FNQ island resort tourist boom investment

Redevelopment is underway at Fitzroy Island Resort in preparation for the anticipated flood of tourists expected to wing their way to FNQ when the international borders reopen.

A MILLION dollar makeover is underway at a popular FNQ island resort in anticipation of the international borders reopening.

At Fitzroy Island Resort, a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns, three generations of owners are showing confidence in tourism and are anticipating a return of visitors by upgrading infrastructure including bathrooms, swimming pool and bar, Wi-Fi and furniture and fittings.

At Fitzroy Island Resort three generations of owners are showing confidence in tourism and are anticipating a return of visitors by upgrading infrastructure including bathrooms, pool and pool bar, the Fitzroy Flyer (ferry) Wi-Fi and furniture and fittings.

According to Fitzroy Island Resort General Manager Sheena Matthews, Doug Gamble, his daughter Tanya, and her son Jason Foy, have played a role in the family’s plans to modernise the Australian-owned resort and its day facilities.

Ms Matthews said strong demand from Queensland holiday-makers over the past two years had strengthened the owners’ belief that it was time to invest in the Great Barrier Reef resort.

“A $500,000 remodelling of the resort’s bathrooms is underway with six already completed in a modern light colour scheme reflecting the sand and sea, and the remainder to be gradually rolled out as bookings allow,” she said.

“The first of the three walkways between the Studios and Suites has been rebuilt using recycled plastic flooring and a custom-made $200,000 lift accessing the rooms will be installed in February.”

Fitzroy Island Resort General Manager Sheena Matthews said strong demand from Queensland holiday-makers over the past two years had strengthened the owner’s belief that it was time to invest in the Great Barrier Reef resort and they are undertaking a $500,000 remodelling of the Resort's bathrooms.

Ms Matthews said work is also starting on refurbishing the Beach Cabins on the edge of Welcome Bay with remodelled bathrooms, extended balconies, new furniture and fittings.

“Behind the scenes we have an improved call centre, the guest Wi-Fi will be boosted by a new satellite being installed in February, and a new engine is on the way for the Fitzroy Flyer (ferry).

Welcome Bay sunset on Fitzroy Island. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“The Gamble family and the staff are really excited about the $270,000 redevelopment of the pool and pool bar scheduled for May which will be a highlight of the new facilities.”

Ms Matthews said the improvements follow the opening of the FISH Activities Centre with a purpose-built dive training pool, a soft play area for toddlers, a Kids Club workshop, and new flooring and furniture for Zephyr Restaurant.

“In preparation for the return of weddings and business events our new venue on the first floor, Ocean View, has been constructed adjacent to the Rainforest Room overlooking the pool area and Welcome Bay, bringing the meetings and events spaces to three in total,” she said.

View of Welcome Bay at Fitzroy Island. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Fitzroy Island Resort is 100 per cent Australian family-owned and operated.

She said the rainforest island is home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the Great Barrier Reef’s first ocean-based coral nursery.

Originally published as FNQ island resort tourist boom investment