Fitzroy Island National Park

Fitzroy Island is famous for its turtles, which are amazing, and Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s best beaches. Then there’s the size of the secluded tropical island 45 minutes off Cairns, which is perfectly small and great for walking around, and the snorkelling, which is out of this world as you’re surrounded by outstanding coral and colourful fish. You can also kayak your way around the whole island too.

But there's something else you can do on Fitzroy. You can bounce on a giant ocean trampoline.

Think circus meets waterworld, or maybe just large trampoline meets tropical island.

It’s only $5 to hire this giant inflatable of fun for the whole day so you can bounce, then snorkel, then bounce, then kayak, then bounce and walk to Nudey Beach, and still come back and bounce.

There’s a resort on Fitzroy so you can sleep over plus there’s a camp ground if you want to lug your gear over on the ferry.

If you do walk the 45 minute (1.2 km) trail over to Nudey Beach you can debate its history. Was it once a nude beach or was it named after Sir Reginald Nudey from Nether Wallop, a small parish in Hampshire?

Yes it was once a nude beach but nowadays you’ll only find cozzies there, lying on towels on the blinding white sand, lounging around some of the boulders or floating upside down in the ocean staring at the mysteries of the aquatic underworld. You’ll want walking shoes to do this trek and take everything with you including water.

Or if you’re feeling really adventurous tackle the 3.6 km return hike to the lighthouse. The views blow your hair back along the way, and in winter migrating humpback whales can be seen cruising past.

If you’d prefer to float around Fitzroy then get in a kayak and paddle your way to bays that aren’t accessible on foot, or don a scuba tank and float with the currents around some spectacular coral reefs. Kayaks are available at the local dive shop, The Adventure Centre, with glass portal viewing. They also have snorkel, paddle boards and stinger suit hire plus they’re fully PADI qualified with all the dive gear, trips and training.