WATERFRONT FUN

FITZROY ISLAND, QLD

It’s not an island you can drive to, but a day trip to this rainforested, reef-fringed paradise is not to be missed. With easy, off-the-beach snorkelling, lots of green sea turtles to swim with, and great hiking trails, Fitzroy is one of the best places to get castaway off Cairns.

Best of all, you can be spreading your beach towel and sliding under the sea in 45 minutes. There’s a 4.5-star resort and beachfront campground if you want to stay, and after a day of sunkissed exploring, you can park your sandy toes under the bar at Foxy’s for sundowner cocktails and seafood dinners.

Really though, it’s all about what’s underwater and I love to snorkel north of Nudey Beach over coral bombies that flourish beneath the cliffs. You’ll easily spot sea turtles grooming the seagrass beds right off Welcome Beach, and the marine life improves as you paddle past Bird Rock towards Little Fitzroy Island where coral gardens bloom wildly in the rich tropical currents.

For lofty sea views, climb Lighthouse Road through the rainforest to stand atop Fitzroy’s windy, granite summit (2