Fitzroy Island Resort to expand

Fitzroy Island Resort

Fitzroy Island Resort will undergo a $2.5 million refurbishment and expand its Great Barrier Reef experiences to include diving and sunset cruises.

Managing Director Doug Gamble said the locally-owned Cairns tourism operation had added a catamaran to its fleet and purchased a half share in the Cairns Dive Centre operations on the island.

“I have appointed Glen Macdonald, who previously managed Fitzroy Island Resort for six years, to the new role of Chief Executive Officer with the sole focus of driving our expansion program forward,” Mr Gamble said.

“General Manager Tim Moloney, another long-term employee, will continue to manage the Resort and lead its management team. It is an exciting period of growth for our locally-owned company which will generate additional jobs for the community and provide a boost to local suppliers and contractors. The $2.5 million refurbishment will be rolled out gradually over the next 12 months so there will be no disruption to guests.

“It will give the resort a new lighter, contemporary styling with blue and white accents to reflect the spectacular ocean surrounds of Fitzroy Island. We have bought a 50 per cent share of the Cairns Dive Centre operations on the island and will work with co-owner, local tourism identity Peter Boundy, to offer fresh Great Barrier Reef experiences. Islands and sailing go hand in hand and we will soon provide day trips around the island and sunset cruises on the 16-metre catamaran Eye Spy which is now based at Fitzroy Island.

“Cairns is undergoing a solid period of growth with major investment in tourism infrastructure, so the timing is right for our company to invest in the future and ensure Fitzroy Island Resort continues to excite the marketplace.”

Rainforest-clad Fitzroy Island is just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns city and where you will find secluded Nudey Beach, Australian’s Best Beach for 2018.

A National Park with rainforest walks and a summit hike to the lighthouse, the island is home to the volunteer-run Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre where visitors can meet Jet, an eight-year-old green sea turtle rescued off Fitzroy Island in July 2017.

Fitzroy Island Resort is also supporting the Reef Restoration Foundation with the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef’s first offshore coral nursery in the island’s waters.

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