My darlings, I thought it would be fun to highlight different vacations you can take during the winter months when you may be feeling blue, or ready for some sunshine in your life! Guest contributor Sophie Armstrong, who has a passion for solo traveling, takes us to the beautiful Fitzroy Island which is the perfect place to experience The Great Barrier Reef. I hope you learn a lot about this beautiful island, just as I did! 

Going on vacation to The Great Barrier Reef can be just as amazing in your fifties as it was in your twenties.

The Great Barrier Reef is a spectacle that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Fitzroy Island is one of the most famous islands from which to experience The Great Barrier Reef.

The island is only forty-five minutes from the coast of Cairns, North Queensland. The quick ferry ride over makes it ideal for older tourists who might not want to go on longer trips.

In this article, we’ve listed down some of our top picks for the most fun activities you can do in Fitzroy Island if you’re young at heart.

Keep reading to explore our choices!

1. Lounging by the Coast

Fitzroy Island’s soft, white sand makes lying by the beach a real treat.

If you’re not up for the rigors of swimming, you can just spread a blanket out on a beach chair and relax. You can bring your favorite book or magazine, sip on a mimosa, and enjoy the sea breeze. After you’re done reading, you can also go for a walk by the water. You can collect special stones and admire the clear blue water.

Enjoying the coast also means enjoying the food. You can check for beach-side barbecues, pot lucks, and boodle fights. If you’re traveling with friends or family, you can also organize fun picnics. Have each person bring something new to the picnic for more fun!

2. The Glass Bottom Boat Tour

The Glass Bottom Boat Tour is a classic way to explore The Great Barrier Reef. It’s popular for view and convenience. The guided tour shows you the different types of coral. It also gives you a view of the various marine life that live on the reef. Most Glass Bottom Boat tours come equipped with lunch and snacks–perfect for older tourists who may need a fixed schedule for their meals.

Most Glass Bottom Boat Tours have a marine biologist onboard. They provide a narration of the reef as the tour progresses. This makes the experience both fun and educational.

3. Enjoying the Resort Pool & Spa

A lot of more mature tourists may not want to leave the resort–and with good reason. Resorts on Fitzroy Island are often very luxurious and have excellent amenities. You can choose to sunbathe by the pool or take a nice, refreshing swim. Most resorts are close enough to the ocean so that you can still hear the waves crashing against the shore.

After hanging out by the pool, you might want to go for a massage. Most of the hotels on the island have their own spa. You can choose from a variety of massages: Swedish, Shiatsu, Reflexology. Some hotels will also have hot and cold dipping pools as well as a sauna.

4. The Turtle Rehabilitation Center

This is one of the most heart-warming things you can do on the island.

For tourists who love animals and the environment, spending an afternoon at the Turtle Rehabilitation Center can be a life-changing experience. The volunteers on Fitzroy Island have dedicated their time and energy to the rescue and rehabilitation of native turtles.

Visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Center gives tourists the chance to follow the journey that the turtles take on their way to better health. Tourists are also given the chance to donate through a one-time fee charged by the volunteers. The tour only takes 45 minutes. However, this is a short but sweet experience because, at the end, tourists get to see some of the turtles as they’re released back into the sea.

5. Watching the Sunset at Foxy’s Bar

This island hole-in-the-wall is an alfresco dream. They serve cocktails, juice, and delicious snacks. It’s also one of the spots on the island with the best view of the sunset. You can watch the sunset with a loved one if you’re feeling romantic–or you can watch the sunset alone and reflect quietly on the beauty of nature. Whichever option you choose, watching the sky come alive in hues of gold, pink, and orange is life-changing.

This is a great way to unwind and relax before a night of more festivities. You can have a snack and whet your appetite before dinner. You could also take this chance to have some quiet time to yourself before spending the rest of the evening with family and friends. The sunset at Foxy’s provides the perfect balance for your vacation.

6. Stargazing

One of the best things about Fitzroy Island is that the skyline is clear and free of city smog. You can walk by the shore or along one of the trails and look up to see the stars. This can make for a nice, romantic evening out if you’re with your partner or spouse. If you’re on your own, you could also take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

You can also make this a fun activity for the kids by renting a pair of binoculars. You can study the different constellations and take turns pointing them out. There are some services that let you pick a star online and name it after someone you love. This could be an awesome birthday gift or romantic gesture. You could also do it as a bonding activity and name a star after your family or friends.

Takeaways

No matter what age you are, it’s never too late to tick one more item off your bucket list. Head over to Fitzroy Island and explore its beautiful oceans, exciting trails, and clear skies. An exciting adventure doesn’t always have to be intense or rigorous. You can get the full experience on the island while staying comfortable and safe.

If you’ve always wanted to go see the Great Barrier Reef but never had the chance, now’s the perfect opportunity to do it. Travel and booking are the easiest that they’ve ever been–just one click and you’re good to go! Have fun planning your trip. Keep our top picks in mind and you can’t go wrong.

What vacation destination would you like to visit this winter? Tell us in the comments below! 

 

Sophie Armstrong has a passion for solo traveling and fashion with a love for sunglasses. She’s always hunting for a new adventure and experience and she prides herself on finding the best local hotspots and untouched secrets anywhere she goes.  

 

 

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