Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island rewards adventurers. Hike to Nudey Beach (45 minutes return; shoes essential) or tackle the steep 4km Lighthouse and Summit Walk for Coral Sea views. Learn about reef life at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (fitzroyisland.com/tours-day-trips/turtle-rehabilitation-tours; adult/child $20/12), at 2.15pm and 2.45pm Tuesday to Sunday, or help gather citizen-science data in the full-day Marine Conservation Program (fitzroyisland.com/marine-conservation-program; adult $199) – Mondays only. On Saturdays, kids can join the Junior Marine Biologist program (fitzroyisland.com/junior-marine-biologist; from $65); bookings essential. Hire snorkel gear or stay overnight in the resort (camping available) – once the last ferry leaves, the island is blissfully quiet.