A Day on Fitzroy Island

Surrounded by stunning blue oceans and covered in lush, abundant rain rainforest, Fitzroy Island is an escape like no other.

Just a 45min boat ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is one of a collection of beautiful islands located on the Great Barrier Reef. A haven away from the stresses and hustle-bustle of everyday life, here you will be able to relax, unwind, and reset yourself.

Start your day with a relaxing catamaran cruise across the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns to Fitzroy Island. As you approach the island, you can plan your day ahead. With the whole day available for you to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the land, there’s no end of activities available.

Things to do on Fitzroy Island

Head to the Menmuny Museum, Yarrabah, to learn more about the islands history. Learn about its days as a quarantine station in 1876 to its use as an Aboriginal mission for growing fruit and vegetables. Inhibited by the Gunganji people for thousands of years before the arrival of colonisers, they called the island Koba, before James Cook renamed it in 1770.

Take yourself on a walk through the forest and marvel at the amplitude of native plant species and wildlife. Keep your eye out for birds and butterflies in the sky and watch for movement on the ground to spot goanna and lizards. Take a hike to the lighthouse, built to reduce the significant number of shipwrecks occurring off the island’s coast, or head up the Summit Track for unbelievable 360° views of the island. Most of the walking tracks were formed to find vantage points during WWII when the island was used as a military base, meaning you’re sure to find impressive views.

Get nice and personal with the local marine life by going for a swim. Wade out to the sea trampoline and have some bouncing fun while jumping, flipping and falling into the ocean. Or grab a set of snorkelling gear and swim through the crystal-clear waters to see an array of marine life If you’d rather look at the water than be in it, then lay out your towel and relax on the white sandy beaches for the day.

Visit the local hot-spots and enjoy coffee with a view, or pop into the shops to grab some local wares. Stop for lunch at Foxy’s Bar, a 70s style café/bar with beautiful views just up from the famous Nudey Beach. Or take a picnic with you and relax on the sand with a sandwich or two.

So what are you waiting for?

No matter what you choose to spend your day on Fitzroy Island doing, a tour with Last Minute Day Tours will make getting there a breeze. We’ll sail you from Cairns to the island and back again, plus we can help arrange all your leisure activities for you!