Millions and millions of tourists from around the world fly in to Queensland, Australia annually to explore its unique wildlife and lush landscape. Queensland is probably most known for its quick access to the Great Barrier Reef. Easily visited from a number of locations on the Australian East Coast from Cairns to Airlie Beach Cruises, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to The Great Barrier Reef.
For tourists who’ve seen beautiful photographs online or who’ve seen travel pictures from their friends, they already know exactly why this beautiful island should be on your bucket list.
Fitzroy Island is a wonderful beach heaven that’s just off of Cairns, only 45-minutes away via ferry. It’s also known as the key to the Great Barrier Reef because it opens up to a beautiful view of the reef and the ocean.
Throughout this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the top reasons why you should definitely go and visit the Great Barrier Reef. Read on and assist us in striking another one of your bucket list items off your list.
Location, Location, Location
The prime location of Fitzroy Island makes it an awesome place to set up base as you go and discover the different facets of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you want to go hiking, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking, there are a lot of activities on the island for you. You can also choose to go to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which is a safe haven for sea turtles that have been nurtured back to health. You can even schedule an afternoon to see them release some of these beautiful creatures back into the wild.
Another big benefit to this island’s location is the fact that it’s really near the metropolitan islands. All of the ingredients and food are fresh! As a result, it has some of the best steak houses and bars in the entire Queensland area. There are also nightly beach barbeques which can help you better appreciate Australia’s flavorful palette.
Options for Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is known for its incredibly beautiful view–it doesn’t even matter if you don’t like swimming or aren’t an outdoorsy person. There are a number of awesome ways for you to enjoy the sights of the ocean, as offered only on Fitzroy Island. You can choose to go kayaking or swimming, but if you’re not so outdoorsy, you can also go on a glass bottom boat tour where you don’t have to get on a boat at all!
You also have the option of choosing a compromise: get on a submersible boat tour which lets you skim the water and dip a hand in the deep blue without actually having to go into the water.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is one of the best places that you can go to on the island–it isn’t something that you just do for fun. You can visit and help the volunteers as they take care of the turtles that need nourishing and nurturing back to health.
If you love animals and nature, then this is definitely going to be a must for you.The center is open from 1:00 PM. Make sure that you call ahead because all appointments need to be booked beforehand.
Giant Ocean Trampoline
This is one of the most unique tourist attractions in all of Australia. The trampoline is wide and suspended right over the ocean. Jumping on the trampoline offers tourists and beach-goers the chance to see the ocean from above–literally! There are even day passes that let you bounce all day long! Get a new view on what it means to have fun as you bounce right on the beachfront!
Walking and Hiking Tracks
Fitzroy Island’s landmass is considered a National Park and one of Australia’s most treasured natural resources. There are lush trees, unique types of vegetation, and diverse wildlife that’s unique to the peninsula. Those who enjoy camping, trekking, and hiking will definitely have fun on the island’s trails.
If you’ve caught the travel bug, there’s a huge chance that the Great Barrier Reef is already on your go-to list! Why not see it from the best vantage point? Choose Fitzroy Island when you plan your Australian vacation and make the most of it. Whether you decide to explore land, sea, or both, this trip is definitely one you won’t regret!
