Fitzroy Island National Park

Infobox_protected_area_of_Australia | name = Fitzroy Island National Park
iucn_category = II

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caption =
locator_x = 225
locator_y = 44
nearest_town_or_city = Cairns
coordinates = coord|16|55|48|S|145|59|32|E|type:landmark_region:AU
area = 2.89 km²
established = 1939
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
managing_authorities = Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
official_site = [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=205 Fitzroy Island National Park]

Fitzroy Island National Park is a gazetted protected area covering Koba/ Gabar (officially named Fitzroy Island) a continental island located 22 kilometres east of Cairns, Queensland (Australia). [ [http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/property/placenames/detail.php?id=12563 Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water Placenames Database.] Accessed 16 November 2007

The Aboriginal people particularly connected to this Island are the "Kobaburra" (or alternatively "Gaba:ra" [BOTTOMS, T (1992) The Bama People of the Rainforest: Aboriginal-European relations in the Cairns Rainforest Region up to 1876. Gadja Enterprises. Cairns.] ) from within the "Gungganyji" language group [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/fitzroy_island_national_park Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Page on Fiztroy Island] Accessed 16 November] .

As a Queensland National Park the natural and cultural resources of the Island itself (down to high tide) are protected by law ("Nature Conservation Act" 1994)and much of the island is therefore off-limits to visitors. Most visitors remain on the sheltered western side of the island, where the jetty, resort and best snorkelling can be found.

The island

on its shore.

, and, more recently, a tourist resort.

The Island has also been home to lighthouses warning ships in the Grafton Passage of the reefs around the island, and a small automatic light on Little Fitzroy Island, just off the north-east point, still serves this purpose. An inactive lighthouse sits on the point above, and is part of the circuit trail that is open to tourists.

The isolation of Fitzroy has resulted in a unique habitat, with few large mammals. The dominant predators on the island are reptiles; particularly pythons, tree snakes (brown and green), monitor lizards and the Major's skink. The latter of these is particularly common and will be seen frequently as a tourist wanders around the trails. There are no venomous snakes on the island, but care should be taken if you encounter a snake anyway as pythons can deliver a nasty bite that can become infected.

Walking trails

There is an excellent walking track that takes in the northern end of the island, the lighthouse on the north-west point which overlooks Little Fitzroy Island, and the island's peak, which offers stunning 360 degree views over the surrounding reefs and Cape Grafton. The hike is very steep so it is advisable to bring water and take many breaks along the 2 kilometer path. However the view from the top is a spectacular reward and on a clear day it is possible to make out the Frankland Islands to the south. The trail then drops back down to the resort. Pay attention to the changing habitat as you descend from the wind-blown summit to the protected rainforests around the resort.

"The Secret Garden" walk starts near the southern end of the resort, and heads inland up a small creek. It's an easy walk for almost anyone, and takes you into some pleasant rainforest areas.

"Nudey Beach" can be accessed by heading along the trail at the southern end of the resort, just past the Secret Garden walk. It's not a difficult walk, but does involve a few minor climbs. The trail takes you along the edge of the island through rainforest, with occasional glimpses out to Cape Grafton, and then descends to Nudey Beach. It was once a nude bathing beach, but you rarely see this any more. It's a good swimming beach, with some coral available for snorkellers.

norkelling

s regularly frequent the bay.

It is unlikely that box jellyfish would be encountered at Fitzroy Island due to the 4km passage between the island and the mainland, but they have been found there on occasionally. Swimmers should be mindful of the threat during the November to May stinger season. Other stinging jellyfish may also be encountered.

The resort

Fitzroy Island Resort can be found on Welcome Bay. It is currently (February 2007) undergoing substantial renovations, with the addition of apartment style accommodation and an overhaul of the beach-shacks and backpacker accommodation. Day facilities are open during the renovations, with food and drinks available.

Getting there

Fitzroy Island is serviced by the [http://www.huntgroup.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=123 Fitzroy Flyer] , a power catamaran operating out of the Marlin Marina in Cairns.

ee also

* Protected areas of Queensland (Australia)
* Great Barrier Reef

External links

* [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/fitzroy_island_national_park Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Page on Fiztroy Island] Accessed 16 November 2007
* [http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/property/placenames/detail.php?id=39456 Queensland Placenames Listing for Fitzroy Island National Park] Accessed 16 November 2007

Aerial photos & maps

References