Things to do
A viewing platform overlooks a seasonal creek on the Secret Garden track.
Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government
Enjoy the walk through huge granite boulders to Nudey Beach.
Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government
Climb to the 269m summit of Fitzroy Island.
Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government
Camping and accommodation
Camping
The camping area is managed by the Fitzroy Island Resort.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation available on the island and in Cairns. For information, see the tourism information links.
Walking
Map
Fitzroy Island is a large island with rugged terrain and sometimes impenetrable vegetation. Walking tracks in the national park provide visitors with the opportunity to explore a range of vegetation communities and scenic landscapes.
There are four walks available, from 45mins return to 3hrs return.
Secret Garden track (Grade: moderate)
Distance: 700 meters return
Time: allow 25mins walking time
Details: A short walk along a rocky track from the western edge of the resort follows the creek line through sheltered rainforest and around huge granite boulders. A series of signs and a viewing platform overlooking a seasonal creek provide insight to the secrets of the rainforest animals and plants.
Nudey Beach track (Grade: moderate)
Distance: 1.2km return
Time: allow 45mins walking time
Details: This walk starts at the western edge of the resort and winds through rainforest and coastal woodlands to a picturesque beach. The track is predominantly bitumen with steep stone steps and boulders in some sections. Some walkers may find these difficult to cross.
Lighthouse Road (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 3.6km return
Time: allow 2hrs walking time
Details: A very steep service road (concrete wheel tracks) from the north-east end of the camping area climbs through rainforest towards the lighthouse. A lookout on the windy north side of the island offers views of Green Island on a clear day. From the lighthouse, spectacular views of the ocean and, in winter, an occasional migrating humpback whale make this challenging walk well worth the effort. Walkers can return the way they came or via the Summit track (see below).
Summit track (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 4km return (including section of the Lighthouse Road)
Time: allow 3hrs walking time
Details: Follow the Lighthouse Road (as above) for 1.2km to the signposted Summit track trail head on the right. The boulder-strewn track climbs for 600m through woodland to the summit. At the summit (269m) slabs of granite and windswept casuarina trees frame magnificent views over the island, surrounding reefs and mainland. From the summit, the track descends for 2.2km through woodland and open heathland with magnificent views of the island and mainland. The track exists near the camping area. The track is steep and rough with many steps and should only be undertaken by fit and healthy walkers. It can be walked in either direction.
Guided tours and talks
Commercially operated tours are available, including reef snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. For more information see the tourism information links.
Picnic and day-use areas
Picnic tables are located in the camping area.
Boating
There are public moorings in the waters around Fitzroy Island National Park. Moorings reduce coral damage from anchors and provide safe and sustainable access to popular reefs and islands. They suit a variety of vessel sizes and are accessed on a first-come-first-served basis. Time limits may apply during the day, but all mooring are available overnight between 3pm and 9am. Learn more about moorings and responsible anchoring and see maps and mooring locations.
Disposal of garbage in the marine park is prohibited. To help maintain the environmental, health and aesthetic values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park there are regulations in place for the discharge of vessel sewage. For more information see the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Zoning
Fitzroy Island and the surrounding marine waters are internationally significant and are protected in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Zones in the two marine parks—the Great Barrier Reef Coast and Great Barrier Reef—provide a balanced approach to protecting the marine and intertidal environments while allowing recreational and commercial use. Check zoning information and maps before entering or conducting any activities in the marine parks.
Fishing
Fisheries regulations apply—information on bag and size limits, restricted species and seasonal closures is available from Fisheries Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Viewing wildlife
The fringing reef just off the beach reveals the diversity of marine life found in the waters surrounding Fitzroy Island National Park. A variety of reef fish, hard and soft corals and other marine animals can be seen. See looking after the park for ways to look after the reef and marine life.
On the island catch a glimpse of brilliantly-coloured Ulysses butterflies, along with emerald doves, sulphur-crested cockatoos, orange-footed scrubfowl, ospreys and migrating birds, such as buff-breasted paradise-kingfishers and pied imperial-pigeons. One of the largest predators on the island, the 1.2 m long yellow-spotted monitor, can be seen around the resort area. At night the eastern dusky leaf-nosed bat, a small insect-eating bat, can be seen chasing insects near the lights.
See the description of the park’s natural environment for more details about Fitzroy Island’s diverse wildlife.
Other things to do
Snorkelling and diving
Snorkelling in Welcome Bay and off Nudey Beach offers the chance to explore a fringing reef supporting many species of fish and invertebrates. Snorkelling in other locations around the island may be dangerous due to strong currents. For more information on safe snorkelling, see staying safe.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.