Fitzroy Island Ferry | Wheelchair Accessible
The Fitzroy Island Ferry departs from Cairns 3 times each day, with a 45-minute trip to Welcome Bay on Fitzroy Island. The ferry is a 190-seat, air-conditioned catamaran.
Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Departs Cairns Marina | 8am, 11am*, and 1:30pm
Departs Fitzroy | 9:30am, 12:15pm*, and 5pm.
* Please note the midday transfers do not operate during February and March.
Pre-booking is required. Please don’t arrive without a booking.
Fitzroy Island Ferry (Fitzroy Flyer) Accessibility Information:
- The Fitzroy Flyer is equipped with ramps for easy boarding. However, some mobility is needed as the gangways smallest width measurement is 790mm, which may not accommodate wheelchairs wider than this.
- It is recommended that they should be able to walk a short distance or have a carer to assist them to negotiate a few steps.
Fitzroy Island Check-In Location:
Please proceed directly to the Fitzroy Flyer for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
From the Reef Fleet Terminal, walk along Marlin Wharf's "A Finger" and take a left at the end; you’ll see the Flyer departing halfway down on your right at Berth 20.
Distance to Marlin Marina:
15 minutes by car from Cairns airport
Up to 25 minutes walk from Cairns Esplanade hotels
Up to 15 minutes walk from Cairns city hotels
30 minutes' drive from Palm Cove
60 minutes' drive from Port Douglas
Parking:
350m: The closest car park is at the Pier next to the Reef Fleet Terminal. There is both outdoor and underground parking. Expect to pay $2 an hour.
650m: The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park offers all-day parking for $12 per day.
850m: Hartley Street Car Park located at 2-18 Hartley Street, Cairns offers all-day parking for $7 a day.
850m: There is a outdoor car park on the corner of Wharf and Lake street. The boom gate entrance is located on the Lake Street side. $5 per day.
I would recommend either the Pier Car park or the Cairns Cruise Liner Car park for wheelchair users.
The Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park requires no road crossings if you walk along the pier.
There is a drop off zone outside of the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Activities on Fitzroy Island:
There is something for everyone at Fitzroy Island. There is various activities available to be booked from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub ( F.I.S.H) or, for something more laid back, relax on the beach or swim. There are also free self-guided walks through the rainforest, including a route to the Summit Lighthouse.
Fish feeding happens at the Jetty daily at 11:30am and 4:00pm.
Transfers for Resort Guests:
Return transfers can be booked for Fitzroy Island Resort guests. The booking form shows the last seat availability.
Resort Check-In & Check-Out:
Check-in is at 3:00pm, with towels and changing facilities available for early arrivals. Check-out is at 10:00am, and bag storage is available for guests departing on the last ferry.
Fitzroy Island Sports Hub (Additional Cost) :
Open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm, the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub (FISH) offers various equipment for hire, including masks, snorkels, fins, stinger suits and flotation vests.
A security deposit is required.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Talks (Additional Cost) :
Daily talks are held at 1pm, 1:45pm, and 2:30pm. Each session lasts 30 minutes and provides a chance to learn about and meet sea turtles.
Sunday Junior Marine Biologist Program (Additional Cost) :
A hands-on activity for children every Sunday from 9am to 12pm. It includes lunch and a certificate.
Guided Snorkel Tours (Additional Cost) :
Held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10am, lasting for one hour. Snorkel gear is included.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours (Additional Cost) :
Held daily at 9:30am and 3pm, with each tour lasting 1 hour.
Snorkel Safari (Additional Cost) :
Daily snorkel tours at 1:30pm, lasting 90 minutes, exploring the beautiful fringing reefs around Fitzroy Island.
Companion Card Accepted: Instructions to add companion supplied with confirmation.
Check-in opens 1 hour prior to departure at the Fitzroy Island Resort Booking Centre Shop 2/1 Spence Street, its attached to the Reef Fleet Terminal building and located between the Calypso Camera Hire Shop and Tropical Aspect Souvenir shop.
Boarding closes 15 mins prior to departure.
Please make sure you allow yourself at least 15 minutes after check in to walk up Marlin Wharf A finger. The Flyer is located at Berth 20.
