Visitor Update
Fitzroy Island Planned Burn: Track Closures, Visitor Safety and Why Fire Helps Protect Country
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has advised that planned burning will commence in Fitzroy Island National Park from 18 June 2026 as part of its annual conservation management and hazard reduction program.
Quick visitor update
A QPWS planned burn is scheduled for Fitzroy Island National Park from 18 June 2026. Smoke may be visible around Fitzroy Island Resort, the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and day-use areas. During the planned burn, Lighthouse Road and Summit Track are closed to public access.
What is happening on Fitzroy Island?
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking a planned burn in Fitzroy Island National Park as part of ongoing conservation management and hazard reduction work across Queensland parks and forests.
Planned burns are carefully managed fire activities used to help maintain healthy natural environments, reduce bushfire risk and support long-term ecosystem resilience.
Visitors may see smoke in nearby areas, including Fitzroy Island Resort, the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and day-use facilities.
Temporary closures
During the planned burn, the following areas are closed to public access:
- Lighthouse Road
- Summit Track
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Visitor advice
Please do not enter closed areas. Follow all signage, barriers and directions from QPWS Rangers while on the island.
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Can I still visit Fitzroy Island?
The current QPWS advice relates to planned burning, smoke visibility and the closure of Lighthouse Road and Summit Track. Visitors should check current QPWS Park Alerts before travelling, as conditions and access can change.
If you are visiting Fitzroy Island with Sunlover, please allow for possible changes to walking track access and follow all on-island safety advice.
Check current QPWS Park Alerts
Why does QPWS conduct planned burns?
Planned burns are used to help maintain healthy forest environments and reduce the potential threat of bushfires during periods of dangerous fire weather.
Fire plays an important role in many Queensland ecosystems. It can help release nutrients, encourage seed germination and create conditions that support new growth.
QPWS does not burn the whole landscape at once. Only a portion of the landscape is burnt at any one time, helping to create a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas. This supports plant regeneration, protects important wildlife habitat and helps create safer conditions for responding to future bushfires.
Learn more about QPWS fire management
Caring for Country, culture and conservation
Fitzroy Island forms part of Gunggandji Country, with Gunggandji Peoples recognised as the Traditional Owners of the coastal lands and waters east of Cairns, including Fitzroy Island.
Fire has long played an important role in Australian landscapes, both ecologically and culturally. While this QPWS notice does not state that this specific planned burn is a cultural burn, it is important to recognise that fire has been used as a land management tool by First Nations people for thousands of years.
Today, planned fire management brings together ecological science, ranger expertise and respect for the long-standing relationship between people, land, sea and Country.
What should visitors do if there is smoke?
Smoke from planned burns can affect visibility and may cause discomfort for some visitors. People with respiratory or other health conditions should seek medical advice about reducing the effects of smoke inhalation.
If you are sensitive to smoke, keep medication close by and follow Queensland Government health advice. If staying on the island, close windows and doors where possible if smoke is present.
Smoke can also reduce visibility, so visitors and motorists should move safely, follow conditions and observe all QPWS signage and directions.
Check Queensland Government live air quality
Where to check official updates before travelling
Sunlover is sharing this information to help guests plan their visit, but QPWS and Queensland Government sources should be treated as the official source for current conditions.
- QPWS Park Alerts – current park access, closures and conditions.
- QPWS Fire Management – information about planned burning in Queensland parks and forests.
- Queensland Government Air Quality – live air quality information.
- Current Smoke and Dust Levels – smoke health action levels.
Planning a Fitzroy Island visit?
Fitzroy Island is one of the most beautiful day trips from Cairns, with rainforest walks, coral beaches, snorkelling, glass bottom boat experiences and time to explore at your own pace.
During the planned burn period, guests should check official park alerts before travelling and be prepared for temporary walking track closures.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fitzroy Island planned burn happening?
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has advised that planned burning will commence in Fitzroy Island National Park from 18 June 2026, subject to conditions and operational requirements.
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Is the Fitzroy Island planned burn an emergency?
No. The advice received relates to a QPWS planned burn, which forms part of annual conservation management and hazard reduction work. Visitors should still follow all safety advice, signage and QPWS Ranger directions.
Which Fitzroy Island tracks are closed?
During the planned burn, Lighthouse Road and Summit Track are closed to public access. Visitors should not enter closed areas.
Will there be smoke on Fitzroy Island?
Smoke may be visible around Fitzroy Island Resort, the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and day-use facilities. Smoke conditions can change depending on weather and wind.
What should I do if I have asthma or respiratory concerns?
People with respiratory or other health conditions should seek medical advice about managing smoke exposure. Keep medication close by and check Queensland Government air quality and smoke health advice before travelling.
Why are planned burns important for wildlife?
Planned burns can help protect wildlife habitat by reducing heavy fuel loads, encouraging plant regeneration and creating a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas across the landscape.
Is this a cultural burn?
The QPWS stakeholder advice does not state that this specific burn is a cultural burn. However, fire has long been part of caring for Country in Australia, and Fitzroy Island forms part of Gunggandji Country.
Where can I check the latest official information?
Check QPWS Park Alerts for current park access and closures, and Queensland Government air quality pages for smoke and dust health information.
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Important: This visitor update is provided to help Sunlover guests plan their Fitzroy Island visit. Conditions, smoke impacts and access restrictions may change. Please check official QPWS and Queensland Government updates before travelling.
