My Experience: A Frankland Islands Reef Cruise Review
When people come to Cairns wanting to visit the Great Barrier Reef, I often get asked about day trips to Green Island or Fitzroy Island. These two options are undoubtedly popular destinations to see whilst visiting Tropical North Queensland. But, if you’re looking for an alternative island adventure that gives you a taste of the reef, the rainforest and river cruising, then keep on reading as I share my incredible experience on the Frankland Islands Reef Cruise to Normanby Island.
Coach Transfers and Accommodation Pick Up
I was up bright and early, the air was warm and the sun was shining. A good sign that it was going to be a stunner of a day. Coach pick-ups from accommodation in Cairns City began around 7:00am. We (myself and two friends) were collected around 8:00am, before the 45 minute drive south. We made our way out of the city towards the Deeral boat jetty, where the river cruise and day trip would truly begin.
All Aboard Frankland Islands and Mulgrave River Cruise
We were greeted by the friendly Frankland Islands crew as we boarded the boat to kick off our journey. Cruising along the Mulgrave River, Morning tea, coffee and biscuits were served while the crew went through all the safety briefings, and dished out snorkel gear.
I learnt that the Frankland Islands consist of five in total. High, Normanby, Mabel, Round and Russell Islands reside about 10km offshore, and 45km south east of Cairns. The reef cruise goes to Normanby Island and all are listed as part of the Frankland Group National Park.
Outside on the topdeck, we watched the stunning scenery go by. Mangroves, mountains and rainforests rolled past as we wound our way along the river and out to sea.
Arriving at Normanby Island
Just as the boat rolled up to Normanby Island, we saw a green sea turtle drifting by the shoreline. An exciting indicator of what to expect for our day exploring this tropical oasis. The crew advised us that the only structure on the island was a large shaded area with picnic tables. No bathrooms, only the ones onboard the boat. This is said to preserve the pristine habitat for sea birds and wildlife that live there.
Bush camping is allowed on High and Russell Islands by purchasing a permit, however you must be completely self-sufficient as the campsites are very limited. Food, water, portable stove, camp gear, toilet paper and rubbish bags, amongst other essential items should be brought and taken with you.
The Guided Snorkel Safari Tour
After disembarking the boat we set up camp under the shade structure and suited up to head out for the first snorkel safari tour of the day. A tinnie boat took us a ways off shore, and the crew provided a safety briefing and defog for our masks.
One by one we stepped off the boat, ready to explore what underwater delights the surrounding reefs would provide. While the two snorkel safari guides have float rings you can rest on if you get tired, they recommend that this tour is for those who are more confident swimmers. If you’re not, they suggest just snorkelling off the beach instead. (Which is pretty amazing in itself!)
Whilst the visibility wasn’t the greatest due to some winds, we still got to see some really cool marine life. As soon as we jumped in the water the snorkel guide pointed out a cute green sea turtle sleeping on the reef.
Continuing on our snorkel adventure, we also discovered a curious and friendly little ramora fish that followed us around, trying to attach itself to people, a white tip reef shark and the highlight for me was seeing a majestic manta ray glide by right under us. Being my first time seeing one in real life, I couldn’t contain my squeal of delight.
The Semi-Submersible Boat Tour
Back on the beach, we rested, re-hydrated, sunbathed and explored the Isle while waiting to jump on the semi-sub tour. It was just as interesting as the snorkel tour with people seeing a large sea turtle, giant clams and another reef shark. The crew shared interesting facts about the Frankland islands reef and its diverse ecosystem. It was good to know that the reef was recovering, and the fact that there was such an abundant variety of marine life, indicated a healthy and thriving underwater habitat.
Tropical Buffet Lunch
Upon return from the semi-sub tour we arrived back at the beach just in time for the tropical lunch to be served. Fresh bread rolls, salads, cold meats, prawns, and fresh fruit were on offer. My friends and I are vegetarian’s, so we were given additional substitute meals in the form of chickpea veggie salads and nachos with a salsa and hummus dip. Since everything is pre-catered, if you have any special dietary requirements, you have to advise this prior to the trip.
Snorkelling Off The Beach At Frankland Islands
We gave lunch a little time to settle before gearing up for a snorkel off the beach. It didn’t take long until we were greeted by a bunch of beautiful and vibrant bombies teeming with multi-coloured fish and corals. One of the standouts was a blue anemone with two resident clown fish. The contrasting colours of blue and orange were mesmerising.
Other marine life we saw included a little triggerfish, neon blue fish, parrot fish, and a blue spotted ray. The crew also brought a couple of kayaks, paddleboards and floating noodles to shore, free for anyone to use.
Guided Island Nature Walk
For the last activity of the day, we ventured off on a walk around the island to see what else we could find. You can opt to join the free guided walking tour, where the guide will point out some really cool and interesting facts about the island and the flora and fauna that reside at Normanby.
One interesting note they made was about a plant that’s found on the island that supposedly only grows in the purest of air. Attributing to just how healthy the island’s biodiversity truly is.
As the tides went out, we discovered some cool creatures amongst the rock pools. A stingray, sea cucumbers, and even an anemone with two cute little clown fish in the shallows.
The guided walk around the island brought us back to where we started.
Croc Spotting On The Mulgrave River
Sun and salt water soaked from an adventurous day, everyone packed up and jumped back on board to begin our journey home. The crew ensured nothing was left behind and all rubbish was brought with us. Leaving Normanby Island just as we found it.
Drinks, cheese and crackers were served for afternoon tea on the boat ride back up the river. Standing out on the upper deck we were lucky enough to spot a crocodile sunbathing on one of the muddy banks along the river.
Docking at around 3:45pm we gave our thanks to the crew for an amazing day out on the reef. It was here the coach was already waiting to drive us back to Cairns, returning around 5pm.
This incredible day trip provided me with many first time Far North Queensland delights that will go down as highlights to my ever-growing travel bank. Seeing the manta ray and the crocodile being just two of them.
Based on my experience, if I had to choose just one tropical island to visit on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the Frankland Islands Tour would be my top pick. The crew are great, the lunch is filling and the snorkelling is stunning.
If you’re visiting Cairns and on the hunt for a unique tropical island travel experience, Then Frankland Islands is a great option.
For more info on the full tour inclusions, check out the Frankland Islands Reef Cruise here, and reach out to our friendly online team if you have any questions!
