The Perfect Day Trip to Fitzroy Island Australia
30 September 2022
If you’re looking for the perfect way to have a day trip at Fitzroy Island Australia, this blog is for you.
After first being invited to stay overnight on the island at Fitzroy Island Resort in exchange for some content the ‘Gay and Lesbian Tourism Board of Australia’ could use on their webpage, we fell in love with Fitzroy Island. So much so that we want to renew our vows on the island!
We had no idea what to expect because we hadn’t heard of Fitzroy before but were absolutely mind blown when we got there.
So here’s the best way to have a day trip on Fitzroy Island Australia.
Catch the 8am Ferry to Fitzroy Island, Australia
The Fitzroy Island ferry departs as early as 8am and that’s the best time start your Fitzroy Island day trip. It’s a short 45 minutes from Cairns and the views along the way are stunning so make sure you sit outside.
Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way too, because we saw a whale on her calf on the way!
Walk to Nudey Beach before 10am
The best time to visit Nudey beach is before 10am. This is because the ferry to Fitzroy brings more and more people over to the island as the day goes on and the beaches can get super crowded. The temperature won’t be too hot before 10am too.
Just lie back and chill on this tropical oasis, and make sure to take a good book to read while you soak in the sun. If you need a book recommendation, check out our best gay books to read.
A cocktail and burger at Foxy's Bar
You would have walked past this lunch spot on the way to Nudey beach.
After 11am, they serve pretty decent lunches and it’s hard to beat having a cocktail and a burger with the backdrop that Fitzroy Island offers at Foxy’s Bar!
Snorkeling Fitzroy Island on Your Day Trip
We think Fitzroy Island Australia is one of the best islands to snorkel at in the Great Barrier Reef. We saw tons of fish, 7 turtles, octopi mating (what a sight!), and even 2 sharks! (Yes, there are sharks at Fitzroy Island, but they are typically reef sharks which are typically quite harmless and actually quite cute).
The best place to snorkel is the northwest of the island, just off the beach all the way out to a huge rock that you can see sticking out of the ocean. You can do guided snorkeling tours if that tickles your fancy more.
If you don’t want to go snorkelling on Fitzroy, you can stand-up paddleboard. Paddleboarding is one of my ‘I’ve got 99 problems but paddleboarding ain’t one’ activities.
Take the 5pm Fitzroy Island ferry back to Cairns
Being on Fitzroy Island in Australia for a day trip gives you plenty of time to see it all because the island is so small.
It was the first place in our van trip around Australia that we felt like we didn’t have to plan or think about anything, because it was all right in front of us and super conveniently located.
That’s why it’s so easy to switch off and just enjoy your time on the island.
Staying overnight - Fitzroy Island accommodation
It’s difficult securing an accommodation on Fitzroy Island so book well in advance if you want to stay overnight. You can camp on the island or stay at Fitzroy Island Resort (they have a fully serviced bar in the pool!).
If you do plan on staying overnight, you should definitely do the Summit Trail hike for sunrise or sunset.
What's else to do near Fitzroy Island?
We hope you enjoy your day trip to Fitzroy Island! If you’ve been to Fitzroy, let us know in the comments below.
If you’re looking for other adventures nearby, check out our top recommendations of things to do in Cairns.
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