Fitzroy Island Resort Fitzroy Island Half Day Tour from Cairns – Return Ferry (8am-12:15pm)

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A half day on Fitzroy Island for anyone short on time: take the 8am Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns and be back by about 1pm, the 1:30pm out and back by about 5:45pm, or the 3:30pm out for a late swim and dinner, home on the 8:30pm ferry.

Days

Half day: morning, afternoon or evening

Age

Under 18s must travel with an adult

Group size

Self-guided time on the island

Start / finish

Cairns / Fitzroy Island / Cairns
Cairns Marlin Marina, about 1pm, 5:45pm or after dark

Return

Cairns Marlin Marina, about 1pm, 5:45pm or after dark

Transport

Fitzroy Flyer ferry, about 45 minutes each way

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Fitzroy Island Resort Fitzroy Island Half Day Tour from Cairns – Return Ferry (8am-12:15pm)

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Included experiences

Welcome Bay — snorkel the fringing reef from the beach (gear for hire)
Nudey Beach — 45 minute return walk to a boulder-framed beach
Glass bottom boat — 9:30am trip over the reef on the morning session (extra cost)
Secret Garden — short rainforest walk for birdlife

Fitzroy Island Resort Fitzroy Island Half Day Tour from Cairns | Return Ferry (8am-12:15pm)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GETTING THERE: THE FITZROY FLYER

Pick the session that suits you: the 8am ferry for a morning on the island, 1:30pm for the afternoon, or 3:30pm for the late afternoon and evening. Each leaves from Berth 20 on the Marlin Marina wharf in Cairns, and the air-conditioned Flyer takes about 45 minutes to cross the Coral Sea. From about June to September keep watch for humpback whales, which travel this coast in winter. Fitzroy Island, whose Gunggandji name is Gabarra, is a granite hilltop that was cut off from the mainland when the sea rose at the end of the last ice age. James Cook named it in 1770 after Augustus FitzRoy, Duke of Grafton, and most of it is now national park.

A FEW HOURS ON THE ISLAND

The Nudey Beach walk takes about 45 minutes return, crossing three small bridges to a cove framed by granite boulders, named Australia's best beach by coastal writer Brad Farmer in 2016. The Secret Garden walk, also about 45 minutes, winds through rainforest where orange-footed scrubfowl rake leaf litter into mound nests metres across, letting the heat of the rotting leaves hatch their eggs. Both fit any session. The Summit and Lighthouse loop takes about 2.5 hours past Second World War remains, so only the morning ferry gives you time for it, and it's best walked early before the heat.

THE REEF OFF WELCOME BAY

The reef fringes Welcome Bay right in front of the resort, so you can snorkel straight off the beach with your own gear or a set hired at the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub (FISH) during the day. Look for giant clams wedged in the coral: their coloured lips come from algae living in their tissue, and the biggest can live for more than a century. Green turtles graze in the bay and are often seen. Prefer to stay dry? FISH runs a glass bottom boat (extra cost, book ahead). Lunch and drinks are sold at Foxy's Bar, the pool bar, Zephyr Restaurant and the general store.

BACK TO CAIRNS: MIDDAY, LATE AFTERNOON OR AFTER DARK

Be at the jetty at least 15 to 20 minutes before your ferry. The morning session sails at 12:15pm and has you in Cairns at about 1pm, and the afternoon session leaves at 5pm, back at about 5:45pm. On the evening session you stay for sunset cocktails or dinner on the island as the light turns gold, then cruise home after dark on the 8:30pm ferry, arriving at about 9:15pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Fitzroy Flyer, Berth 20, Marlin Marina wharf, Cairns (Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, beside the Pier Marketplace and the Shangri-La). Check in at the boat with your booking name and QR code at least 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 8am, 1:30pm or 3:30pm from Cairns, depending on the option you choose.
Finishes: 8am session: 12:15pm ferry from Fitzroy Island, arriving in Cairns at about 1pm. Be at the island jetty at least 15 minutes before; the exact return time is confirmed when you book. 1:30pm session: 5pm ferry, arriving at about 5:45pm. 3:30pm session: 8:30pm ferry, on selected Friday and Saturday evenings only. On both, be at the jetty at least 20 minutes before.
Duration: About 5 hours on the 8am session, with about 3.5 hours on the island, or about 4 hours 15 minutes on the 1:30pm session, with about 2.5 hours on the island.
Minimum age: Anyone under 18 must travel with an adult. Child fares are for ages 4 to 13; under 4s are infants.
Suits: Anyone short on time, families, couples and cruise ship visitors. The ferry has ramp access.
Please note: The ferry cannot carry bags of 20 kg or more, eskies, cooler boxes, beach trolleys, stand up paddleboards or kayaks. The midday ferry does not run Monday to Thursday in February and March. Stingers are most likely from October to May. The island's hire hut, glass bottom boat and turtle tours finish before the 3:30pm ferry arrives.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
Walking shoes and water

What is included

Return Fitzroy Flyer ferry on the session you choose: 8am out and 12:15pm back, 1:30pm out and 5pm back, or 3:30pm out and 8:30pm back

Not included

Food and drink (sold at Foxy's Bar, the pool bar, Zephyr Restaurant and the general store)
Snorkel gear, stinger suit and life jacket hire
Glass bottom boat, guided snorkel tours and kayaks
Parking in Cairns

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.