Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Ariana Svenson
If you are looking for Fitzroy Island accommodation options or even questioning “can you stay on Fitzroy Island”, the answer is yes. The Fitzroy Island Resort is the only accommodation option on the island. Located in Welcome Bay, the sole privately owned section of the island.
The Fitzroy Island Resort prides itself on being affordable and family-friendly, and that sums it up. Accommodation is modest or a little rustic around the edges. It’s not the luxurious resort you will encounter in other parts of the Great Barrier Reef. However, the setting is spectacular and we loved our stay.
Whether you’re planning an active family holiday, or want to spend time chilling at the beach, Fitzroy Island has something for everyone.
Fitzroy Island also has decent snorkeling, accessible right from the beach. You can read more about this in this post, where we’ve gone through the Best Things to do at Fitzroy Island with Kids.
If you are planning a day trip, then take a look at this guide to Fitzroy Island for First Timers.
This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More info in my disclaimer.
When to Visit Fitzroy Island and the Fitzroy Island Resort Cairns
July-September is the best time to visit Fitzroy Island, especially in August, when you can escape the school holiday crowds. However, the resort is open all year round, but the Fitzroy Flyer operates limited services in February and March because it is the height of the wet season (and it’s also stinger season). According to the Fitzroy Island Resort, the best beach weather is from August to December.
The months surrounding January are very rainy if you plan on sunbathing. However, it’s still a good time for swimming due to the warm sea temperatures, so when you visit really depends on the activities you plan to do.
Our Visit to Fitzroy Island: Visiting Fitzroy Island National Park in May
My first visit to Fitzroy Island was as a 6 year old (suffice to say a long time ago) and I so wanted to re-live those wonderful memories with my kids. At the time of this trip, the kids were 5 months, 5 years and 8 years old; we also visited Cairns and Port Douglas during this trip.
We booked for the last week of May and got very affordable prices as the high season starts on the 1st of June. I knew that there was a risk with the weather. We could still get rain … but the much cheaper Fitzroy Island Resort pricing for the shoulder season made it justifiable.
I will note that quite a lot of the resort was not totally functional when we visited. On the other hand, the evenings were very quiet, and we almost felt like we were on a remote island as we wandered down the beach alone!
Unfortunately, this roll of the dice of booking in the lower season did not pay off. We spent 4 nights on Fitzroy Island, and most of the time had grey skies, rain and powerful wind. We were quite disappointed (but not as sad as the wedding party we got to know whose wedding got rained out and we got to commiserate with them)!
Enjoying the Great Barrier Reef – and doing some snorkeling was one of the main reasons we went. However, with very rough water, this was not to be! You can discover more about the Great Barrier Reef with these Great Barrier Reef Facts for Kids.
Even though we didn’t do as many of the Fitzroy Island activities as we had hoped, we still had a fabulous time and would totally visit again in a flash!
Unplugging Comes Easy (Be Warned!)
Limited mobile coverage on the island means no phones, and data coverage barely works.
The Resort does have data hot spots – for a price – and limited data (200MB a day which is not much).
The Fitzroy Island Resort Queensland Activity Program
Fitzroy Island Resort has a comprehensive activity program depending on the time of year you visit. We participated in yoga and also a talk from a marine biologist about reef restoration.
You can find out what’s during your visit here.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, there are some extra child-friendly activities that are all complimentary to resort guests. During the school holidays, activities are offered every day. These include:
- Fish Feeding
- Arts & Craft
- Dance Parties
- Pool Parties
- Educational’ Touch & Feel’ talk on Marine Life
- Movie screenings
During our visit, we took part in the fish feeding, which runs on a daily jetty at 11:30. We also went to the kid’s arts and crafts session (ages 5-11), which is 50 minutes long. Both are FREE for resort guests.
I will go as far as to say that the excellent activity program on Fitzroy Island is another reason to stay at the resort for a couple of days instead of coming as a day tripper.
Other Activities at the Fitzroy Island Resort
There are so many things to do at Fitzroy Island, which you can read in our Things to do at Fitzroy island post here. The resort also hosts a range of tours and activities, which are listed below. You can learn more about each activity in the post linked above.
The Junior Marine Biologist Program
This unique program allows kids to spend a morning with the resort’s marine biologist and learn about oceans and marine life through fun ‘hands-on’ activities.
The Junior Marine Biologist Program runs every Saturday from 9.30 – 12.30 and is suitable for kids aged 5-10. Please note that participation costs $45.
Kids will learn about fish feeding, water quality testing, experiments and beach-combing. During the program, kids will participate in fish feeding, water quality testing, experiments, and beach-combing. Your child will even get their certificate to take home and remember their fantastic experience.
If your child is over 10, a Junior Marine Biologist Wet Session also runs on Sunday’s 9.30 – 12.30 pm. During the session, kids will try snorkeling, do an eye on the reef session, test the water quality and do some fish feeding. Children must be confident swimmers to take part. The cost of this course is $65.
The Resort Swimming Pool
While the pool on Fitzroy Island is nothing like Asian pools or big fancy resorts, it kept our kids amused every day! There is also a swim-up pool bar!
Fitzroy Island Resort Reviews
There are many Fitzroy Island reviews on the web, covering a range of accommodation options from the Fitzroy Island Resort through to the campground.
You can view reviews on TripAdvisor here
What Fitzroy Island Accommodation Did We Choose?
As a family who aims to travel more but on a modest budget, we stayed in the Butterfly Bungalows for our Fitzroy Island stay.
These brand-new cabins are very small, but they highlight the best of minimalistic living. Our stay was simply perfect. We went to go to sleep with crickets and the sounds of the jungle on one side and the gentle lull of the surf on the other.
By the way, we’re all about trying new things in travel! If you’re up for exploring Cape Tribulation, here are our top picks for accommodations in the area. Let the adventure begin!
Fitzroy Island Accommodation: Butterfly Bungalow
The glass doors enclosing the living room/ kitchen open onto the patio, making a lovely alfresco dining area. As you are located in the jungle but only 20 metres from the ocean, this means that for the entire stay, you are surrounded by nature and wildlife. You can hear the animals in the jungle at night and the waves when you wake up.
There was one double bed, a bunk bed, a small shower recess, and a tiny kitchenette. While not glamping because the cabin is permanent, it feels a little like camping because it is small, cosy and in the outdoors. We chose to stay in the bungalows as they are self-catering, our preferred option for saving funds.
From the Butterfly Bungalows, it takes less than 30 seconds to arrive at the beach. And, from this very beach, you can snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef for a true Australian Bucket List Holiday!
Read about the Best Snorkeling Sets for Kids here.
While we stayed, other families were in the Butterfly Bungalows, clearly enjoying the laid-back feel and the self-catering options.
Fitzroy Island Accommodation
From camping to experiencing a stay at the luxury penthouse, there are plenty of options at the Fitzroy Island Resort to suit all budgets. Here is everything you need to know.
Camping Fitzroy Island
Whether you love camping or are on a budget, the Council Campground is next to the beach. It’s important to note that each tent can only be a maximum of 3 meters x 3 meters with 2 adults and 2 children per site.
You can travel with your own camping gear, but the resort can also provide this service if needed. The equipment is as follows:
- 1x trolley
- 1x tent (requires set up)
- 2x sleeping mats
- 2x sleeping bags
- 2x pillows
- 2x camp chairs
- 1x esky
- 1x lamp
It costs $37 per tent per night for up to 4 people. It also costs $97 for the first night and $67 for additional nights. A $200 bond is required for any additional equipment.
At the campsite, all guests share a basic shower block. Note that only cold water is available.
Beach Cabins
Beach CabinsThe beach cabins are located just in front of the Fitzroy Island Resort and feature a kitchen and dishwasher. The rooms are well equipped with a TV and coffee-making facilities.
The room also has a balcony with stunning views of Welcome Bay. Each cabin features a queen bedroom and a separate twin bedroom (away from the balcony) – perfect if you’re travelling with kids.
Resort Rooms
The Fitzroy Island Resort rooms are located in the main resort block and are the highest standard of accommodation available. There are lots of different room types, including:
Resort Studios
If you’re travelling as a couple or a couple with a baby, this is the room type for you. Studios feature either Queen or Twin size beds.
The rooms offer limited views of the rainforest compared to other room types. Resort studios are equipped with air conditioning, a plasma TV, an en-suite bathroom with shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, a small desk, and a minibar fridge.
You will also have access to the shared guest laundry and lifts on all floors.
Two Bedroom Suite
An island suite with a studio room connected by an adjoining balcony. The two-bedroom suites are equipped with essential appliances such as a microwave, toaster, full-size fridge, and tea and coffee facilities in the kitchenette. The suite can sleep 4-6 guests.
They also feature air conditioning and ceiling fans in both rooms, two plasma TVs, a shared lounge and dining area, and an en suite bathroom and a shower.
Welcome Bay Suite
The Welcome Bay Suites offer a luxurious and spacious accommodation option on the top floor, with stunning ocean views and a large balcony.
The Welcome Bay Suites feature a separate bedroom and are fully self-contained, complete with a full kitchen and cooking facilities, including crockery, a large fridge freezer, hotplates, oven, microwave, toaster, tea and coffee facilities, and a guest laundry with iron and ironing board.
These suites are air-conditioned with ceiling fans in both rooms and feature a queen-sized bed, plasma TV, lounge, and dining area.
The suites can accommodate up to four guests, with extra guests sleeping on a sofa or rollaway bed.
The Island Suite
The island suite is a one-bedroom suite larger than the other room options. Suites are located on the ground food and level 2 with a separate dining area and large balcony.
Each suite features a kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, full-size fridge, and tea and coffee facilities. The Island Suites accommodate up to 4 guests.
The Luxury Penthouse
The penthouse is the most luxurious option available at the Fitzroy Island Resort. You’ll have 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a spacious living, dining, and kitchen area. The penthouse sleeps up to 8 guests; a minimum 2-night stay is required.
Fitzroy Island Packages
The Fitzroy Island Resort and other holiday providers offer some excellent packages. Packages are changing all the time, but you can get things like a 2-night stay including transfers and breakfast for 45% off or a 3-night package including breakfast, snorkeling, kayaking and a glass bottom boat tour.
There are also discounts for staying a select number of nights.
You can view the latest packages at the Fitzroy Island Resort here.
Qantas Airlines also offers some great Fitzroy Island Resort packages where you can get your flights and accommodation all in one deal. If you collect miles, this may be a good way to spend them!
You can view the latest Qantas packages here.
Fitzroy Island Restaurants and Bars
The Fitzroy Island Resort features a fantastic restaurant and bar. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Fitzroy Island Restaurant
The Zephyr Restaurant offers a unique culinary experience amidst stunning views out to sea. The restaurant is renowned for its innovative menu, featuring fresh seafood, locally-sourced produce and modern Australian cuisine.
You can choose to dine in the stylish indoor restaurant or try alfresco dining on the expansive outdoor deck overlooking the Coral Sea. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner daily. A la carte dining is also available.
Foxy’s Bar
Foxy’s bar is the perfect spot to unwind with a refreshing drink after a day of exploring the island. Located just steps from the beach, the bar offers a laid-back atmosphere with a 70s theme and stunning views of the Coral Sea.
Enjoy a range of beer, wine, cocktails and spirits, light snacks and meals. If you like, there is even a takeaway option. Kid’s meals and coffee are also available.
The bar is also known for its friendly service and live entertainment, including live music and trivia nights. The bar is located just 100m from the resort buildings on the way to Nudey Beach.
General Store
Adjacent to Foxy’s is the general store which offers a range of packaged food and drink if you want to eat more cheaply or buy a picnic. Essentials like sunblock are also sold here.
If you are coming for even one night, then make sure that you pack everything. We took our dry goods but should have taken a full esky with meat, fresh bread and milk as the shop had limited supplies.
This is a really important tip that you don’t read in many places – if you are staying on Fitzroy Island – go prepared. You need to take ALL the food and catering equipment you need if you are camping or self-catering.
Fitzroy Island Accommodation – The Verdict
I highly recommend staying on Fitzroy island rather than visiting as part of a Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns. The Fitzroy Island Resort is fantastic for families and other traveller types alike. From excellent accommodation choices to a wealth of free activities right on the Great Barrier Reef, there is no better place to be!
You can book your stay at The Fitzroy Island Resort Here
Like It> Pin It> Fitzroy Island Accommodation: A Family Trip to Fitzroy Island Resort Review
Add comment