Fitzroy Island
I've got two spectacular days and nights here on Gunggandji Country for the nature lovers and snorkelling fans. You can do a day trip from Cairns, but if you can spare the time to camp or stay in the resort, then you MUST! It's at its most beautiful once the day crowds go home and everything gets quiet.
Day 1
Check-in
But make it leisurely please
Rightio, when you get off the ferry (here at Welcome Bay - that jetty in he background) everyone heads up to reception to check in to the resort.
The line is long and if you're not first off the ferry it's a big wait. It is my passionate suggestion that you skip all that nonsense and go hang at the beach for a halfa. I reckon you'll spot a turtle or two, then go on back to reception and check in to your room.
“Nobody should ever be wasting precious island time in a queue” - Merryl Streep… probably.
Welcome Bay
Turts aplenty
Get your snorkel gear immediately (you can hire at the water activity shack if you need) and hop right into the water for a swim with your new turtle mates. Head to the right of the jetty and keep your eyes peeled, it won't be long before you've made a few new turtle friends and if you're anything like me, you'll lose hours swimming alongside them and taking roughly 8 million photos.
Foxy’s Bar
After all that snorkelling you'll no doubt be hungry and thirsty. Might I suggest you pop by Foxy's for a cocktail and a million carbs?
Nudey Beach
Ok, time to get serious. Nudey beach is one of the most magical, glorious places I've ever seen. The walk is quick and easy, despite what the sign says (I have short legs and a lazy pace and it took me 12 mins each way). Head on over there for a magical arvo of lounging and frolicking and more snorkelling if you know what's good for you.
Sunset
Perfect from literally anywhere
Settle in for fairy floss skies from anywhere on the island. Hopefully you’ll have salty skin, at least 5 new turtle friends, a camera roll full of memories and and you’re feeling the good kind of tired.
Now, have one beer and then go get yourself an early night - i need you up before sunrise. We've got a hike to do.
Day 2
Hike To The Summit
I'm not going to lie to you, the process of getting to the summit (especially before sunrise) wasn’t pretty, but the view from the top ABSOLUTELY is. And the colours are something else.
Relaaaaxxx
Ok, now it's a game of nap, swim, eat, repeat. One of the best things about the island being so small is that you have no choice but to relax. Hard. So get on it because you have one more sunrise activity tomorrow morning.
Day 3
Sunrise Snorkel
From Nudey Beach back to Welcome Bay
I'd like to make a bold suggestion
Wake before the sun, walk by torchlight to Nudey beach with your snorkel gear barefoot or in rubber thongs (flip flops, for international readers). Flounce about in the shallows while the sky lights up, and once you're done, pop on your snorkel and tuck your shoes into your cossies and swim back around the rocks to welcome bay. It's not far or gruelling but it is SPECTACULAR