Introduction to today's journey
Connected to the Australian mainland during the last ice age 10,000 years ago, the Gungandhi people visited the hill they called Koba before the sea level rose cutting it off. The island was named Fitzroy Island by James Cook when he sailed past in 1770. It was later used as a quarantine station during the 1873 Palmer River gold rush. Later it became a mission school, then a World War II coast watch station. Later abandoned, it became a remote laid back retreat for bohemian-spirited backpackers seeking a tropical paradise off the beaten track until they were removed to make way for the establishment of a resort.
Today's journey takes us out from the marina heading southward to Fitzroy Island where I kayak along the sheltered coast and explore the island before returning to Cairns.
Today's Journey
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Departing Cairns on a perfectly clear and sunny morning heading out into the sea towards Fitzroy Island. |
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Heading southward, we pass rugged rocky headlands with golden beaches lapped by the turquoise seawater before arriving on Fitzroy Island. |
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The main beach is pristine with its sweeping coral covered beach. From here I join a group to kayak around the coast. |
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We kayak to as far as just short of Little Fitzroy Island where the sea is beginning to get rough. |
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We head back towards the main beach, stopping at the remote Shark Fin Bay beach. |
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Here we relax on the beach and go snorkling in the reef just offshore. |
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Returning to the main beach, we follow a couple of walking tracks over the island heading westward to Nudie Beach, a secluded beach once frequented by backpackers escaping the main tourist drags before the island was sold and a resort built. |
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The beach is pristine and covered in coarse coral. |
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View back to the mainland from Nudie Beach. The local aboriginal people tell of a time during the last ice age when the island was joined to the mainland. |
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Returning to the main beach, the tide has come in as we head out onto the wharf to await the approaching boat to take us back to Cairns. |
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Cruising out from Fitzroy Island back to Cairns. The island appears small upon heading out. Little Fitzroy Island is to the left and Nudie Beach is near the headland to the right. |
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Approaching the city sitting under the mountains. We follow the river briefly upstream to the marina. |
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