Getting to Fitzroy Island is one of the easiest things you’ll do on your Cairns holiday. The island sits just 29 kilometres southeast of the city – a 45-minute ferry ride across the Coral Sea – and multiple operators run daily services from the Cairns Marlin Marina. No flights, no long drives, no complicated logistics.
What does take a bit of thought is choosing the right ferry option for your plans. There are several operators, different departure times, and packages that bundle in snorkelling gear, glass-bottom boats, or lunch. Cairns Discovery Tours books visitors onto Fitzroy Island daily, and the team knows which option works best depending on whether you want a half day, a full day, or something in between.
Where do the Fitzroy Island ferries depart from?
All Fitzroy Island ferries depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina, right in the heart of central Cairns. The Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street is your main landmark – it’s a short walk from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and easy to find.
Here’s the important part: different operators have slightly different check-in locations within the marina precinct. Some check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal counter, others directly at the vessel on A Finger Wharf. Your booking confirmation will specify exactly where to go, so read it the night before.
Getting to the marina:
- Walking: The Marlin Marina is within easy walking distance of most central Cairns accommodation – roughly 10-15 minutes from the Esplanade
- Driving: The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park offers all-day parking and is a 2-minute walk from the marina
- Taxi/rideshare: A quick trip from anywhere in central Cairns
Fitzroy Island ferry options at a glance
Several operators run services to Fitzroy Island, and each one suits a slightly different type of visitor. Here’s a quick comparison of the main options available through Cairns Discovery Tours:
| Tour | Adult | Child | Family (2A+2C) | Island Time |
| Full Day | From $108 | $62 (4-14 yrs) | $278 | ~7 hrs |
| Half Day | $108 | $62 (4-14 yrs) | $278 | ~2.5 hrs |
| Best Of Package | $166 | $110 (4-15 yrs) | $442 | ~4.5 hrs |
| Two Island Explorer (Fitzroy + Green) | $196 | $98 | $490 | ~2.5 hrs on Fitzroy |
| Moore Reef + Fitzroy Island | $337 | $169 (4-16 yrs) | $859 | ~2.5 hrs on Fitzroy |
Seasonal pricing may apply. Check the Fitzroy Island tours page for the latest prices and availability.
Full day vs half day – which should you choose?
This is the question the team at Cairns Discovery Tours gets asked most about Fitzroy Island, and the answer really comes down to what you want to do when you get there.
Full day
The full-day option gets you to the island early and brings you back late afternoon – roughly seven hours of island time. That’s enough to tackle one of the bigger walking tracks, snorkel at Nudey Beach, grab lunch at Foxy’s Bar, and still have time to lie on the beach before the return ferry.
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to do a bit of everything – or you’ve been eyeing up the Summit Track or Lighthouse walk – the full day is the right call.
Half day
The half-day ferry is ideal if you’re short on time, travelling with very young children, or just want a taste of the island without committing the whole day. You’ll get around two and a half hours on Fitzroy – enough for a swim, a stroll to the Secret Garden track, and a drink at the bar.
You may also like: What to Pack for a Fitzroy Island Day Tour
What to expect on the ferry crossing
The crossing itself is part of the experience. All ferries to Fitzroy Island are modern, air-conditioned catamarans with indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes each way.
On a calm day, the views across the Coral Sea are worth stepping out on deck for – you’ll spot the island well before you arrive, rising green out of the blue water. The ferries dock at Welcome Bay on the island’s sheltered western side, and from the jetty you’re steps from the main beach, the resort facilities, and the trailheads.
A few things worth knowing about the crossing:
- Motion sickness: The crossing is generally smooth, but if you’re prone to seasickness, sit toward the back of the vessel and keep your eyes on the horizon. The sheltered waters between Cairns and Fitzroy help, but it can get choppy on windy days.
- What to bring on board: Sunscreen, hat, water, and anything you’ll need for the day. There’s no luggage restriction for day-trippers, so feel free to bring an esky with food and drinks (no alcohol – that’s available at Foxy’s Bar on the island).
- Under 18s: All passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check-in tips that’ll save you time
The number one mistake visitors make is arriving at the marina without enough time to find their check-in point. Different operators check in at different spots, and the marina is bigger than it looks.
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. This matters, especially in peak season. Late arrivals risk missing the boat, and refunds aren’t always available.
- Read your booking confirmation carefully. It will tell you exactly which desk or berth to go to. Some operators check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal counter; others check in directly at the vessel.
- Know which operator you’re booked with. If you’ve booked through Cairns Discovery Tours, the team sends clear instructions with your confirmation – including where to go and what to bring.
- Pre-book your extras. Snorkelling gear, glass-bottom boat tours, and picnic lunches are better value when added at booking than when hired on the island.
What’s waiting for you on Fitzroy Island
Once you step off the ferry at Welcome Bay, the island opens up quickly. Fitzroy Island is 90 per cent national park, and the mix of reef, rainforest, and walking tracks makes it one of the most varied day trips from Cairns.
Here’s what most visitors fit into their day:
- Snorkelling: The fringing coral reef starts metres from the beach at both Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach. Marine biologists from GBR Biology run guided snorkel programs on the island for visitors who want expert interpretation of the reef ecosystem.
- Walking tracks: Four trails ranging from a 25-minute Secret Garden stroll to a 3-hour summit hike with views across the Great Barrier Reef
- Nudey Beach: Voted Australia’s best beach in 2018, accessible via a 20-minute rainforest walk from the jetty
- Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre operates on the island and runs tours – a genuinely worthwhile stop, especially with kids
- Foxy’s Bar: Open daily for lunch, drinks, and cold beer with a view. Day visitors can’t access the resort pool, but Foxy’s is open to everyone.
Packages and combination tours
If a straightforward ferry transfer isn’t quite what you’re after, there are bundled packages and combo tours that give you more for the day.
Best of package
The Best Of Fitzroy Island package is worth a look if you want the full experience sorted in one booking. It includes return ferry, snorkelling equipment, a glass-bottom boat coral viewing tour, and a picnic lunch – so you step off the boat with everything covered and don’t need to spend time hiring gear on the island.
Two island explorer
The Two Island Explorer visits both Fitzroy Island and Green Island in a single day – the only tour that does this. You get around two and a half hours on Fitzroy and three and a half hours on Green Island, with snorkelling gear included for both stops. It’s a great option if you can’t decide between the two islands and want to see both.
Moore Reef + Fitzroy Island
For visitors who want outer reef snorkelling and island time in one hit, the Moore Reef + Fitzroy Island tour spends the morning on a pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef before stopping at Fitzroy for the afternoon. It’s a packed day, but a good one.
Related reading: Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Visiting Fitzroy Island
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry take to get to Fitzroy Island?
The ferry crossing takes approximately 45 minutes each way from the Cairns Marlin Marina. All operators take roughly the same time.
Do I need to pre-book the Fitzroy Island ferry?
Yes – and it’s strongly recommended. Ferries regularly sell out in peak season and during school holidays. Booking ahead locks in your spot and means you’re not scrambling in the morning.
Can I take food and drinks on the ferry?
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks for the day, including an esky. Alcohol is not permitted to be brought onto the island – it’s available for purchase at Foxy’s Bar.
Is Fitzroy Island suitable for young children?
Absolutely. The ferry is comfortable and child-friendly, the main beach at Welcome Bay is sheltered, and younger kids love the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. The main beach is coral rather than sand, so bring reef shoes or sandals for little feet.
Can I change my ferry time on the day?
This depends on the operator. Some allow changes subject to availability; others don’t. If flexibility matters to you, mention it during booking, and the team at Cairns Discovery Tours can recommend the best option.
Is there parking at the Cairns Marina?
Yes. The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park is a 2-minute walk from the marina and offers all-day parking. Payment is by credit card or cash.
What’s the best time of year to visit Fitzroy Island?
The dry season (April to October) offers the most comfortable conditions – lower humidity, calmer seas, and the best underwater visibility. But the island is worth visiting year-round, and the wet season brings fewer crowds and lush, green rainforest.
Related reading: Best Time to Visit Fitzroy Island for a Perfect Day Tour
Ready to book your Fitzroy Island ferry?
Fitzroy Island is one of those places where the getting-there is almost as enjoyable as the being-there. A smooth 45-minute cruise across the Coral Sea, the island slowly appearing green against the blue, and then you’re stepping onto the jetty with a whole day ahead of you. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Cairns.
The team at Cairns Discovery Tours has been helping visitors find the right Fitzroy Island experience for close to three decades – and they’re just as enthusiastic about the island now as they were on day one. Whether it’s a half-day escape, a full-day adventure, or a combo tour that takes in the outer reef as well, they’ll sort the details so you can focus on the fun part.
Browse all Fitzroy Island tours and lock in the option that suits your group. Or if you’d rather chat it through first, call us on (07) 4028 3567 or get in touch – we love talking islands.
