Location Coral Sea State Queensland Elevation 375 m | Highest elevation 375 m (1,230 ft) Area 3.33 km² | |
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LGA Cairns Regional Council Similar Green Island, Fitzroy Island National, Nudey Beach, Cape Tribulation - Queensland, Palm Cove - Queensland | ||
Fitzroy Island (originally Koba or Gabar) is a continental island out from Djujbirri (formally known as Cape Grafton), 29 km south-east of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It is a large tropical island, with a rainforest covering and its own fringe coral reef system. The island has a total area of 339 hectares (838 acres). The highest point of the island is 375 metres above sea level.
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Map of Fitzroy Island, QLD 4871, Australia
Fitzroy Island is a 45-minute ferry ride (about 30 km) from Cairns and is surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Nearly all of the continental island is protected within the Fitzroy Island National Park. It is covered in tropical rainforest. Four walking tracks have been established.
Climate
Fitzroy enjoys a typical North Queensland tropical climate but with the added advantage of the cooling effects of the prevailing southeasterly ocean breezes for the majority of the year. Temperatures range from 24 - 31 C (75 - 88 F) in summer and 19 - 25 C (66 - 77 F) in winter.
History
The island separated from the mainland about 8000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. There were Aboriginal visits, mainly for visiting hunting trips and recreation. Lieutenant James Cook named the island in 1770. The island was used for a considerable time as a significant Chinese quarantine station for the Queensland goldfields. Subsequently it was used as a mission school and during World War Two, as a coast watch station.
The island has also been important as a significant lighthouse base, with the last permanent lighthouse structures on the main island still being an important community attraction. Since its closure the marine community has been serviced with an automatic lighthouse based on the adjacent Little Fitzroy Island. There has been both a giant clam farm at Welcome Bay and now a tourist resort and day visitor centre.
Resort
The island is home to a 100-room resort. Property developer Doug Gamble bought and renovated the resort in 2010. The resort manages the camping area.