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Fitzroy Island
This ruggedly picturesque, heavily forested island is 94% national park, with vegetation ranging from rain forest to heath, and an extensive fringing coral reef. Only 6 km (4 mi) from Cairns (less than an hour's cruise), the 988-acre island, once connected to the mainland, was a hunting, gathering and ceremonial ground for the Gungandji people, who called it Kobaburra, before Cook re-named it in 1770. Today, it's popular with day-trippers, and houses a newly built resort and a water-sports hut. From June to August, manta rays and humpback whales swim around the island as part of their migratory route.
Fitzroy Island at a Glance
Elsewhere in North Coast Islands
Travel Deals in Great Barrier Reef
- $1398* -- Australia from L.A. w/New Zealand Stop (R/T w/Tax) Air New Zealand
- $1552 & up -- Australia 4-Night Trips w/Air, Save $250 United Vacations
- Australia Independent Journey IExplore
- $1398* -- Australia from L.A. w/New Zealand Stop (R/T w/Tax) — $1,398 Air New Zealand
* Some taxes, fees additional