Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns
Rainforest island, fringing coral reef and Nudey Beach — 45 minutes from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Quick Answer
A Fitzroy Island day trip is a 45-minute fast catamaran ride from Cairns to a rainforest-covered national park on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel the fringing reef straight off Welcome Bay, walk the rainforest track to Nudey Beach, or hike to the summit lookout. Sunlover departs daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, with ferry transfers and full-day packages to choose from.
Fitzroy Island is known as Koba to the Gunggandji people, the Traditional Custodians of this land and Sea Country. We acknowledge their deep and continuing connection to Koba and the surrounding reef, and we pay our respects to Gunggandji Elders past and present. We are privileged to share this remarkable place with our guests.
Current Fitzroy Island Specials
$67 Return Ferry Special
Return transfers to Fitzroy Island for $67 adults and $44 children. Book at least 72 hours ahead and enter promo code 67 at checkout.
Book Ferry SpecialFree Upgrade to Best of Island
Book the Best of Island Package for the Island Value price — $170 adults, $112 children, $454 family. Normally $206 per adult.
Book Best of IslandSpecials available until March 2027. Subject to availability. Standard booking terms apply.
A Granite Island Wrapped in Rainforest
Fitzroy Island is an ancient granite continental island 45 minutes off Cairns by fast catamaran, and it packs more variety into a day than almost anywhere else on the Great Barrier Reef. The island rises straight from the sea as a rainforest-covered national park, fringed by coral reef you can snorkel straight off the beach.
Our crews have run day trips here for decades, and our guided snorkel tours are led by marine biologists who know the fringing reef the way locals know their own backyard. Swim over coral gardens at Welcome Bay, walk the rainforest track to Nudey Beach — regularly named among Australia's best — or take on the summit for a view that stretches across the Coral Sea.
Whether you want a full activity-packed day or simply the ferry across and a beach towel, there is a package below to match.
Your Day on Fitzroy Island
Choose from two daily departures when you book — the early departure gives you extra time on the island.
Early Departure (Coming Soon)
| 7:45am | Check-in opens at the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns |
| 8:30am | Check-in closes |
| 8:45am | Depart Cairns |
| 9:30am | Arrive Fitzroy Island — your day is yours |
| 3:15pm | Return boarding begins |
| 3:30pm | Depart Fitzroy Island |
| 4:30pm | Arrive back at the Cairns Marina |
Standard Departure
| 8:45am | Check-in opens at the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns |
| 9:30am | Boarding begins |
| 10:00am | Boarding closes |
| 10:15am | Depart Cairns |
| 11:00am | Arrive Fitzroy Island — your day is yours |
| 3:15pm | Return boarding begins |
| 3:30pm | Depart Fitzroy Island |
| 4:30pm | Arrive back at the Cairns Marina |
Fitzroy Island Packages
Swipe through and pick the day that fits — every price includes the fuel surcharge.
Best of Island Package
Adult $206 · Child $139 · Family $553
On special until March 2027: $170 / $112 / $454
- Return fast catamaran transfers
- Full-day snorkel equipment hire
- Glass bottom boat tour
- Fresh lunch box inspired by local island flavours
Island Value Package
Adult $170 · Child $112 · Family $454
- Return fast catamaran transfers
- Fresh lunch box inspired by local island flavours
- Choice of snorkel hire or glass bottom boat tour
Island Essentials
Adult $138 · Child $87 · Family $365
- Return fast catamaran transfers
- Choice of one activity: snorkel hire or glass bottom boat tour
Ferry Transfers Only
Return $113 · Child $65 · Family $293
One-way $56.50 adult · $32.50 child
72+ hrs ahead special: $67 adult / $44 child (code 67)
- Pre-book a return or one-way transfer
- Hire snorkel gear or add activities on the island
All package and ferry prices include the fuel surcharge ($4 per adult, $2 per child). Add-on activities below are charged separately and do not include a fuel surcharge. Family price is 2 adults + 2 children — the second child travels free (ages 4–15, not valid with locals deals).
On the island
What to Do on Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a national park you can explore at your own pace. Snorkel the fringing reef straight off Welcome Bay, follow the rainforest track to Nudey Beach, climb the Summit Track for views across the Coral Sea, or meet the patients at the island's turtle rehabilitation centre. Some experiences are included in your package; others you can add on the day.
Swipe through the highlights →
Nudey Beach
A 15-minute rainforest walk from the jetty brings you to a beach of white coral rubble and granite boulders, regularly ranked among the best in Australia. Despite the name, it is not a nude beach.
Snorkel the Fringing Reef
Welcome Bay's coral starts metres from the sand. Look for parrotfish, wrasse and green sea turtles grazing over the coral gardens. Snorkel equipment is included in every package.
Glass Bottom Boat
See the fringing reef without getting wet. A relaxed way for all ages to spot coral, fish and turtles — included in the Best of Island package and available as an activity choice.
Hike to the Summit
The Summit Track climbs through rainforest to a granite lookout over the Coral Sea. Allow around two hours return; sturdy footwear recommended. The shorter Secret Garden Track suits an easier walk.
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
The island hosts a working turtle rehabilitation centre. Join a Turtle Talk ($23 per person) to meet the patients — 100% of ticket sales are donated back to the centre.
Sea Kayaking
Paddle the island's coastline on a guided sea kayak tour ($65 per person). Seasonal — check availability when you book.
Add-On Experiences
When you book, choose your adults and children, then select the optional activities available for your package. The kayak tour, Turtle Rehabilitation visit and guided rainforest walk run at set times on the day. Extras are charged separately — no fuel surcharge applies.
Turtle Talk
$23 per person
Meet the patients at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. 100% of ticket sales are donated back to the rehab centre.
Guided Snorkel Tour
$65 adult | $45 child | $175 family
Explore the fringing reef on a marine-biologist-guided snorkel tour and see it through an expert's eyes.
Kayak Tour
$65 per person
Paddle the island's coastline on a guided kayak tour. Seasonal — check availability when booking.
Guided Rainforest Walk
$42 per person
Walk the island's rainforest tracks with a guide who knows every story along the way.
Want the Reef Too?
Reef and Island — Full Day
Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island in one big day. Adult $337, child $185, family $859 (plus fuel surcharge).
See Reef & IslandFitzroy Best of Island + Moore Reef — 2 Days
The complete experience over two days. Adult $443, child $271, family $1,157.
Contact ReservationsKnow Before You Go
A little planning makes a big difference on Fitzroy Island — here's how to get the most from your day.
The beaches are coral, not sand
Nudey Beach and the island's shoreline are made of white coral rubble and granite boulders rather than soft sand — dazzling in the sun and part of what makes the island special. Water shoes or reef booties make walking in and out of the water much more comfortable.
Conditions change through the day
Wind, tide and season all affect where the water is clearest and calmest, so some spots snorkel better than others on any given day. Ask our crew when you arrive — they'll point you to the best water and marine life for the conditions, so you see more.
What to bring
Swimmers, a towel, hat, sunscreen, water shoes, sturdy walking shoes for the tracks, a water bottle, and cash or card for Foxy's Bar and the island kiosk. Lockers are available on the island.
Walking Tracks on Fitzroy Island
Four national park walks, from an easy stroll to the summit climb. Wear sturdy shoes and take water.
| Track | Distance | Difficulty | Time (return) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Garden | 700 m | Moderate | 45 minutes |
| Nudey Beach | 1.2 km | Moderate | 45 minutes |
| Lighthouse Track | 3.6 km | High | 2 hours |
| Summit Circuit | 4.2 km | High | 3 hours |
Free Self-Guided Walk & Island Map
Download our free Nudey Beach Self-Guided Walk before you go, or scan the QR code on the island map when you arrive. The map also shows the snorkelling areas, walking tracks, toilets, Foxy's Bar lunchbox pick-up, and where each tour meets — so you'll know exactly where to go.
On arrival: your glass bottom boat tour and all guided tours (snorkel, turtle, kayak and rainforest) meet near the jetty — the map marks each meeting point.
Fitzroy Island — Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a day trip to Fitzroy Island?
How long is the ferry to Fitzroy Island?
Where does the Fitzroy Island ferry leave from?
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Can locals get a discount?
Can I add extra activities to my package?
Is Fitzroy Island good for families?
Are the beaches on Fitzroy Island sandy?
What walking tracks are there on Fitzroy Island?
Is Sunlover an environmentally certified operator?
Ready for Island Time?
Departures daily from Cairns. Book direct for the best price and free date changes up to 24 hours before travel.
Book Fitzroy Island →