🔍

Fitzroy Island

QLD 4871 • Queensland

85
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
3.28 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideTourist HubBushlandResort Town

About Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a continental island locality located approximately 29 kilometres south-east of Cairns in Far North Queensland, within the Cairns Regional Council area. The island covers just 3.3 square kilometres and nearly all of it is protected as Fitzroy Island National Park, forming part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. With a permanent 2021 Census population of 85 residents — primarily resort and park staff — the island is a unique locality unlike any other in Queensland.

Fitzroy Island is celebrated for its spectacular natural environment, featuring granite outcrops, tropical rainforest, open woodlands, mangroves, and fringing coral reef accessible directly from the beach. Nudey Beach, voted one of Australia's best beaches, offers outstanding snorkelling from the shore, while four walking tracks wind through the island's national park, including the Summit Walk with panoramic views toward the Great Barrier Reef. The Fitzroy Island Resort provides the island's main accommodation and dining, and multiple daily ferry services from Cairns' Reef Fleet Terminal make it a popular day trip destination. For permanent residents, life on the island revolves around the natural environment, tourism, and close community ties in one of Australia's most extraordinary settings.

Fitzroy Island falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3.28 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Ferry services (Fitzroy Island Flyer) — Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 45 min by high-speed catamaran

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
29 km
By Train
No rail service; ferry only
By Car (Peak)
N/A (island accessible by ferry only)
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A (island accessible by ferry only)

🛣️ Multiple daily ferry departures from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal; 45-minute crossing; no road access to island

Walkability Car-Dependent

The island is small and walkable within the resort area, but all access to the mainland and services requires the daily ferry service

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
85
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fitzroy Island known for? +

Fitzroy Island is known for its spectacular natural environment as part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, including Nudey Beach — one of Australia's most celebrated beaches — fringing coral reefs for snorkelling, tropical rainforest, and four national park walking tracks.

How far is Fitzroy Island from Cairns? +

Fitzroy Island is approximately 29 kilometres south-east of Cairns, with a daily high-speed ferry service making the crossing in around 45 minutes from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.

Does Fitzroy Island have public transport? +

Fitzroy Island is accessible only by ferry; there is no road or rail connection to the mainland. Multiple daily ferry departures operate from Cairns, and the island itself is small enough to explore entirely on foot.

What is the population of Fitzroy Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Fitzroy Island has a permanent population of 85 residents, mostly comprising resort and national park staff who live on the island full-time.

Is Fitzroy Island a good place to live? +

Fitzroy Island offers an extraordinarily unique lifestyle surrounded by a pristine national park and the Great Barrier Reef. It suits those working in tourism or conservation who are comfortable with island living, daily ferry reliance, and a small, close-knit community far from urban conveniences.

What is the postcode for Fitzroy Island? +

The postcode for Fitzroy Island, Queensland is 4871, shared with Cairns and other localities in the Far North Queensland region.