Brews with a view at Fitzroy IslandA green sea turtle posing for the camFitzroy Island seen from the water
Your slice ofparaiseExploring Fitzroy Island’s Secret GardenSea Kayak to Snapper Island
On a calm day, see-through seas surround this coral-fringed national park island, a
90-minute paddle from Wonga Beach at the mouth of the Daintree River. Step off
Snapper’s white sand beaches to join an endless procession of fish and turtles, gliding over
coral gardens peppered with vibrant clams.When you go:
Wonga Beach is located
90km north of Cairns.
Take camping gear and
water, and book sites
at qpws.usedirect.
com (toilet only, $6.65/
person).Snapper Island, a
90-minute paddle
from Wonga BeachTurns out paradise costs $6.55 a nightISLAND ESCAPES
Snorkel Nudey Beach
Jump aboard a fast ferry out of Cairns and you can be
snorkelling off Fitzroy Island’s Nudey Beach within the hour.
Despite its titillating name, this stunning arc of coral and shells
rarely sees a show of flesh. Instead, snorkellers don sun shirts
to join the endless procession of luminescent fish, gliding over
great coral bombies with green sea turtles and harmless reef
sharks.
Boasting an eco-friendly resort, a laidback beach bar and
a top beachfront campground with über affordable sites,
Fitzroy is easily the north’s most relaxing tropical isle. Hike to
stunning granite lookouts over the opalescent sea, sneak into
the Secret Garden, or rent a kayak to paddle to seldom-visited
Little Fitzroy Island for the ultimate snorkelling session.When you go: BYO camping and snorkelling
gear. Return transfers cost $80 for adults, $40 for kids,
and campsites cost $37/night (for up to 4 people; book at
fitzroyisland.com).