the great outdoors or those who want to stay dry. The site is next to the beach, and you can set up 3x3 meter tents that can fit up to four people. If you’re unable to bring camping gear, you can rent from the venue. 

Exploring the island at your own pace is another great way to leisurely tour the island. You can take the path that leads to the island’s lighthouse, where the dazzling view over the cliff is worth the walk. If you want more of a challenge, you can go on a summit walk and head to the highest elevation of the walking trail at 269 metres high. From this vantage point, you’ll see Nudey beach and most of Fitzroy’s waters. Taking in the views of Nudey Beach and walking across its shoreline is also a great way to destress. The best part of going on Fitzroy Island walks? You can go as slow or as fast as you want; you are the pilot of this tour!

Fitzroy Island National Park is a destination you can reach during your summit walk. It’s rich with natural land formations such as granite outcrops, which are excellent subjects for photography lovers. You can also explore the nooks and crannies of the forests and lush mangroves, admire the wonders of nature, and inhale the fresh forest breeze. 

Enjoy the amenities at Fitzroy Island Resort. Image credits: @fitzroyisland on Instagram

If you want to extend your Fitzroy Island day trip by a couple more days, you can stay at Fitzroy Island Resort! Aside from the campsite, this is the only accommodation available on the island. You can treat yourself to a bit of luxury with their array of accommodation options, from the rainforest bungalows, cabins, and suites.