The Fitzroy Island summit walk is one of the top things to do whilst visiting. There are other great walks on Fitzroy – Whilst staying at the Fitzroy island resort we did all of the main walking tracks (The lighthouse, Nudey Beach, and the Summit walk). Whilst Nudey Beach is beautiful and you must see it whilst you are on the island, the views from the Summit were the best. It’s a steep climb, but it’s a well maintained track with steps cut into the path most of the way. Take your time and it’s well worth the effort! Our favourite walk whilst in Australia had to be the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island, but this one was definitely a highlight too.
The round trip is 2.9 KM (1.8 Miles)
Taking it at an enjoyable pace and leaving plenty of time for admiring the views we took 1 hour 50 minutes
The total climbing is 269 metres (882 feet). It’s steep in places but the path is well maintained with steps cut into it.
Accessing Fitzroy Island Summit Walk
There is a shortcut onto the path through the resort hotel block, or a slightly longer route through the campsite. Take a look at my GPS track below and you’ll see we accessed the path one way and back the other.
The path starts out in the rainforest before breaking out into a beautiful, boulder strewn landscape. As you approach the summit you’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the Coral Sea over several of the reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef in one direction, and back across towards Cairns on the mainland on the other.
Safety on the Fitzroy Island Summit Walk
Once out of the resort complex there are no facilities. Go well prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, and decent shoes. This is definitely not beach shoe territory! On the track you are on your own, so just take a few sensible precautions such as a fully charged phone with the number for the hotel, telling someone you are going, and allow plenty of time to return before dark.
The return route
From the summit either retrace the route back to the start, or continue on the same path down the other side of the island. This will lead you to the lighthouse and return to the resort on the lighthouse track. This is a road of sorts, very steep in places and no steps.
Fitzroy island is beautiful and if you are lucky enough to go then the Summit walk is a must do if you can. Don’t forget to take a tour of the turtle rehabilitation centre whilst you’re there and if like me you live in a built up area don’t forget to take time to look at the stars – see my post on how I photographed the milky way whilst I was there.