Escape to Paradise: Fitzroy Island Resort, Cairns - Your Aussie Dream Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Fitzroy Island Resort, Cairns - Your Aussie Dream Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Fitzroy Island Resort - My Aussie Dream…Almost! (A Review That's a Bit of a Mess, But Hey, So Am I!)
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Right, so I've just gotten back from what's supposed to be paradise. Fitzroy Island Resort. "Your Aussie Dream Awaits!" it screams from the website. Well, let's just say my Aussie dream had a few, shall we say, quirks involved. Prepare for a review that's less polished brochure and more… well, me. (And I’m a work in progress, folks!)
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (Like My Luggage After a Tropical Storm):
Okay, first, the basics. The resort does tout itself as accessible. Here’s the thing though, there’s "accessible" and then there's "really accessible." The main areas, the restaurant, and a good chunk of the common spaces are wheelchair-friendly. That's a HUGE plus. The elevator works – a lifesaver when you’re dealing with my dodgy knees. (Did I mention I sprained it on the ferry? Another story for another day…)
However, getting around everywhere else, can be a trial. Some pathways were a tad… hilly. And let's be honest, the beach access? Not exactly a smooth roll onto the sand. I did see people struggling and wishing they brought their own wheels. So, accessibility? Partially delivered. Room for improvement, definitely.
Rooms – Comfy, But Not All That…Unique:
The room itself? Okay, it was a decent size, the bed was comfy (thank goodness!), and the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping off the jet lag. They had the essentials: Air conditioning (essential!), coffee/tea maker (double essential!), and a fridge to keep the G&Ts chilled. (Priorities, people!) The free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver, especially since my data roaming was a disaster. But the decor? It wasn’t exactly bursting with personality. A bit bland. Functional, but I felt like I was staying in a slightly above-average motel, not a tropical island paradise. Hey, at least the shower worked…mostly!
Internet – Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Speaking of Wi-Fi, the "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is a major win. No grumpy teenagers (or adults) huddled around the lobby desperately trying to connect. The speed? Not lightning-fast, but good enough to upload my slightly blurry Insta pics and annoy my friends with tales of tropical bliss.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food (Mostly):
Alright, let’s talk about the most important aspect of any holiday: the food! The Restaurants offered up a good variety. The Buffet in restaurant was decent for breakfast, full of bacon and scrambled eggs and all the usual suspects. I loved the Asian breakfast options – a nice little something to kick off the day. I'm a sucker for Asian cuisine in general, and it did not disappoint, the flavor was divine and I got seconds, of course.
The Poolside bar was a major highlight. Cocktails with little umbrellas? Yes, please! The Happy hour was, well, happy! (Especially after the aforementioned sprained ankle incident.) I could sit there for hours sipping on a beer, watching the sunset over the water, but I had to take it easy. The Bottle of Water was a welcome touch, too, especially after a day of snorkeling.
One afternoon, I had the most amazing Salad in restaurant--crisp lettuce, fresh avocado, and grilled prawns, all drizzled with a tangy dressing. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Then there was the time the waiter totally forgot my order. But hey, nobody's perfect, right? (Except that salad. It was perfect.)
Things to Do – Paradise Playtime! (And the Occasional Panic):
Okay, here's where Fitzroy Island truly shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, with the view of the ocean. The Pool with view was like a postcard and I spent hours just floating.
There are tons of activities. The snorkeling and diving are legendary. I even braved a glass-bottom boat tour, thanks to the aforementioned ankle! The Spa was delightful, especially the Sauna. I almost didn't want to leave! They had Body scrubs and Body wraps, and the Foot bath was divine.
The Fitness center was a bit… well-equipped. There was a Gym/fitness, but with all the outdoor fun, I barely had the time, but all of it was there in the resort.
The Kids facilities seemed great. There was a whole area dedicated to the little ones.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe-ish:
I have to give them props for their COVID-19 protocols. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. The staff were masked and the Staff trained in safety protocol. I didn't have the room, but the Room sanitization opt-out available was nice so that I could enjoy my space undisturbed.
Services and Conveniences – Where They Shine:
The Daily housekeeping was efficient. The Concierge was helpful navigating the tours and even helped me get a doctor when my ankle started throbbing. The Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange were convenient, too. The Gift/souvenir shop was well stocked, perfect for last-minute presents.
Getting Around – Options Galore (Again, Mostly):
The Airport transfer was smooth. There was a Car park [free of charge]. The Taxi service wasn't overly complicated.
The Annoying Bits (Because, You Know, Life):
- The "Luxury" Factor: It was a bit pricey. I'm not saying I expected gold-plated taps, but for the price tag, the rooms could have had a bit more pizzazz.
- The Bugs: They're on a tropical island, what do you expect? Bring bug spray. Seriously.
- The Staff: For the most part, the staff were great, but there were a few moments where service felt a little… rushed. And sometimes, they just didn't hear my requests, which was a bit frustrating.
Final Verdict – Worth It?
Overall, Fitzroy Island Resort is a solid choice for a Cairns getaway, especially for families. The location is stunning, the activities are plentiful, and the Wi-Fi is reliable. The accessibility is improving, but there is still room for improvement. Is it the actual "Aussie Dream?" Maybe not. But it was a damn good escape, and I came back with a tan, a few new memories, and a slightly mangled ankle. (Hey, at least it makes for a good story, right?) I'd go back. Just maybe, with a different pair of shoes.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (with the potential to improve).
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is my Fitzroy Island adventure, warts and all, and trust me, there's going to be a few metaphorical (and potentially actual) sunburns along the way.
Fitzroy Island: A Messy, Glorious Mess
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Snorkel Disaster (aka, My Face Ate the Coral)
Morning (7:00 AM): Cairns check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, then grab a coffee. Why does everything taste better on vacation? It’s probably all the excitement, a little bit of adrenaline, probably. I am buzzing! Ferry to Fitzroy Island! I am ready to be one with nature, or at least, slightly acquainted.
Morning (8:30 AM): Ferry to Fitzroy. The sea air! The smell of sunscreen! The absolute chaos of everyone trying to find a seat. Found a spot on the deck - slightly exposed to the sun, but I embrace the risk!
Late Morning (9:30 AM): Arrived on the island. Whoa. Turquoise water. White sand. Instagram fodder galore. Checking in was a breeze. That feeling of shedding all responsibilities is instant. A bit of a happy sigh and I am off to my room, or should I say, cabin!
- Cabin Debrief: Omg, so cute! A little beach shack overlooking… well, a bunch of trees, but trees with bird noises! The air smells salty and… jungle-y? Okay, I am loving this. unpacked, grabbed my snorkel. Time for some underwater exploration!
Late Morning - Early Afternoon (11:00 AM): Snorkelling at Welcome Bay. This is where things got… interesting. Remember that "one with nature" thing? Yeah, my face and the coral didn't exactly see eye to eye. I swear, I only went in for five whole minutes before the chaos! Scratched my face, swallowed half the Pacific, briefly panicked that I'd become a mermaid (that's not the good kind), and then staggered back to the beach, defeated but alive. Lesson learned: waterproof sunscreen and invest in a decent snorkel.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, so maybe I’m not Ariel. Humbling.
- Quirky Observation: Is it just me, or do all snorkel masks fog up the second you get in the water? That's the real conspiracy.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, so maybe I’m not Ariel. Humbling.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at Foxy’s Bar & Grill. Burger. Beer. Needed the fuel after my aquatic humiliation. The burger was decent, but the beer? Victory. Also, great view of the pristine beach. I watched the fish that I failed to befriend earlier swim by.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Recovery time. A proper dose of relaxation. This is what vacations are for!
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Beach time. The sun. The sand. The gentle lapping of waves… this is what I needed. * Rambles: I spent so much time on the beach. It was the single best thing I did all day. Just sitting and staring out at the ocean gave me such peace. I felt my shoulders relax, the muscles in my face un-tense and I felt such peace as I listened to the waves. I just wanted to stay here forever.
Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant. Ate fresh seafood, drank cocktails that were way too strong, and watched the sunset paint the sky in colours that even the most pretentious artist couldn't dream up. Pure magic. * Opinionated Language: Okay, the food was expensive, but the view was truly worth it. * Emotional Reaction: I miss this place already.
Day 2: Hiking, Turtle Trauma, and a Sundowner Surprise
- Morning (6:00 AM): Woke up early. Sunrise hike to the lighthouse. That view! Totally worth the sweat. Actually, scratch that, the sweat was a lot. Those steps are no joke!
- Quirky Observation: Apparently, I am not as fit as I thought I was.
- Late Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, the most important meal, especially after a strenuous hike.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM): Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Okay, this was unexpectedly emotional. Seeing those little guys get nursed back to health? Absolutely heartbreaking in the best way possible. The staff is wonderful.
- Doubling Down on an Experience: I went back to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre later that day. I needed to see the turtles again. I kept wondering how they were all doing. It feels good to do something good for the world, and it’s good to be kind to the planet.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Snorkelling Round 2! This time, armed with better gear and a healthy dose of caution. Much better. I even saw a turtle! (From a safe distance, I promise).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Kayaking. I was thinking about my mom as I paddled around. She would have loved this. I thought about her smiling face. Tears formed in my eyes as the sun beat down on my back. I shook it off and had fun.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Beach relaxation and writing. After all the kayaking, the beach was a perfect place to relax.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sundowners! The resort had a drinks cart out on the beach. I got a wine and watched the sun go down. It was perfect.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant. Ate fresh seafood, drank cocktails that were way too strong, and watched the sunset paint the sky in colours that even the most pretentious artist couldn't dream up. Pure magic.
Day 3: Farewell Paradise (and a Promise to Return!)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Sad. Going home soon.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last swim in the ocean. Just one more moment. One last, glorious moment.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Checked out, checked out, checked out!
- Morning (11:00 AM): Ferry back to Cairns. Feeling incredibly sad. I never wanted to leave.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m already planning my return. Fitzroy, you’ve captured my heart (and a small piece of my face) forever.
- Messier Structure: Okay, the ferry ride was a bit rough. I got a bit seasick and spent the remainder of the trip staring out at the waves, contemplating the vastness of the sea and the brevity of my vacation.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Arriving in Cairns. Still sad.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Going home. Already booking round 2!
So, there you have it. My Fitzroy Island escapade. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It involved a lot of saltwater, a few tears, and a whole lot of pure, unadulterated joy. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to start planning my next adventure!
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Escape to Paradise: Fitzroy Island Resort - FAQs (with a Heaping Dose of Reality!)
Okay, so Fitzroy Island... is it *actually* paradise? Or just, you know, *nice*?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where things get real. Forget the filter – Fitzroy Island? It *mostly* lives up to the hype. Picture this: white sand so soft it feels like you're walking on powdered sugar (seriously, I spent a solid hour just squishing it between my toes the first day – judge all you want!). The water? Crystal freakin' clear. You can see the coral, the fish, the tiny crabs scurrying along the bottom... it's like someone hit the "vibrant aquarium" button on life.
But here's the *unfiltered* truth, and this is important, okay? It's not a perfect, airbrushed Disney version of paradise. Sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, the wind picks up a bit. It can get a bit crowded on specific parts. And the internet? Let's just say you'll be embracing the "digital detox" whether you want to or not. But honestly? You'll forget all about it when you're snorkeling with a turtle that's casually munching on seaweed a few feet away. That's the kind of thing that makes you go "WHOA." (I still get goosebumps thinking about it.)
What's the deal with getting there? Ferry, helicopter... what are my options (and which one is the BEST)???
Ferry, ferry, ferry! Unless you're a baller and fancy a helicopter ride, the ferry's your go-to. It's perfectly fine. Think of it as the pre-game of paradise. You're chilling, the sun is on your face, the air smells like the ocean, and you're slowly leaving the mainland behind. About 45 minutes, you'll get there.
Now, I have to be honest... the first time I did the ferry, I was a *little* seasick. Okay, maybe more than a little. I blamed the guy next to me who ate a whole, entire, giant burrito on the trip, and I couldn't stop staring at it. If you're prone to motion sickness, pop some Gravol or whatever you use before you leave. Trust me. You'll thank me later. Also, try and sit outside. Fresh air is your friend.
Accommodation: What's the vibe like at the resort? Are the rooms decent? Do they have aircon, at least?!
Okay, let's talk rooms. Yep, they have aircon (phew!). Thank goodness! After a day of sun, sand, and swimming, you NEED that cool blast, I tell ya.
The vibe? It's got that relaxed, Aussie charm thing going on. Think beachy, casual, and comfortable. The bungalows are lovely, I was in a cabin. Simple, clean, and the best part? You're steps away from the beach! I had some amazing sunsets from my room – the colors were unreal. The shower was a little... unpredictable. Sometimes hot, sometimes lukewarm. It's an island thing, I guess. But hey, after a day of swimming, you'll be happy with just about anything. My advice is to pack some earplugs because the bar can be a bit noisy at night. But really, embrace the island life, you'll sleep like a baby.
Food & Drink: Is it expensive on Fitzroy, or are there options that won't break the bank? What about the cocktails?
Let's be real, island life often means island prices. Yes, things are a *little* pricier than on the mainland. But... you're in paradise, so you're probably gonna have to stretch you wallet a bit. The restaurant at the resort is good, and the cocktails are pretty fantastic (though my bank account definitely felt it after a few days).
My pro tip: pack some snacks! Crackers, fruit, whatever. Helps cut down on the snacking impulse buys at the shop, which can get pricey. Honestly, with the view in front of you, a simple sandwich tastes like a gourmet meal. The cocktails? Worth every penny. Trust me on that one. Sunset, cocktail, toes in the sand... pure bliss! There's a bit of a queue for them sometimes, because everyone wants one at sunset, so plan accordingly.
Activities: What's there to DO besides, you know, existing and looking beautiful?
Okay, here's where Fitzroy really shines. Snorkeling is an absolute MUST. The coral reef is stunning, and the fish are just incredible. I had a massive, "OMG, did I just see that?" moment when a sea turtle swam right past me. I swear, I could have reached out and touched it (but I didn't, because, you know, leave no trace!). Then there's hiking the island. You can wander all through the trail, taking in nature and the views. The views are actually breathtaking, and it's worth it.
You can hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and all the usual water-based fun. Plus, there's Nudey Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand that's perfect for relaxing. Just be prepared for the rocks getting into the water! It's not all smooth sailing, people! I'm a clumsy person, and I nearly stacked it on a rock and looked like a beached whale. Not my finest moment. But the view made up for it. Plus, there's a turtle rescue centre on the island, which is incredible.
Is it good for families? What about solo travelers?
Families? Absolutely. There's plenty to keep kids entertained – the beach, snorkeling, the turtle rescue. It's a safe and beautiful environment. Solo travelers? YES! It's such a chilled out place, you can't help but unwind. I went solo and met the most amazing people. I was sitting at the bar one afternoon and the bartender asked me if I was alone. I said "yes," and he just looked at me and said "don't worry, nobody is alone at this bar, mate." A true island philosophy. It's a place where you can easily strike up a conversation, or just chill and do your own thing.
What's the best time of year to go?
Shoulder seasons are usually the best – late spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May). You'll get sunshine without the scorching summer heat and the crowds. Wet season (December-February) can be beautiful, but you might get some rain. And remember, it's Tropical North Queensland, so the weather can be a bit unpredictable!
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