Fitzroy Island (Queensland Australia)

Fitzroy Island (aka Koba, and Gabar) is a large island located in Coral Sea, approx 29 km (18 ml) southeast of Cairns (Queensland, Australia). It features a rainforest and a fringe coral reef part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

• The island has a land area of 3,4 km2 (1,3 ml2) and highest elevation point 375 m (1230 ft).
• The climate is tropical, with temperatures raging between 24-31 C (75-88 F) in the summer and 19-25 C (66-77 F) in the winter.
• The island separated from mainland around 8000 years ago, nearly at the end of the last ice age. Aboriginal people visited Fitzroy, mainly for hunting trips and recreation. 
• Fitzroy Island was discovered and named in 1770 by James Cook (1728-1779). It was first used as a Chinese quarantine station for the goldfields of Queensland. During WW2 (1939-1945) it was used as a coast watch station.
• Fitzroy Island is served by a 45-min ferry from Cairns (roughly 30 km / 19 ml distance). Almost all of the island is a protected area within Fitzroy Island National Park.
• The Fitzroy Island resort offers around 100 rooms in addition to its camping area. The property was bought and developed by Doug Gamble and last refurbished in 2010.
• The clam farm (Welcome Bay) is now the tourist resort, with the island's visitor centre. There are all 4 walking trails available for trekking, and a lighthouse (in the northeastern part).

Fitzroy Island cruise terminal