Fitzroy Island

Welcome to Fitzroy Island, one of the most unspoiled destinations on the Great Barrier Reef, with 96% of the island protected and managed as a National Park and completely surrounded by the marine park.

Like a pearl in an oyster, the 48 North Beach Apartments are nestled between the island's rainforest covered mountains, the blue waters of the Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world - and only one hour from the Cairns International Airport.

The island and its transfer facilities are fully owned, operated and managed by Raging Thunder Adventures, who have a 22 year history of excellence in North Queensland. They pioneered White Water Rafting, Sea Kayaking and Ballooning tours in North Queensland to become Australia 's largest adventure tour company, carrying over 155,000 passengers each year.

Fitzroy Island was purchased in 2000, with the aim of allowing its passengers to extend their adventure experience onto the Great Barrier Reef. The complete redevelopment of the island accommodation and day guest facilities are the culmination of this project.

The dual key apartments are designed specifically to reflect the requirements of the rental holiday market currently utilizing Fitzroy. Quality accommodation with balconies opening onto north beach with the sound of waves gently breaking on the shore.

Imagine having the freedom of stepping out your front door, and diving right off the beach to explore the fringing coral reefs and marine life of Welcome Bay. This is what makes the North Beach apartments so very special. So forget sea change, try island change - don't miss the boat!

Geography and General Information:

Fitzroy Island is one of 600 "Continental" or "High" islands on the Great Barrier Reef. As Fitzroy Island used to be part of the mainland, the rocks are the same as on the mainland (granite). The reef surrounding Fitzroy Island is a "Fringing Reef". Fitzroy Island is located on the Inner Barrier of the Central Region of the Great Barrier Reef. It is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Fitzroy Island is actually part of the coastal mountain range of Malbon Thompson Mountain Range located behind Cairns (including Bellenden Ker, Mount Bartle Frere and Walshes Pyramid). Approximately 10,000 years ago, Fitzroy Island was connected to the mainland. When the Ice Age ended (approx. 8,000 years ago) the ice caps melted and the ocean rose an estimated 100 metres. The valley between Fitzroy and the other mountain peaks flooded. This left it an isolated island. The island you are visiting is actually the top of a submerged mountain. Most of the island's water comes from a natural freshwater spring originating in the Tablelands near Mareeba, and surfacing in the National Park bush behind the main complex.

Fitzroy Island is located approximately 35 kilometres (18 nautical miles) south east of Cairns.

Island Dimensions: Total Area..................................339 hectares (837.7 acres) National Park Area.....................324 hectares (796 acres) Approx. length ..........................3.2 km (2 miles) Approx. width ..........................1.6 km (1 mile) Max. Height above sea level.....269 m (882 feet) Circumference of island............8.5 km (5.3 miles)

Climate: Fitzroy Island enjoys the tropical climate of North Queensland - 60% of rainfall occurs during the wet season (January to March). Air temperatures range in summer from 24 - 31 degrees C and in winter from 19 - 25 degrees C.

Transfers:

45 minute transfer Cairns - Departs "Reef Fleet Terminal" Departs Cairns: 8.30am, 10.30am and 4.00pm Departs Fitzroy: 9.30am, 3.00pm and 5.00pm

PARTY BOAT: (Seasonal transfer) The Fitzroy Flyer departs from the new Reef Fleet Terminal opposite the Pier at either 4.00pm or 7.00pm. Return departure from Fitzroy at 1.00am.

Accommodations:

8 Beachcabins - Maximum Capacity 4 Facilities: 1 x Queen size bed. 1 x Bunkbeds Ensuite bathroom Fridge and coffee & tea making facilities Private balcony

4 Double Bunkhouses - Maximum Capacity 2 Facilities: 1 x Double bed Share facilities

28 Multi-Share Dormitory Style Bunkhouses - Maximum Capacity 4 Facilities: 2 x Single bunkbeds (Upper & Lower bunks) Share facilities