How to get to the Frankland Islands
If you’re visiting Cairns, a Great Barrier Reef tour is without a doubt one of your top itinerary priorities! Despite being one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions, there is a selection of coral-abundant secret spots nestled adjacent to the Cairns mainland.
As one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most untouched destinations, the Frankland Islands are a cluster of five uninhabited islands located just 10 kilometres offshore from Deeral, roughly 45 minutes southeast of Cairns. With technicolour coral gardens sprawling around the island archipelago and an abundance of biodiverse snorkelling and diving sites, it’s no wonder the Frankland Islands remain one of Cairns’ best-kept secret spots!
Currently, the only way to get to the Frankland Islands is aboard a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise day tour. Departing from Deeral Jetty and crossing to the Frankland Islands via the Mulgrave River, the Frankland Islands Reef Cruise is the only exclusive tour company permitted to visit the Frankland Islands. Alternatively, if visitors have their own boat they can launch their vessel from the Mulgrave River and Russel River boat ramps to visit the Frankland Islands.
Rich in marine diversity and a sensational off-the-beaten-track gem, let our Cairns experts tell you how to discover the Frankland Islands!
Where are the Frankland Islands?
Image: Frankland Islands Reef Cruise.
Situated within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Frankland Islands consist of five untouched islands - Normanby, High, Russell, Round and Mabel Island.
Located 10 kilometres offshore from the small mainland town of Deeral, the Frankland Islands can be reached within 30 minutes by boat. For visitors staying in Cairns, Deeral is located a 45-minute drive southeast of the CBD.
How to get to the Frankland Islands?
Image: Frankland Islands Reef Cruise.
With exclusive access to the pristine Normanby Island, the only way to get to the Frankland Islands is aboard a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise. Luckily for visitors staying within the Cairns CBD, a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise day tour includes return transfers to and from Deeral Jetty. Cruising calmly through the Mulgrave River, guests will be able to take in the incredible landscape of the Malbon Thompson Forest Reserve before crossing the Coral Sea to the Frankland Islands. With the shortest ocean crossing of all Cairns reef cruises, the Frankland Islands Reef Cruise is additionally ideally suited for anyone impacted by seasickness.
For those boat owners looking to DYI their Frankland Islands trip, the island archipelago can be reached by private boat from either the Mulgrave or Russel river boat ramps. Note that sandbars situated at the mouth of Mutchero Inlet at Russel Heads do make crossing the shallow river mouth tide-dependant.
Can you stay on the Frankland Islands?
Whilst the Frankland Islands are uninhabited and no accommodation options are offered, camping is allowed in limited numbers on Russell and High Island. Camping permits are required for both camping areas and fees do apply for camping on High Island. Permitting only small numbers to camp within the national park, we recommend booking well in advance.
Camping on Russel Island
As one of the most popular islands to camp in the Cairns sections of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Russel Island offers two campsites that can accommodate a maximum of eight people each. Transfers are offered to and from Russel Island through Frankland Island Reef Cruises or camping can be accessed by private boat from either the Mulgrave or Russel river boat ramps.
Camping on High Island
Similar to camping on Russel Island, camping on High Island is accessed by private boat from the mainland. Only one group is permitted to camp at any one time, and a fee does apply.
What to do on the Frankland Islands?
Now that we’ve covered all of the Frankland Islands FAQs, from where the islands are located to getting there from the Cairns mainland, it’s time to talk about all of the adventure-packed things to do on the Frankland Islands during your Frankland Islands Reef Cruise!
For beach lovers and reef dreamers alike, the Frankland Islands provide a day under the northeast sun that you’re not likely to forget anytime soon!
1. Snorkel amongst uncrowded reefs
If you’re eager to explore the largely untouched underwater worlds of the Great Barrier Reef, the Frankland Islands are your go-to! Discover unparalleled snorkelling opportunities with a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, where vivid coral gardens are overflowing with unique marine life, from giant clams, schools of quirky reef fish, local sea turtles, and giant manta rays.
Following a guided snorkel safari along the western side of Normanby Island, guests can additionally enjoy more snorkelling time straight from the beach - it doesn’t get much better!
2. Take an island walk
A rare tropical destination where fringing reefs meet pandanus-clad shorelines, a guided island walk with a local marine biologist and Master Reef Guide is the best way to learn about the exceptional natural beauty of Normanby Island. Uncovering the diverse wildlife that thrives on the Frankland Islands, an island walk is a must-do!
3. Try kayaking or paddleboarding
With four hours to unwind on Normanby Island during a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, we recommend hopping on a kayak or paddleboard and skimming across the glassy waters! Peer down at hundreds of species of hard and soft corals from above, have a laugh with your group and enjoy the calm solitude of the Cairn's reef islands!
4. Live out your best Castaway lifestyle
Whether you’re visiting Normanby Island on a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, spending the long week camping at Russel Island, or fishing around the islands on your own boat, the pristine waters and untouched shorelines of the Frankland Islands group create the perfect backdrop for every Cairns traveller to forget the crowds and live their best Castaway lifestyle!
Spread out your beach towel, explore flourishing rock pools, take a dip in crystal clear lagoons, and let your worries drift along in the island breeze - the Frankland Islands guarantee maximum relaxation!
The Great Barrier travel dreaming begins here! For the best of local tips and must-experiences be sure to check out our Official Guide to Cairns.
