Fitzroy Island is a continental island located 29 kilometres south-east of Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island is 99 percent National Park, fringed by its own reef, and reached by a 45-minute catamaran journey from Cairns Marina. It is not a coral cay — it is a rugged tropical island covered in lush rainforest that has been continuously growing for 180 millions years.

Sunlover Reef Cruises operates daily catamaran transfers from Cairns Marina to Fitzroy Island. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way. Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns City. Return ferry and full-day packages are both available.

Fitzroy Island offers snorkelling directly from the beach over the fringing reef, guided kayak tours, guided rainforest walks, self-guided walking trails including the Secret Garden Walk and the summit hike, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre visits, and swimming at Welcome Bay or Nudey Beach. The island also has a resort restaurant, bar, and pool facilities. Guided Snorkel Tours led by a marine biologist and glass-bottom boat tours are available as an add-on to the Best of Island and Island Value packages.

Yes. Fitzroy Island has a fringing reef that surrounds the island, with snorkelling straight from the beach. This is a self-guided experience — there are no lifeguards or crew stationed in the water, so you need to be comfortable in the water before heading out. All snorkelling equipment is included with your full day trip (not with ferry transfers). If you would prefer guided support, our 35-minute Guided Snorkel Tour is available as an add-on to the Best of Island and Island Value packages.

The beaches at Fitzroy Island are made of crushed coral rather than sand. Reef shoes are strongly recommended as the crushed coral can be uncomfortable to walk on in bare feet. Strudy footwear for hiking the trails. Nudey Beach, regularly ranked among Australia’s best beaches, is a 15-minute walk from Welcome Bay and is renowned for its turquoise water and spectacular reef access.

Pinic Lunch Box is included with the Best of Island Package and the Island Value Package. Guests using the ferry service can opt to enjoy lunch at Foxy’s Bar, overlooking Welcome Bay. The Island Essentials Package does not include lunch but meals can be purchased onboard the catamaran or at the resort on the day. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if requested at least 24 hours in advance.

Sunlover offers three Fitzroy Island packages. The Best of Island Package (Adult $202) includes return ferry transfers, snorkel equipment hire, pincic lunch box and a choice of guided activity. The Island Value Package (Adult $166) includes return transfers, snorkel equipment, and pinic lunch box. The Island Essentials Package (Adult $134) includes return transfers and snorkel equipment only — lunch not included. You can also book one-way or return ferry transfers, or combine with Moore Reef on a two-day package.

Yes. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre operates on Fitzroy Island and offers a Turtle Talk presentation for guests ($23 per person). The centre rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sick and injured sea turtles found in the Great Barrier Reef region. Sunlover supports the centre’s work as part of our commitment to reef conservation. Talks are subject to availability.

Yes. Fitzroy Island has several walking trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Secret Garden Walk is a short, easy loop through the rainforest. The Nudey Beach track is a 15-minute walk each way. The Summit Track is a more challenging 3 to 4 hour return hike to the top of the island with spectacular coastal views. A Guided Rainforest Walk with an experienced guide is available for $42 per person.

Pack as you would for a day at the beach — swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes for the journey home. Reef shoes are strongly recommended as the beaches are crushed coral. If you plan to walk any of the island trails, bring comfortable walking shoes and water. Cash or card for onboard purchases, optional activities, and island facilities. All snorkelling equipment and lycra suits are provided with your package.

Fitzroy Island packages start from Adult $134 (Island Essentials), $166 (Island Value), or $202 (Best of Island). Child prices (4–15 years) range from $85 to $137 and family packages (2 adults + 2 children) range from $353 to $541. Infants 0–3 travel free but must be included in your booking. A fuel surcharge of $4 adult / $2 child applies. All prices include GST and the Environmental Management Charge. Local resident rates and Australian Seniors discounts are available.

Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before travel. Cancellations within 24 hours, including no-shows, incur a 100% cancellation charge. If you need to change the date, contact our reservations team as early as possible — we will do our best to accommodate. Peak period bookings (school holidays, public holidays, Christmas, New Year) are subject to a 7-day cancellation policy.