In short
- Ferries leave Cairns up to three times daily.
- Adult return tickets cost A$88 to A$105.
- The boat ride takes 45 minutes each way.
In this article
Fitzroy Island is 29 kilometres (18 miles) from the mainland. Since there is no entry fee for the National Park, your ferry ticket acts as your pass to the island.
What times do the ferries depart Cairns for Fitzroy Island?
The Fitzroy Flyer offers up to three daily departures from Cairns.
Standard departure times are 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:30 PM. The fast catamaran journey takes 45 minutes. You must check in 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
How much does a ferry to Fitzroy Island cost?
Basic adult return tickets start between A$88 and A$105.
Prices change depending on the season and the operator. Basic tickets cover the 45-minute boat ride and access to the National Park. Food and equipment are not included in standard transfers.
Where do you catch the Fitzroy Island ferry?
Ferries leave from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
The terminal is located at Marlin Marina. The Fitzroy Flyer specifically departs from Berth 20. There are no direct transfers from hotels, so you need to arrange transport to the marina.
Should I book a package or a standard ferry ticket?
Standard tickets only cover your transport, while packages bundle activities.
If you plan to snorkel or take the glass-bottom boat, booking a day trip package is often more practical. Standard transfers are best if you only want to hike the 269-metre Summit Track or sit on Nudey Beach.
Can you take a private boat to Fitzroy Island?
Yes, private vessels can moor at Welcome Bay.
Public moorings cost A$39 per night. The island is 15 nautical miles from Cairns, taking about 1.5 hours in a standard private yacht. Anchoring on the coral reef is strictly prohibited. You must use marked reef protection buoys or anchor in the sand.
What else do I need to know before booking?
You need to plan for the stinger season and food options.
From November to May, stinger suits are required in the water. You can rent these on the island or add them to your ferry package. You can bring your own food and drinks, as standard tickets do not include meals.
Questions travellers ask
Can you do a day trip to Fitzroy Island from Cairns?
Yes. The ferry takes 45 minutes each way, leaving plenty of time to explore the 339-hectare island, snorkel, and return on the same day.
How long is the ferry ride to Fitzroy Island?
The fast catamaran takes 45 minutes to cross the 29 kilometres (18 miles) from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Welcome Bay.
Do you need to book the ferry in advance?
Advance booking is highly recommended. Daily departures have limited capacity, and you must check in 30 minutes before your boat leaves.