One of the most beautiful Australian Islands is located only a short boat ride from the sunny town of Cairns in Queensland – Fitzroy Island. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a budget adventure with friends on a tropical island, you can have your needs met at Fitzroy Island. It’s the kind of place where if you don’t have much time, it can make a good day trip, but with so many activities and sights to see, Fitzroy Island is the kind of place you can stay awhile. More about this place you can find at fitzroyisland.com.
When most people try to imagine tropical Queensland, visions of endless beaches, exotic rainforests, and majestic marine wildlife are pretty common, so why not go to a place that has all of this, and then some, in the one place? Tours where you can visit and learn about turtles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, or trips out on the water where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel the crystal clear waters and catch glimpses of the underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat, are all within arms reach at Fitzroy Island. And while we know holidays can mean burning a little bit of a hole in the old pocket, there are plenty of free activities to do on Fitzroy Island, which is what makes this island the perfect destination for every kind of traveler. Check out some of the fun and free activities right at your doorstep when you’re on Fitzroy Island.
1. Take Advantage of the Fitzroy Island Resort’s Jam Pack Activity Schedule
Fitzroy Island Resort has a whole range of different, fun, and free activities available to keep their guests occupied. Great for both the kids and adults, if you’re visiting during the school holidays, you’ll be sure to find fun for the whole family.
The resort runs arts & crafts sessions for the kids, where they can have a go at lots of different activities such as chocolate making and hat making. And if that doesn’t wear the kids out, they also hold dance parties, where the kids can show off their new moves and give you a run for your money in the groovy stakes!
And if you’re looking for something that is both educational and awesome, the kids can learn about the Marine Life of the island from the resort’s resident Marine Biologist.
These sessions are called “Touch & Feel”, where the kids are lucky enough to get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife.
And if you’re looking for entertainment that is adult and kid-friendly, the resort also runs Barefoot Zumba, Yoga & Meditation sessions, for all sorts of fitness levels, so even if you haven’t tried it before, you’ll be able to have a go! All these activities are complementary to guests of the resort, but you do need to book in fast with the resort reception.
2. Explore the Rainforest and Walking Trails
Fitzroy island is visually stunning at every turn, and one of the best ways to see everything on offer to take a walk on one of the breathtaking walking trails. Being a national park, Fitzroy island has so much on offer when it comes to natural scenery. A favorite walk of many visitors (and locals) is the Lighthouse Track, which will lead you to the island’s lighthouse, and though it’s not functional anymore, it is open to the public to explore. And if you want to push yourself a little further and really reach those stunning vistas, take the journey along the Summit Track that will reward you with the perfect vantage point to wonder at the ocean below. Another super popular trail is the Secret Garden walk. This one is a simple track that will take you on a winding journey through the lush tropical jungle of the island. You can definitely spend ages exploring the flora and fauna along this trek – make sure you pack your sunscreen and water because you’re going to find it hard to stop when there are so many places to explore.
3. Explore Nudey Beach
Another walking trail will lead you to Nudey Beach. Before you reach the beach, named as Australia’s best in 2018, you will make your way through vastly contrasting landscapes. Giant granite boulders will greet you once you make your way through the luscious tropical rainforest, and when you reach the beach you will cast your eyes on some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen. Nudey Beach has the beauty of the vibrant Great Barrier Reef right at its doorstep. Easily accessible, this stunning beach is a real must-see for all visitors to Fitzroy island. Pack a picnic and your bathers, and just enjoy the afternoon laying on the beach, you will be more than entertained just watching the beautiful waters from the sand. And if you want to cool down, take a dip where you will be able to explore the shallow coral reefs.
4. Feed the Fishies
If you want to get a bit more hands-on with some of the wildlife, take part in the fish feeding held by the Fitzroy Island Resort. You can catch this activity twice a day, with the resort giving guests the opportunity to feed some of the local fish. A great activity for the whole family, it can be fun to see the fish pop up to the surface of the water to get the food. The feeding takes place on the jetty, so there is a whole array of tropical fish that might turn up for the feast!
5. Watch the Sunset and Catch Some Live Music at Foxy’s!
You’re bound to be a little tired at the end of a day chock-a-block with activities, so make some time to reward yourself with some relaxation at Foxy’s. Right on the beachfront, Foxy’s is a Bar that has pool tables and dancefloors aplenty. With an excellent casual feel, Foxy’s is the perfect place to bring the kids for a meal or have a bit of a date night. Sit inside and catch some local live music, or head outside and let the evening pass you by as you watch the sunset over the water. It’s a great way to finish off any day on Fitzroy Island.
Got Some Room in Your Budget?
There are some other activities on Fitzroy Island that aren’t free but definitely don’t cost an arm and a leg. You can hire snorkels, kayaks, and other water activity equipment for a small fee. It’s a great way to see the wonders of the water and spend a few hours – and it will definitely be an experience you won’t have anywhere else.
Or if you want to learn and see some of the great work being done on the island, you can take a tour of the turtle rehabilitation center for a small fee. The organization is dedicated to looking after injured and sick turtles, looking after them until they are ready to be released back into the ocean. The turtle rehabilitation center is a non-profit organization and is a cause worthy of support.
And if you’re after a real beach living experience, you can camp on the island’s campground. For $35 a night, per tent, you can access the campgrounds showers, use the beachfront BBQs, and enjoy the beach lifestyle! Able to cater to all budgets, there’s a reason Fitzroy Island is a favorite destination for many travelers. With endless activities and a relaxed lifestyle, it’s hard to resist staying a while!