Free Things to do on Fitzroy Island, Queensland, Australia

Fitzroy Island is one of the most popular destinations in Queensland, both among local and foreign tourists. This continental island is situated 29 kilometers southeast of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. It's a place for a relaxing family outing or a romantic couple getaway. Fitzroy Island boasts of an unspoiled tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the Great Barrier Reef. Travelers can explore walking trails and discover abundant marine life and local wildlife. Sheoak, Indian Beech, Native Nutmeg, Tamarinds and Turpentine. The island has become a popular day tour destination because of its proximity to the coast. It takes only 45 minutes to reach Fitzroy from Cairns via a ferry ride. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef is one of the must-do activities in Fitzroy Island. You can snorkel at your own pace, take a glass-bottomed boat tour or kayak, take a tour at the Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Coral Reef Restoration Project. The island is also ideal for families. The Fitzroy Island Resort offers complimentary activities for kids, including fish feeding, barefoot Zumba, and “Touch & Feel” talk on marine life. While spending the holidays at Fitzroy Island means spending money as well, there are actually free activities you can do to enjoy the beach and nature. Here are the free things you can do on Fitzroy Island:

1. Explore Walking Tracks

Fitzroy Island is a national park. Take one or two of walking tracks on Fitzroy Island and collect flora and fauna as you go. Lighthouse Track, for instance, would lead you to the lighthouse where you can see a breathtaking view of the ocean. The lighthouse, although no longer functional, is open to the public. Be sure to bring water and strength with you as the path is very steep. Further on from the lighthouse is the Summit Track that will take you to the summit of the Fitzroy Island and reward you with a beautiful view of the ocean.

2. Explore Nudey Beach

Dip your feet on the sand and water or take a swim at Nudey Beach, which has pristine white sand and clear water. If you already have your snorkeling gear, you can freely explore the Great Barrier Reef a few meters from the shore and see the beauty of corals and various colorful fish.

3. Have a Picnic on the Beach

Bring your own food instead of buying at the restaurants on the island. Spread a blanket and take a picnic on the beach while enjoying the spectacular view.

4. Take Part in Fish Feeding

Fitzroy Island Resort gives free fish food for the fish feeding activities at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. every day. Watching the fish swim to the surface as the food is thrown to the water is always a fun activity especially for kids.

5. Enjoy Free Live Music at Foxy's Tavern

Cap off your day with free live music at Foxy's Tavern on weekends. It's also a good place to drink a cocktail while watching the tropical sunset.

6. Utilize Resort's Free Facilities

Fitzroy Island Resort has facilities that are free to use for guests, including the library and kids corner. You can also enjoy movies twice a day. Take a dip at the resort's pool where you can drink a cocktail at the swim-up bar and refresh your body after a day under the sun.

Other Activities on a Budget

Spending a holiday at Fitzroy Island doesn't have to cost you a fortune. In addition to the free activities that we talked about above, there are other things you can do if you are on a tight budget. A tour to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre costa just $8.80 per adult and $5.50 per child. You will learn about the history of the nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles, as well as the journey of these turtles while they are being treated up to the time they are released back to the ocean. If you want to stay on the island but don’t want to spend on a resort room, camping is the way to go. Camping at the Council Campground costs $35 per tent for a night for four people, and you get to enjoy the place’s shower block, beachfront BBQs and pergola-covered eating areas.

Fitzroy Island caters to all types of travelers, whether you can afford a resort vacation or you have a tight budget or none at all. Before you travel, read some of these Great Barrier Reef facts to get you started.

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