Fitzroy Island Ferry & Day Tours

Fitzroy island is located 29 kilometres south-east of Cairns and is only 45 minutes by ferry. All of our day trips depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns City.

Ferry Options Summary

Fitzroy Flyer
The Flyer is a large & modern catamaran which departs Cairns 3 - 5 times daily. When booking the flyer you can add extras such as snorkeling equipment and glass bottom boat tours.

Check-in opens 1 hour prior to departure at the Fitzroy Island Resort Booking Centre Shop 2/1 Spence Street  

• Departs Cairns at 8am, 11am, 1:30pm
• Departs Fitzroy at 9:30am, 12:15pm, 5pm

The Fitzroy Flyer is ideal for resort guests who need to book the ferry one way or return with different departure dates. 

Fitzroy Island Adventures
Fitzroy Island Adventures offers a full and half day option. The full day departs Cairns at 8:30am and returns at to Cairns at 5pm giving you 5 Hours to explore Fitzroy Island. The Half Day departs Cairns at 10:45am and returns at to Cairns at 3pm giving you 2 Hours to explore Fitzroy Island. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat options are available.

Full Day Option

• Departs Cairns at 08:30am
• Departs Fitzroy Island at 4pm

Half Day Option

• Departs Cairns at 10:45am
• Departs Fitzroy Island at 2pm

Sunlover Reef Cruises Ferry

Sunlover Reef Cruises is a large catamaran that stops at Fitzroy Island on the way to and from the outer Reef.  Sunlover is introducing more time options for their ferry service to Fitzroy Island in April 2023.

• Departs Cairns Marina at 8:45am
• Departs Fitzroy at 4:00pm

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is located twenty-nine kilometres south-east of Cairns, with transfers taking only 45 minutes by high speed ferry. One of the most unspoiled islands on the Great Barrier Reef, the majority of Fitzroy Island is National Island Park - this includes mangroves, open woodland, tropical pristine rainforest and coral beaches with fringing coral reef best experienced by the walking trails around the island.

Fitzroy Island allows visitors to get back to nature and celebrate untouched landscapes with its rainforests and white beaches. The perfect reef trip for families, kids of all ages can learn to snorkel right off the beach. Spend the day snorkelling the fringing coral reefs, stroll through the National Park rainforest walking tracks, or for the more adventurous hiker, discover breathtaking views of the island and surrounding coral sea.

The Island
Fitzroy Island is a continental island near just 45 minutes from Cairns, Australia. Fitzroy was connected to the mainland over 10,000 years ago. When the Ice Age ended the rising waters from the melting ice caps flooded the valley between Fitzroy and the other mountain peaks. This left it an isolated island.

The Island is surrounded by fringing reef, which is the home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life. Fringing reef is a type of coral reef located only in the tropics, which is found directly off the shoreline growing in a thin strip. Fitzroy Island and its surrounding reef make up part of the Great Barrier Reef, a protected World Heritage Site, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

One of the most unspoiled islands on the Great Barrier Reef, the majority of Fitzroy Island is a National Island Park. The continental island is 339 hectares in size, with 324 hectares of protected National Park. This includes mangroves, open woodland, tropical pristine rainforest and coral beaches best experienced by the walking trails around the island, birdlife, coral reef and tropical marine life including green sea turtles. Some of the activities you can participate in while visiting Fitzroy Island include walking and hiking trails, snorkelling, swimming, sea kayaking, viewing the reef by glass bottom boat and simply relaxing to take it all in.

History

For thousands of years, the Aboriginal people on Fitzroy Island, the Gunganji people, have gathered food, using the area as fishing and hunting grounds. Captain James Cook named the Island in 1770. In 1877 Fitzroy Island become a quarantine station for Chinese people heading to the Palmer River goldfields. A Mission was opened on Fitzroy Island in 1905 and was used as a penal colony for Yarrabah Mission.  It was called 'Kobahra'. Fitzroy Island has also been used as a pearling base and in World War II, an Artillery gun base.

Fitzroy Island Walking Trails

Fitzroy Island National Park offers some amazing walking opportunities for visitors. Walking is one of the best ways to explore and experience the different rainforest flora and fauna on the Island.

There are five main walking trails in Fitzroy Island National Park that range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, each at varying fitness levels.

Secret Garden Track - 1km return (45 minutes)
The track takes you for a pleasant walk from the western edge of the jetty through tropical rainforest around huge granite boulders. Interpretive signs and a viewing platform overlooking the creek valley provide informative facts on the surrounding rainforest plants and animals.

Nudey Beach track – 1.2 km return (45 minutes)
A relatively easy walk from the western edge of the jetty through tropical rainforest and coast woodlands leading to the beautiful white coral beach. Nudey Beach is the most popular place for swimming and snorkelling on the Island.

Boulder Lookout - 300m return (30 minutes)
Heading east from the back of the jetty, you will find the boulder lookout trail. This short steep climb through the rainforest with its many steps is also the first section of the summit track. The Boulder lookout offers panoramic views towards Cape Grafton and Cairns. The walk returns along the same track back to the jetty.

Lighthouse Road - 3.6km return (2 hours)
The lighthouse road trail is a very steep concrete road that leads from the north-eastern end of Welcome Bay climbing through rainforest towards the lighthouse. You will come across a lookout during your ascent with offers views of the Northern side of the island on a clear day.

The base of the lighthouse (open when a ranger is on duty), contains an informative display of the maritime history of Fitzroy Island and how the lighthouse was used during the World War II. From the lighthouse you will discover spectacular 360 degree views of Fitzroy Island and the surrounding ocean, which make the difficult walk worth the effort.

Summit Track - 2.6km return to resort (3 hours)
The Summit Track is recommended only for fit walkers as it is very steep. From behind the jetty, the track starts up the boulder lookout trail, and then continues to ascend steeply through open woodland to the summit of the island (269m). Views of the Island, the Coral Sea and the mountain ranges are the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery. The trail then winds down amongst the boulders to join the lighthouse road.

Camping at Fitzroy

If you wish to stay longer at Fitzroy Island, you can camp overnight at Fitzroy Island Campgrounds.

Fitzroy Island Resort manages the campgrounds on behalf of the Cairns Regional Council. Each tent can only be a maximum of 3 meters x 3 meters with 2 adults and 2 children per site. Camping gear is not supplied and campers need to supply all their own equipment including tents, sleeping gear and camping stove. 

The campgrounds include showers, toilets and BBQ facilities, as well as picnic tables. You will need to supply your own drinking water and food. As sites are limited, bookings are essential. 

Campsites
Campsites are from $39/night per tent (max 4 people).

Campsite and equipment package
You can also book a campsite and equipment package with the resort for $97 per night (2 people)

Camping kits for 2 people include the following:

• 1x trolley
• 1x tent (requires set up)
• 2x sleeping mats
• 2x sleeping bags
• 2x pillows
• 2x camp chairs
• 1x esky
• 1x lamp

Bookings:
Book a campsite with the Resort:
https://www.fitzroyisland.com/camping/

Fitzroy Island FAQ

Where is Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy island is located 29 kilometres south-east of Cairns, with transfers taking only 45 minutes by ferry.

Where do the ferries depart?
All ferries leave from Marlin Marina in Cairns.  However there are three ferry companies, with different check-in locations.  Please check your confirmation to make sure you get on the correct ferry.

• Raging Thunder Ferry
  check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal 45 minutes prior to departure.   The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal is located at 1 Spence Street, which is a short walk from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and is situated on the right hand side of the Pier Market Place.
   
• Sunlover Reef Cruises Ferry
  Passengers check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal 45 minutes prior to departure.   The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal is located at 1 Spence Street, which is a short walk from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and is situated on the right hand side of the Pier Market Place.
   
• Fitzroy Flyer / Fastcat Ferry
  Departs Cairns Marlin Marina.  Check-in directly on board 30 minutes prior to departure.   Walk down main A Finger Wharf in front of Reef Fleet Terminal and turn left at the end.  A sign marks the Fitzroy Flyer departure point.

Do I need to pre-book my ferry?
Yes.  In fact, there are many dates when the ferries are all fully booked.  It is important to pre-book your ferry so you get a seat and the time you want on the day.

Can I book on the day?
Yes.  It is possible to book on the day. We show live last minute and last seat availability in our booking forms.

How long does the Fitzroy Island ferry take?
A ferry ride from the Cairns Marina takes approximately 45 minutes.  All ferries take about the same time.

What are the times I can go to and return from Fitzroy Island
There aare 3 vessels traveling to and from fitzroy daily.

Fitzroy Flyer (Previously called Fastcat) Time Table

• Departs Cairns Marina at 8am, 11am, 1:30pm
• Departs Fitzroy at 9:30am, 12:15pm, 5pm.

Raging Thunder Ferry Time Table

• Departs Cairns at 9am, 11am & 3pm
• Departs Fitzroy Island at 2pm & 4pm

Sunlover Fitzroy Ferry Time Table

• Departs Cairns at 9am
• Departs Fitzroy Island at 4.20pm

Can I book one way transfers on different days if I am staying on the Island?
Yes, Select The Fitzroy Island Fascat/Flyer option and the booking form allows you to book one way transfers.

Can I take small children on the ferry?
All ferries except the Thunderbolt are suitable for infants and children.  Sunlover has the largest vessel but only has one departure time daily. 

Can I take a Pram or Stroller on the ferry?
Yes, it is acceptable to take a pram or stroller on a ferry.  It may need to be stored during transit if it is too large and takes up too much space. 

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
If you have snorkel gear, bring it along.  However it is not necessary as you can add snorkel hire as part of your ferry package.  Pre-booking snorkel hire and glass bottom boat tours as part of a package is better value and offers more inclusions.  You can also hire it on the day on the island if you’re unsure.  

What is the snorkelling like on the island?
Snorkelling in Welcome Bay and off Nudey Beach offers the chance to explore a fringing reef supporting many species of fish and invertebrates.  Low tide is the best time to snorkel a at Fitzroy Island as you are closer to the coral reef.

What do I need to bring?
Similar to visiting the beach, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing.  The beach is made up of coral and it is a good idea to wear water sandals.  There is a small shop and bar & grill on Fitzroy island.  If you plan to hike to the lighthouse sneakers are a good idea. 

Are there Lockers on the Island.
Yes, There are coin operated lockers next to Foxy's Bar & Grill

Can I drink the water on Fitzroy Island?
Yes.  The water on the island is drinkable, however, we do recommend that you bring your own water bottle.   There are taps around the island to refill your water bottles.

Can we walk around the whole Island?
No, Fitzroy Island is a large island with rugged terrain and sometimes impenetrable vegetation.  Walking tracks in the national park provide visitors with the opportunity to explore a range of vegetation communities and scenic landscapes.  There are four walks available, from 25 mins return to 3 hrs return.  Ensure to take water with you on any of the walks.  There is not a track around the island. 

Do I need to wear a stinger or lycra suit?
Whilst Fitzroy island is not known for stingers, they are present in Far Northern waters approximately November – May, so you may choose to wear a full-body lycra suit.  Lycra suits provide a good measure of protection against stingers and sunburn.  These are available for hire on the island, or if you have confirmed an Activity Pass with Raging Thunder they are included in the package.

Are there luggage restrictions for the ferry?
Generally there are no restrictions, however, you must be able to load and off load your own items.  Large items (such as kayaks) or excessive luggage or large eskies would require approval and additional fees may apply.  Please contact us prior to travel in order to make the necessary arrangements.

Where can I store my luggage in Cairns while I am waiting for my ferry?
There is not a lot of options for luggage storage while waiting for your ferry, there are small paid lockers by the amenities block at the Lagoon. 

Where can I store my luggage on Fitzroy Island while I am waiting?
Baggage Storage is available for resort guests plus changing rooms, showers, lockers and pool towels.

Is there food available on the island?
Yes, meals and drinks are available at Foxy’s bar & grill at the southern end of the island, and there is also a small convenience store offering packaged food and drink.  For resort guests Zephyr Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Resort Pool Bar offers a range of cocktails, coffees and a light snacks.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes.  You can bring your own food to the Island.  If you are a resort guest staying in an Island suite, Welcome bay suite or 2 bedroom Island suite you will have a full sized fridge to store groceries from the mainland.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
No.  Fitzroy Island Resort is a licensed premises and BYO alcohol is not permitted onto the island in any form.  All alcohol brought onto the island will be held by the resort until day of departure.

Is Fitzroy Island wheelchair accessible?
Fitzroy Island Resort is wheelchair friendly and has several wheelchair accessible rooms. Access to the glass bottom boat can be difficult due to a coral-covered beach before you can enter the boat.    Access to snorkelling can also be difficult as beach access is difficult due to the very steep incline.  If you can negotiate these difficulties, the snorkelling is well worth your efforts!  Foxy's Bar has limited wheelchair access ( one step up or down to the various sections of the bar), and there is no wheelchair-accessible toilet near the bar (however the resort buiilding has one in the reception area).  There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks in the national park.

Can my teenager travel alone?
Fitzroy Flyer does not accept children or teenagers 17 years or younger travelling without adult supervision. 

Raging Thunder Ferry does accept teenagers 16 years or older travelling without adult supervision. 

Please book your ferry transfer with Raging Thunder if you are 16 or 17 years old.  The students who book with Fitzroy Flyer will be turned back when they arrive on the island. 

Are there any cars on the island?
There are a few work cars used by the island to transport baggage and food items from the jetty to the resort, but there are no sealed roads on the island.

If we are day visitors can we use resort facilities?
No.  Resort guests have exclusive use of the resort facilities including Zepher Restaurant, a large swimming pool and spa, a swim-up pool bar, tour desk, in room massage services, conference and meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor function space, a cinema, games room and kids playroom.

Is the beach sand or coral?
Welcome bay’s beach is covered with hard coral that has washed up onto the beach. It is fascinating to look at and chimes when walked over.  We recommend wearing shoes on this beach.  Nudey beach has more sand than coral.

How far is Nudey beach?
From Welcome Bay, walk south along the Nudey Beach Walking Track which can be accessed from behind the bar near Foxy’s.   It is only a leisurely 15-minute walk, which winds through tropical rainforest and coastal woodlands before eventually opening up onto the stunning, award-winning white coral beach.

How far away from the ferry is the resort?
The resort reception is less than 50 metres away from the jetty where the ferry will arrive.

Can day guests visit the turtle rehabilitation centre?
Guided tours run Daily from 1.00pm and are 45 minutes in duration, with a maximum of 15 guests.   The current cost in 2019/2020  is $11.50 Adult, $7.00 Child (4-13 years), infants free of charge. 

Tours only can only be booked on the day:  Day visitors please book the Turtle tour at the General Store (next to Foxy’ s Bar).  Resort Guests please book the Turtle rehabilitation centre tour at the resort reception.

Can we leave on an earlier or later ferry?
Sunlover only has one ferry departure and it is not possible to change this ferry.  However if you are confirmed with the Fitzroy Island Flyer or Raging Thunder you can request to change your ferry time, subject to availability.

Is there mobile phone reception on Fitzroy Island?
There is limited phone reception on the Island, the best reception is located at the end of the jetty

Is Fitzroy Island part of the Great Barrier Reef?
The Island is surrounded by fringing reef, which is the home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life.  Fringing reef is a type of coral reef located only in the tropics, which is found directly off the shoreline growing in a thin strip. Fitzroy Island and its surrounding reef make up part of the Great Barrier Reef, a protected World Heritage Site, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Can we use the ocean trampoline?
The ocean trampoline is free for passengers traveling with Raging Thunder. If you didn't travel with Raging thunder just ask the people at the beach hut and you can pay a small fee for access to the trampoline. If it's not really busy they may just allow your children on for free.