Sunlover Reef Cruises Fitzroy Island Ferry

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A return ferry from Cairns for a full day on Fitzroy Island, a favourite with locals and visitors: 99 per cent rainforest, with beaches, walking trails, coral and marine life, and plenty of activities.

Days

Full day, about 6 to 8 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared ferry, self-guided on the island

Start / finish

Cairns Marina / Cairns Marina
Cairns Marina, about 4:30pm

Return

Cairns Marina, about 4:30pm

Transport

Sunlover return ferry from Cairns

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Fitzroy Island Ferry

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Included experiences

Fitzroy Island — free time on the island
Nudey Beach — rainforest walking track
Island beaches — swimming and coral

Sunlover Reef Cruises Fitzroy Island Ferry

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO FITZROY ISLAND

Check in at the Sunlover desk in the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront. There are two crossings each morning: an early ferry at 8:45am that has you on the island by about 9:30am, and a later one at 10:15am, landing at about 11am. The fast catamaran takes about 45 minutes. Fitzroy Island rises steep and green ahead, a granite island that is almost all rainforest. Captain Cook named it in 1770 after the Duke of Grafton, Augustus FitzRoy, and to the Gunggandji People it is Gabarra.

YOUR DAY ON THE ISLAND: BEACHES AND REEF

From the jetty the day is yours. The reef fringes Welcome Bay and starts close to the sand, so you can wade in and snorkel straight off the beach (hire gear on the island or add it to your booking). A 15-minute rainforest walk brings you to Nudey Beach, and despite the name it isn't a nude beach. Its shore is white coral rubble and granite boulders rather than sand, with clear water for a swim. Wear reef shoes for both. You can also add a glass bottom boat trip over the coral. Food and drinks are sold at the island kiosk and at Foxy's Bar.

YOUR DAY ON THE ISLAND: WALKS AND TURTLES

Walkers have plenty of choice. The Secret Garden track is a 700-metre wander through the rainforest. The Summit Circuit is a 4.2 km climb of about three hours, with a granite lookout over the island and the Coral Sea. The Lighthouse Track is 3.6 km return. The island also has a working Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which nurses sick and injured sea turtles back to health. For a small extra cost the Turtle Talk takes you inside to meet the patients, and every dollar goes to the centre.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

Both ferries leave the island at 3:30pm, after about four and a half to six hours ashore, and you're back at Cairns Marina at about 4:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Departure time: Two daily departures from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Early ferry: check in 7:45 to 8:30am, depart 8:45am, arrive about 9:30am (about 6 hours on the island). Later ferry: check in from 8:45am, boarding 9:30 to 10am, depart 10:15am, arrive about 11am (about 4.5 hours on the island).
Finishes: Both leave Fitzroy Island at 3:30pm, arriving at Cairns Marina at about 4:30pm.
Please note: This is a ferry transfer only. A package with ferry, snorkelling equipment and a glass-bottom boat tour is also available.

What to bring

Swimming costume and beach towel
Reef-friendly sunscreen, SPF 30+
Sun-protective clothing such as a rash vest, plus hat and sunglasses
Reef shoes
Camera
Snacks and water
Cash or card for purchases on the island

What is included

Return ferry transfers to Fitzroy Island

Not included

Snorkelling equipment (add-on, can be pre-booked)
Glass-bottom boat tour (add-on, can be pre-booked)
Food and drinks — buy on board or on the island

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Reviews

4.5

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We went to Fitzroy Island and a drizzly start turned into a sunny day, until I slipped and rolled my ankle on the track to Nudey Beach. Liz and the crew were amazing, helping me on and off the boat with a wheelchair waiting in Cairns. It turned out to be a fracture, and I can't commend the crew enough.

Julie Matkovic Verified· Travelled 5th October 2026

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(4/5)

A memorable day trip to Fitzroy Island. Snorkelling was the highlight, with vibrant coral, lots of fish and three sea turtles. The check-in time in our confirmation was off by an hour and a half, and more tips on the best snorkelling spots would help, but it was a great day out.

Ehsan Verified· Travelled 24th August 2026

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