Tucked away on the other side of Cape Grafton from Cairns is beautiful Fitzroy island. Snorkelling is the primary reason visitors come to Fitzroy Island. Hiking is the next popular activity on the island. Hiking is a great way to explore the island and enjoy some panoramic views from the summit. There are some great walking tracks to explore on Fitzroy Island. Read on to find detailed information on the best Fitzroy Island walks.

“hiking is the second most popular thing to do on fitzroy island.”

Best Fitzroy Island Walks

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Fitzroy Island has a large national park with four distinct walking tracks. These tracks provide visitors with the opportunity to explore a range of vegetation communities and scenic landscapes across the island. 

These short-to-medium-distance walks around the island range from 45 minutes to 3 hours, which is why an overnight stay is recommended. 

Walks on the North side of Fitzroy Island

The most popular (and longest) walks on Fitzroy Island are the Lighthouse Walk and the Summit Walk. Both are located on the north side of the island. It is possible to combine these walks into one long loop walk. 

Walks on the South side of Fitzroy Island

Located on the south end of the resort are two short walks – the Secret Garden Walk and Nudey Beach Walk – each of about 45 minutes duration (return). 

Fitzroy Island Walking Map

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1. Fitzroy Island Lighthouse Walk 

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Distance: 3.6km return
Time: allow 2hrs walking time
Grade: Difficult

The walk to the lighthouse on the north-east end of the camping area is about 3.6 km return along a very steep service road (concrete wheel tracks) and takes a little over a couple of hours. The grade is moderate to very steep and traverses rainforest, eucalypt woodland and finally an open heath with boulders, views and often a breeze. 

A lookout on the windy north side of the island offers views of Green Island on a clear day. From the lighthouse, spectacular views of the ocean and, in winter, an occasional migrating humpback whale make this challenging walk well worth the effort. 

Walkers can return the way they came or via the Summit track (see below).

2. Fitzroy Island Summit Hike

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Distance: 4km return (including section of the Lighthouse Road)
Time: allow 3hrs walking time
Grade: Difficult

Follow the Lighthouse Road (as above) for 1.2km to the signposted Summit track trail head on the right. The boulder-strewn track climbs for 600m through woodland and the remains of wartime facilities to the summit, the highest point on the island (270 m). 

At the summit slabs of granite and windswept casuarina trees frame magnificent views over the island, surrounding reefs and mainland. On a clear day the 360 degree view will take the remains of your breath away.

From the summit, the track descends for 2.2km through woodland and open heathland with magnificent views of the island and mainland. The track exists near the camping area. 

If you are intending to do this walk, ensure you have brought good walking boots and refreshments. The track is steep and rough with many steps and should only be undertaken by fit and healthy walkers. Take care on some of the precarious vantage points.

The trail can be walked in either direction. However, up the road and down the trail is my favourite direction. You get to enjoy the spectacular views on the steep walk down. 

Allow at least 2 hours for the return walk via the lighthouse road. 

Tips

• Consider walking up before dawn for a great sunrise.
• Photographers note – bring a polarising filter for your wide-angle lens!

3. Secret Garden Walk

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Distance: 700 metres return
Time: allow 25mins walking time
Grade: Moderate

A short walk along a rocky track from the western edge of the resort follows the creek line through a quiet and sheltered rainforest valley and around huge granite boulders. 

A series of signs and a viewing platform overlooking a seasonal creek provide insight to the secrets of the rainforest animals and plants.

4. Nudey Beach Walk

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Distance: 1.2km return
Time: allow 45mins walking time
Grade: Moderate

This walk starts at the western edge of the resort and winds through rainforest and coastal woodlands to the picturesque but inaccurately named Nudey Beach. You can’t go to Fitzroy Island and not go to Nudey Beach. 

The beach is sheltered from most prevailing winds, has a steep and sandy beach as well as a good offshore reef ideal for snorkelling at low tide. 

The track is predominantly bitumen with steep stone steps and boulders in some sections. Some walkers may find these difficult to cross.

Allow anywhere between an hour and a full day. 

In Conclusion

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While I enjoyed all four Fitzroy Island walks, the Fitzroy Island summit hike was my favourite. It’s the longest and the steepest hike on the island; however, the panoramic views along the way and at the summit more than make up for the challenging hike. It’s a great way to explore the island and get a bird’s eye view of the island. 

I love to hear from my readers. Have you completed any of the Fitzroy Island walks mentioned here? Which hike is your favourite?. Leave your comments below.