Fitzroy Island sits just 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, making it one of the most accessible Great Barrier Reef experiences you can do from Port Douglas. The island is a national park fringed by living coral reef, with clear, calm waters right off the beach and rainforest walking tracks winding through the interior. It suits families, couples, and anyone who wants a reef day without the open-ocean crossing.
The ferry from Cairns departs multiple times daily, so you can shape the day around your own pace. Snorkelling gear and glass-bottom boat tours can be added to most packages at the time of booking.
Getting there from Port Douglas: Cairns Marlin Marina is approximately 60 minutes’ drive south. Guests travelling by car will find all-day parking at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park for $10 per day, a two-minute walk from the marina.
What to Expect on the Island
Fitzroy Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and its fringing reef is one of the most accessible in the region. You do not need to board a boat or travel to an outer reef pontoon. The coral begins just metres from the shore at Welcome Bay, making it ideal for children and confident swimmers alike.
Beyond the water, the island has several walking tracks through tropical rainforest, ranging from a short stroll to a more demanding summit hike with views across the Coral Sea. Day visitor facilities are available on the island, including a café, bar, and equipment hire.
On the island you can:
- Snorkel the fringing coral reef directly from the beach
- Join a glass-bottom boat tour (bookable as an add-on)
- Walk the National Park rainforest trails, including the Summit Track
- Hire kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment
- Relax at Welcome Bay with access to day visitor facilities
Tour Options
Three ferry operators run day trips to Fitzroy Island from Cairns Marlin Marina. The simplest option is the Fitzroy Island Flyer, operated by the resort itself, which is the one we recommend for most guests.
Fitzroy Island Flyer (Ferry Only)
The Fitzroy Island Flyer is a 190-seat, air-conditioned catamaran operated by Fitzroy Island Resort. The crossing takes 45 minutes each way, arriving into the sheltered waters of Welcome Bay.
| Departs Cairns | 8:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm |
| Departs Fitzroy Island | 9:30am, 12:15pm, 5:00pm |
| Journey time | 45 minutes each way |
| From | $99 per adult |
| Infants (0–3 years) | Free |
Check-in: Proceed directly down Marlin Wharf A Finger from the Reef Fleet Terminal and turn left at the end. The Flyer departs halfway down on your right, Berth 20. Boarding closes 15 minutes prior to departure.
Snorkelling gear and glass-bottom boat tours can be added when booking. Speak to the tour desk for current pricing and availability.
Other Ferry Options
Two additional operators also run services to Fitzroy Island if you prefer a different schedule or package:
- Fitzroy Island Adventures departs Cairns at 8:30am (full day, returns 5pm) or 10:45am (half day, returns 2pm). Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat options available.
- Sunlover Reef Cruises departs Cairns at 10:15am and returns at 4:30pm, giving you over five hours on the island. Includes access to self-guided rainforest walks and day visitor facilities.
All three operators depart from Cairns Marlin Marina. Check-in is typically 30 minutes prior to departure.