Hiking to Fitzroy Island Summit

Hiking to the summit of Fitzroy Island was a highlight of our most recent trip to Far North Queensland.

Fitzroy island is off the coast of Tropical North Queensland and is accessible by a 45 minute ferry trip from Cairns. We used Fitzroy Island Adventures to get there and were super happy with their service.

Whilst this hike is epic, it is important to note that it is pretty steep, and only suitable to those with a moderate level of fitness or, in absence of that, a large amount of grit. There are plenty of shorter (and flatter) walks and hikes on Fitzroy Island, however for us, anything with 360 degree views always takes the cake.

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Fast Facts:

Distance: 4km Loop Trail
Elevation: 250m
Water: No, fill up before you head off at campground (there are also cold showers here!)
Toilets: ​No, hit the loo at the campground before heading up

We suggest having a moderate level of fitness due to the steepness of this track. Take water, and if necessary take breaks, the views along the way will give you a good excise to catch your breath if necessary!

Overview

The trail is a loop and accessible from two directions, one end starts at the campground and begins with a steep ascent of rocky stairs, whilst the other starts at the Lighthouse road with a turn off to the summit roughly 1.5km into the hike.

​Both options are steep! We hiked up the stairs from the campground and then down via the lighthouse road and felt that this optimised views for both on the ascent and descent, but being a loop trail, you'll get epic views either way.

Where to start:

The campground is located around 100m to the left of the wharf when you get off the ferry. From the campground there is a sign marked Summit Track​, as you may have guessed this is where you start (or end, depending on direction).

​Here you can fill up your water bottle, go to the loo or even sit down and have a snack at the picnic tables. 

Once you begin the trail is pretty self explanatory, you keep on climbing up the stairs until you reach the summit platform, enjoy the view, take a cheeky pic or 3 and then begin the descent. If you're lucky like we were you may get the trail almost completely to yourself!

The descent on the road is equally as steep as the stairs, so it's worth nothing that neither way is easier than the other.

Once you've finished your trail there are plenty of other things t do on the island. Snorkelling and checking out the beaches being high on the list of things we suggest. Nudey Beach is gorgeous, and the snorkelling is stunning if you time the tides right. 

Have fun!