Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip from Cairns
Overview
This Fitzroy Island day trip from Cairns takes a high-speed air-conditioned catamaran to a rainforest island on the Great Barrier Reef, about 45 minutes away. You have up to seven hours on the island to snorkel, hike the national park trails or relax on the beach. The default option includes snorkelling equipment and a glass-bottom boat tour, and other options add lunch or reduce the package to ferry transfers only. It suits families, couples and active travellers who want a quieter reef island than the busiest tours.
Highlights
- Return high-speed catamaran from Cairns in about 45 minutes each way
- Up to seven hours on Fitzroy Island to plan your own day
- Snorkelling equipment and a glass-bottom boat tour on the default option
- Five national park walking trails from 30 minutes to 3 hours
- Swimming and snorkelling from beautiful beaches
- Six package options, including lunch or transfers only
Full Description
Fitzroy Island National Park
Fitzroy Island is a continental island that rises straight out of the Great Barrier Reef, about 45 minutes by fast catamaran from Cairns. Most of it is national park, with rainforest, granite boulders and small beaches, so it feels far more natural than a resort island and stays quiet outside the ferry times.
A Fitzroy Island day trip from Cairns suits people who like to set their own pace. The boat gives you up to seven hours on shore, enough to walk, swim, snorkel and still relax on the sand without watching the clock.
Walking trails and the summit lookout
There are five main walking trails in the national park, ranging from around 30 minutes to about three hours, at different fitness levels. Shorter tracks lead through rainforest to quiet beaches and viewpoints, while the summit track climbs to a lookout above the Coral Sea.
On clear days you can see across the reef and back towards the Cairns coast, and you may spot butterflies, birds and lizards on the way. Bring sturdy shoes, water and sun protection, as some trails are steep and there is little shade near the top.
Snorkelling and swimming from the beach
The reef here is close to shore, so you can snorkel directly from the beach without another boat trip. Coral gardens and small reef fish are found in the shallows, and green sea turtles are regularly seen around the island.
The default option includes snorkelling equipment, while other options replace it with lunch or leave it out, so check the option list before you choose. Non-swimmers and small children can still enjoy the beach and paddle in the shallows, but keep a close eye on family members near the water at all times.
The glass-bottom boat tour and choosing an option
A glass-bottom boat tour lets you see the coral and fish without getting wet, which is ideal for children, older guests and anyone who is not confident in the water. It is included on the default option, which also includes snorkelling equipment.
Other options combine the ferry with lunch, with snorkelling only, with the glass-bottom boat only, or with transfers only. Lunch is a packed baguette or half wrap with fruit, a snack and a drink on the lunch options. On every other option, food and drinks are available to buy on the island, so you will not go hungry.
Itinerary
- Meet at the Cairns ferry terminalCheck in at the meeting point confirmed in your booking voucher, ready for the 08:30 departure.
- High-speed catamaran to Fitzroy IslandEnjoy the crossing of about 45 minutes in an air-conditioned catamaran.
- Free time on the islandSpend up to seven hours swimming, snorkelling, walking the trails or relaxing on the beach.
- Glass-bottom boat tourJoin the reef viewing tour if your option includes it, and pick up snorkelling gear if included.
- Return to CairnsBoard the afternoon catamaran back to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon.
What's included
- Return high-speed catamaran transfers from Cairns (air-conditioned)
- Up to 7 hours on Fitzroy Island
- Access to the national park walking trails and beaches
Not included
- Snorkelling equipment
- Glass-bottom boat tour
- Lunch
- Other food and drinks on the island
Not suitable for
- Guests who cannot board a boat unaided
- Wheelchair users may find the trails and beaches very challenging
- Smoking is not allowed on the island
- Guests prone to seasickness should take precautions before sailing
Meeting point
Meet at the Cairns ferry terminal, with the exact meeting point and check-in time confirmed in your booking voucher. The catamaran departs in the morning at 08:30 and hotel transfers are not included.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, sunscreen and drinking water
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk the trails
- Smoking is not allowed on the island
- Snorkelling equipment, glass-bottom boat and lunch depend on the option you choose
- Food and drinks can be bought on the island for options without lunch
- Child prices apply for guests aged 4 to 15, with younger children covered as shown in the booking panel
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Fitzroy Island day trip cost?
The price depends on the package you choose and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
How long does the ferry take to Fitzroy Island?
The high-speed catamaran takes about 45 minutes from Cairns, and you have up to seven hours on the island.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Yes on the default option and on the snorkelling-only option. Other options either replace it or leave it out, so check the option list.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is included only on the options that say so, as a packed lunch with a drink. Otherwise you can buy food on the island.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, you meet at the Cairns ferry terminal, so arrange your own transport.
What is the difference between the options?
All options include the return ferry and national park access. The default adds snorkelling equipment and a glass-bottom boat tour, and others add lunch, snorkelling only, the boat only, or nothing extra.
Is Fitzroy Island suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the beach, the glass-bottom boat and short walks. Child prices are shown in the booking panel and older children can snorkel.
Is Fitzroy Island worth visiting?
Yes if you want a quieter island with real walking trails and snorkelling close to the beach. It is less commercial than the busiest reef trips.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear under light clothes and sturdy shoes for walking. Bring a towel, sun hat, sunscreen and water.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available dates and departure times.
