Fitzroy Island Resort, off the coast of Cairns, is a tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Located just a 45-minute boat ride from Marlin Marina, the island is a listed National Park that is ideal for family getaways. Visit for a day trip from Cairns or stay overnight in boutique 4.5 star accommodation.
This unique and picturesque island offers self-contained accommodation, a contemporary restaurant and café, pool with swim up bar, kids’ games room, mini movie theatre, general store and much more.
Surrender yourself to tranquillity at Fitzroy Island away from the crowds, a true sanctuary for you to relax and unwind. Fitzroy doesn’t get the day-tripping crowds that flock to nearby Green Island, so it’s possible to get entire sections of the beach to yourself.
8 fun activities for families at Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island has all you need for your dream family escape, including endless activities to keep the whole family happy.
Children can enjoy the endless activities available on Fitzroy Island, including exploring the islands walking trails, playing in the games room, Great Barrier Reef tours, turtle hospital tours and complimentary activities including fish feeding and movie screenings.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Fitzroy is one of the best places on the Great Barrier Reef to teach children how to snorkel. Here, colourful coral gardens sprout in waist-deep water just metres from land, and kids can observe scores of vivid fish simply by dipping their faces beneath the surface. The main beach is carpeted in bits of coral, which tinkle like glass as the waves lick them and prevent sand from kicking up and ruining the visibility.
Junior Marine Biologist Program
Kids can become a marine biologist for the day in this fun and educational activity. In the Junior Marine Biologist Program, children aged five and up can spend the morning with the resort’s resident marine biologist and learn about our oceans and marine life through a series of hands-on activities. They include a glass bottom boat tour, beachcombing, water quality experiments and learning about the anatomy of marine animals.
The program runs from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm every Sunday and costs $45 per child, with participants presented with certificates at the end. Both resort guests and day tour guests are welcome, but bookings are essential.
Fitzroy Island Kids Club
The affordable resort offers a range of interactive child-friendly activities for resort guests, overseen by its tours and activities coordinator. Activities include daily fish feeding on the jetty at 11.30am, ‘touch and learn’ sessions with marine specimens, jewellery making, and arts and crafts for children aged five to 11. Check the website for school holiday programs.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Turtles are numerous but even if you don’t spot one in the ocean, you can visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre opened on the island. Here, kids can see these amazing animals up close and learn all about them.
Kayak and SUP
Fitzroy Island Resort is an ideal spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. Families can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from the Dive and Adventure Centre.
Hikes and bushwalks
There are a number of bushwalks around the island, including an adventurous hike to the highest point via the lighthouse, and another to the Secret Garden and Nudey Beach.
Sailing and boat cruises
Guests can explore the beauty of Fitzroy Island and the Reef with glass bottom boat tours, and enjoy cruises to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, as well as scenic and sunset sailing trips.
Dining experiences
The resort’s main restaurant, Zephyr, is open for breakfast and dinner, while the beachfront Foxy’s Bar & Cafe is a more casual option, ideal for families, with bingo nights, trivia and live music throughout the week.
Soft play area
A new soft play area for little ones and their parents opened at Fitzroy Island Resort in 2021. The space is decorated with a mural painted by resort staff and featuring the island’s colourful marine life.
More information: fitzroyisland.com
Main image: Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island off the coast of Cairns
