Fitzroy Island Resort vs Green Island: Which Reef Island

Choosing between Fitzroy Island Resort and Green Island Resort for a Great Barrier Reef getaway from Cairns is a common dilemma. Fitzroy Island Resort, the sole accommodation on its island, offers 99 rooms and 20 campsites, making it a more budget-friendly base for active travelers (Frugal Frolicker). This article compares both resorts across key factors to help you decide which fits your trip better.

Last checked: 2026-08-10

Resort name: Fitzroy Island Resort · Island setting: Tropical paradise of rainforest and coral beaches · Distance from Cairns: 45 minutes by ferry · Marine park designation: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-08-10.

Sources reviewed: Official property website, review platforms (Tripadvisor, Booking.com), travel comparison articles (Frugal Frolicker, Cairns Discovery Tours, Londoner in Sydney, Travel2Next), social media (Facebook, YouTube).

No on-site visit, no staff interviews, no independent price verification beyond publicly listed rates.

Fitzroy Island Resort at a glance

1 Travel time from Cairns

45 minutes by ferry (Cairns Discovery Tours)

2 Island setting

Mountainous continental island with rainforest and coral beaches (Cairns Discovery Tours)

3 Accommodation options

99 rooms and 20 campsites (Frugal Frolicker)

4 Location

Within Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Cairns Discovery Tours)

Fact	Detail
Resort name	Fitzroy Island Resort
Island setting	Tropical paradise of rainforest and coral beaches
Distance from Cairns	45 minutes by ferry
Marine park designation	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Number of rooms	99
Campsites	20

What is special about Fitzroy Island?

Fitzroy Island is notable for its blend of rainforest and coral beaches. The island is a continental island, not a coral cay, which gives it a mountainous interior with a peak at 375 metres (Cairns Discovery Tours). This terrain allows for hiking trails that are rare on other Great Barrier Reef islands.

The island’s location within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park means visitors can snorkel directly from the beach. The resort itself is the only accommodation, so the island retains a natural, uncrowded feel.

“Fitzroy Island is a mountainous continental island with a peak at 375 metres.”
– Cairns Discovery Tours

Editor’s tip: The hike to the summit takes about 45 minutes each way and offers panoramic views of the reef and mainland.

The trade-off is that the island has less built infrastructure for day visitors compared to Green Island, so facilities are more spread out (Cairns Discovery Tours).

Is Fitzroy Island Resort good?

Guest reviews on Tripadvisor show a mixed picture. One reviewer in 2024 described the resort as a “mistake” due to poor room conditions (Tripadvisor). However, multiple reviews note that the resort offers a more relaxed, low-key atmosphere compared to Green Island. A 2023 review called it a “low-key Great Barrier Reef experience” (Tripadvisor).

Room quality

All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, private bathroom, fridge, and tea/coffee making facilities (according to the official site). The resort has 99 rooms, ranging from standard hotel rooms to suites. Some guests have reported that the rooms feel dated, while others find them comfortable for a base.

Overall guest experience

Beyond the rooms, the resort offers a beachside restaurant, a large pool, a swim-up bar, a dive shop, and an indoor cinema (Travel2Next). The campsite option is popular with budget travelers. The resort’s eco-friendly focus is mentioned in promotional materials, but independent reviews are mixed on service and food quality.

Note: A 2014 Tripadvisor review described the resort as a “cost-effective alternative for families who could not afford a second reef tour” (Tripadvisor).

Feature	Details
Total rooms	99
Campsites	20
Dining	Beachside restaurant, café
Pool	Large pool with swim-up bar
Activities	Snorkeling, hiking, dive shop, indoor cinema

What is better, Fitzroy Island or Green Island?

Both islands are within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and accessible by ferry from Cairns. But they offer very different experiences. The table below compares key features.

Feature	Fitzroy Island Resort	Green Island	Notes
Setting & atmosphere	Mountainous, wild, rainforest covered	Flat coral cay, more developed	Fitzroy is 28 times larger (Cairns Discovery Tours)
Access & ferry time	45 minutes	45 minutes	Both from Cairns
Accommodation options	99 rooms + 20 campsites	46 rooms (4.5-star eco resort)	Fitzroy more budget-friendly (Frugal Frolicker)
Dining & food	Beachside restaurant, café, swim-up bar	Restaurant, bar, café	Green Island has more formal dining
Activities (snorkeling, hiking)	Hiking trails, beach snorkeling, dive shop	Beach snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, limited hiking	Fitzroy better for hiking (Cairns Discovery Tours)
Suitability for families	Good for active families, space to explore	Better for families with young children, flat terrain	Green Island easier for nervous swimmers (Cairns Discovery Tours)
Crocodile safety	No crocodiles reported, but standard marine cautions	No crocodiles, protected reef	Both are generally safe
Alcohol policy	Alcohol available at resort bars	Alcohol available at resort bars	Both allow alcohol

Comparison of activities

Fitzroy Island offers more walking tracks and a wilder island feel. The summit hike is a highlight. Green Island, being a flat coral cay, can be looped in about 20 minutes (Cairns Discovery Tours). Snorkeling is available on both, but Green Island has a dedicated snorkeling lagoon that some reviewers found limited (Londoner in Sydney).

“Green Island is a tiny, flat coral cay you can loop in 20 minutes.”
– Cairns Discovery Tours

Accessibility

Both islands have ferry services from Cairns. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes for both. Green Island’s flat terrain makes it easier for less mobile travelers or families with pushchairs. Fitzroy Island’s terrain is more uneven, with steps and slopes.

Atmosphere

Fitzroy Island is described as more relaxed and nature-oriented. Green Island is more developed, with a resort that feels more upscale and private in the evenings (Tripadvisor Forums).

Warning: One traveler reported that Green Island had limited snorkeling space and that half of the facilities were closed during a Covid-era visit (Londoner in Sydney). Always check current conditions.

Best for different traveler types

Families: Green Island is better for families with young children due to flat terrain and shallow snorkeling. Fitzroy Island suits families with older kids who want hiking and space.
Couples: Fitzroy Island offers a more relaxed, romantic setting with hiking and beach time. Green Island is more upscale and private.
Friends / Groups: Fitzroy Island’s range of activities (hiking, snorkeling, dive shop, indoor cinema) makes it a better choice for groups.

Alternative islands in the set include the outer reef pontoons and other continental islands, but Fitzroy and Green are the most popular day-trip and overnight options from Cairns.

The bottom line: Alternative islands in the set include the outer reef pontoons and other continental islands, but Fitzroy and Green are the most popular day-trip and overnight options from Cairns.

Is Fitzroy Island worth going to?

The answer depends on what you want from a reef trip. If you value hiking, a wilder landscape, and a more budget-friendly stay, Fitzroy Island is a strong choice. If you prefer a compact, flat island with more resort-style amenities, Green Island may be better.

Cost vs experience

Day trips to Fitzroy Island start from around A$105 per adult, while Green Island day trips start from around A$122 per adult (2026 data from Cairns Discovery Tours). Package upgrades on Fitzroy start from around A$166, compared to A$300 on Green Island. This makes Fitzroy the more affordable option for many travelers.

“Fitzroy Island accommodation is more budget-friendly, while Green Island accommodation is a 4.5-star resort experience.”
– Frugal Frolicker

Day trip vs overnight

Both islands are feasible as day trips. A sample one-day itinerary for Fitzroy Island: ferry from Cairns at 9:00 AM, arrive 9:45, snorkel at Welcome Bay, hike to the summit (allow 2 hours), lunch at the beachside restaurant, swim in the pool, and return ferry at 4:00 PM. Overnight guests can enjoy sunset walks, the indoor cinema, and a quieter island after day visitors leave.

Pro tip: If you want to avoid the day-trip crowd, book an overnight stay. The island empties out after 4 PM.

Location-wise, the resort is on the western side of the island, a short walk from the ferry jetty. The island is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so all visitors pay a marine park fee (included in ferry tickets).

Our pick: Fitzroy Island Resort for active travelers; Green Island Resort for luxury seekers

For first-time visitors to Cairns who want a relaxed island day trip with the option to hike, Fitzroy Island Resort offers better value and more activities. Couples and families with older children will appreciate the space and natural setting. If you prioritize a premium, compact resort experience with easy access to snorkeling, Green Island Resort is the better choice. We recommend booking directly through the official resort websites or reputable ferry operators for the best rates.

Frequently asked questions

Is there food available on Fitzroy Island?

Yes, the resort has a beachside restaurant and a café. Day visitors can purchase meals and snacks. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu featuring seafood, burgers, and salads.

Do you get crocodiles on Fitzroy Island?

No crocodiles have been reported on Fitzroy Island. The island is a continental island surrounded by reef, which limits crocodile habitat. Standard marine safety precautions apply.

Can you drink alcohol on Fitzroy Island?

Yes, the resort has a bar and a swim-up bar. Alcohol is available for purchase. There is no restriction on bringing your own alcohol, but the resort encourages guests to use its facilities.

How do I get to Fitzroy Island Resort?

Ferries depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. The journey takes 45 minutes. Several ferry operators offer daily services, including Fitzroy Island Fast Cat and others. Check the official resort website for schedules.

What is the Fitzroy Island Resort phone number?

We do not list the phone number here. Contact the resort through its official website for the most current contact details.

Is there a day pass for Fitzroy Island Resort?

Yes, day passes are available. They typically include ferry return and access to the island’s facilities. Prices start from around A$105 per adult. Package upgrades include snorkel gear, meals, or glass-bottom boat tours.

Are there crocodiles around Fitzroy Island?

Crocodiles are not a known concern on Fitzroy Island. The reef environment and clear waters discourage them. Always check local safety advice.