4Hr Fitzroy Island Adventure Tour

From $108

Start Time 08:30

Duration 5hr 45min

  • Return ferry transfers between Cairns and Fitzroy Island (45 minutes each way)
  • Over two hours of free time to explore the island's beaches and trails
  • Access to Nudey Beach and Welcome Bay for swimming
  • Rainforest walking tracks for self-guided exploring
  • Free upgrade option to extend into a full day on the island (select at booking)
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About This Experience

The Fitzroy Island Adventure Tour is a relaxed half-day escape from Cairns that lets you experience one of the closest Great Barrier Reef islands without committing to a full-day tour. In just over four hours, you'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Coral Sea, spend free time exploring Fitzroy Island at your own pace, and return to Cairns after a refreshing taste of its rainforest, beaches and reef-fringed coastline.

The Fitzroy Island Experience

Your adventure starts at Marlin Marina, where you'll board the Fitzroy Flyer for the 45-minute cruise to Fitzroy Island. As the Cairns coastline fades behind you, sit back, enjoy the sea breeze and watch the island come into view while the friendly crew shares useful information before arrival.

Once ashore, you'll have over two hours to enjoy the island however you choose. A short walk leads to the famous Nudey Beach, where crystal-clear waters and coral-fragment sands create one of the region's most picturesque swimming spots.

Bring your own snorkelling gear or hire equipment on the island to discover the marine life thriving in the fringing reef. If you'd rather stay dry, an optional glass-bottom boat tour offers an equally rewarding view of the reef's vibrant marine life. Sturdy water shoes are recommended for comfort on the coral underfoot.

If you're open to venturing beyond the beach, there are walking trails that wind through Fitzroy Island's lush national park, leading to peaceful lookouts and scenic viewpoints. Alternatively, you could slow the pace with a drink or light meal at Foxy's Bar & Café before making your way back to the jetty for the return cruise to Cairns.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For

This half-day tour is best suited to visitors short on time as it offers an easy introduction to the Great Barrier Reef islands. It's a great choice for families, couples or anyone looking for a relaxed mix of beach time, light rainforest walks and snorkelling, all within easy reach of Cairns. It's especially appealing if you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace rather than follow a structured itinerary. 

Cruise Details

Location Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 1, Spence Street

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 08:15 08:30 14:00 5hr 45min
 

  • Return ferry transfers between Cairns and Fitzroy Island (45 minutes each way)
  • Over two hours of free time to explore the island's beaches and trails
  • Access to Nudey Beach and Welcome Bay for swimming
  • Rainforest walking tracks for self-guided exploring
  • Free upgrade option to extend into a full day on the island (select at booking)

  • Discover a Great Barrier Reef island in just half a day; ideal for those short on time 
  • Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace; swim, snorkel, walk rainforest trails or simply relax 
  • Experience the best of reef and rainforest together: a rare chance to enjoy two World Heritage environments in one trip
  • Choose your own island adventure with snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat tour or lunch upgrades

Menu - Picnic Lunch Box Upgrade
Choice of:

Double smoked leg ham, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, tomato and lettuce baguette
Marinated chicken breast, cucumber, carrot and herbed mayonnaise salad half wrap
Both options include a seasonal whole fruit, Carmen's chocolate and cranberry muesli bar, bottled water and juice

Vegetarian, coeliac, gluten-free and pork-free options available - dietary requirements must be arranged by phone in advance.
 

 


  • Adult Price

    from $108

  • Child (4–15 years)

    from $62

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $278

Fitzroy Flyer - Berth 20, Marlin Wharf, Marlin Marina, Cairns City, QLD 4870. 

Google Map - CLICK HERE

Guests should make their way directly to the vessel to check in, arriving at least 30 minutes before departure.

  • 10:00am: Check in directly at the vessel, Berth 20, Marlin Wharf
  • 10:45am: Depart Cairns aboard the Fitzroy Flyer
  • 11:30am: Arrive at Fitzroy Island - free time to swim at Nudey Beach, walk rainforest trails or relax on the foreshore
  • 2:00pm: Depart Fitzroy Island, returning to Cairns​

    Those who choose the free duration extension upgrade can spend more time on the island and take the 4pm ferry back to Cairns.

    Seasonal departure times may apply, and schedules can change due to weather, marine conditions or operational requirements.

  • Snorkel equipment hire (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Glass-bottom boat tour (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Lunch and food on the island (picnic lunch upgrade available, or purchase on-site)
  • Alcoholic beverages (not permitted to be brought onto the island)

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

This tour does not currently offer wheelchair access.

Is the Fitzroy Island ferry stroller-friendly?
Yes, all vessels are pram-friendly, though the island's walking tracks include uneven ground and steps that make strollers impractical on land. Crew can store prams on board for the duration of your visit, subject to the vessel being docked at the island.

How long does the ferry transfer to Fitzroy Island take?
The cruise between Cairns and Fitzroy Island takes approximately 45 minutes each way aboard the Fitzroy Flyer.

What facilities are available to day visitors on Fitzroy Island?
Day guests can access Foxy's Bar & Cafe, the general store, public bathrooms, outdoor rinse-off showers, walking tracks, beach areas and paid storage lockers. Equipment hire and guided activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and glass bottom boat tours are also available, subject to availability and conditions. Resort-only facilities, including the pool and pool bar, are reserved for overnight guests.

Where can I park before boarding the ferry?
Parking is available at the Pier Shopping Complex / Shangri-La Hotel opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal, from around $2.00 per hour, or near Trinity Wharf for approximately $4.20 per day.

What should I pack for the day?
Swimwear, reef shoes, sun protection, a reusable water bottle and sturdy footwear for walking are all recommended; see the full packing list above for details.

Can I stay on Fitzroy Island for a full day instead of half a day?
Not exactly a full day, but you can select the free Two-Hour Extension at booking to stay until 4:00pm.

Is alcohol permitted on Fitzroy Island?
No, alcoholic beverages cannot be brought onto the island by day visitors.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Cancellations must be requested by email, and refund eligibility depends on how far in advance you cancel and your booking type - see the full cancellation policy above for individual and group booking terms.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair access is not currently available on this tour.

Do I need to check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal?
No, check-in takes place directly at the vessel at Berth 20, Marlin Wharf. Guests receive an email and SMS the afternoon before travel with marina directions and arrival details.

What To Bring
  • Swimwear and a beach towel
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (zinc-based recommended)
  • Sun-protective clothing such as a rash vest, hat and sunglasses
  • Cash or card for purchases on the island
  • Food and non-alcoholic drinks, or money to buy them on-site
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Reef shoes, as Fitzroy Island's beaches are made of coral fragments
  • A camera or phone for photos
Please note alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought onto Fitzroy Island.

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $108

Start Time 08:30

Duration 5hr 45min

  • Return ferry transfers between Cairns and Fitzroy Island (45 minutes each way)
  • Over two hours of free time to explore the island's beaches and trails
  • Access to Nudey Beach and Welcome Bay for swimming
  • Rainforest walking tracks for self-guided exploring
  • Free upgrade option to extend into a full day on the island (select at booking)
Call/Enquire Book Now

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