Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is one of the 600 "Continental" islands on the Great Barrier Reef.

Fitzroy Island is located on the Inner Barrier of the Central Region of the Great Barrier Reef. It is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

The reef surrounding Fitzroy Island is known as a "Fringing Reef".

Fitzroy Island actually used to be part of mainland Australia, the rocks that litter the island are the same granite rocks that are prevelant on the mainland.

Fitzroy Island is part of the coastal mountain range called "Malbon Thompson Mountain Range", which is located behind Cairns and includes 'Bellenden Ker', Mount Bartle Frere and Walshes Pyramid.

Approximately 10,000 years ago, Fitzroy Island was still accessible from the mainland on foot. When the last Ice Age ended (approx. 8,000 years ago) the ice caps melted and the ocean rose an estimated 100 metres.

The valley between Fitzroy and the other mountain peaks flooded, this left it as an isolated island.

The island we see today is actually the top of a submerged mountain. Most of the island's water comes from a natural freshwater spring originating in the Tablelands near Mareeba, and surfacing in the National Park bush behind the main complex.

Fitzroy Island is located approximately 35 kilometres (18 nautical miles) south east of Cairns.

Diving:

Fitzroy Island houses its own Scuba center staffed by friendly and knowledgable Dive Masters and Dive Instructors.

Reservations can be made in advance or on the island if space is available. The center has it's own small boat which they use to take you to only the best spots near the island. The fauna of undersea life is beautiful and the water can be quite clear.

Climate:

Fitzroy Island enjoys the tropical climate of North Queensland - 60% of rainfall occurs during the wet season (January to March). Air temperatures range in summer from 24 - 31 degrees C and in winter from 19 - 25 degrees C.

Accommodation:

Resort:

Book Fitzroy Island Resort here

The new resort accommodation was finished in 2010, is priced and targetted at the 4 star family and couples market, in line with the management policy of the new owners. The resort provides a wide range of luxury accommodation, in 99 rooms, including Ocean Suites, self contained apartments, Resort Studio, Beach Cabins and a four bedroom Penthouse unit.

Camping:

The campground has great facilities and accommodation for 28 tent sites, set on a pleasant grassed area with beach frontage and surrounded by rain forest.

Ice and other daily essentials are available from the Pacific Islands Trading Store and meals are available from Foxy's Bar and Cafe.

Activities include exploration of the 294 hectare national park island with its historic lighthouse and World War II relics, plus the island's surrounding fringe coral reef.

Bookings for campsites should be made through the resort office (+61 7 4044 6700).

Day trips to Fitzroy Island are also available using the Island Ferry, please click the link below for more information.

How to get to Fitzroy Island

Photo: Supplied