5 Reasons to go to Frankland Islands

Jun 5

Off the beaten track from the main tourist hub lies an island just South of Cairns, but that’s just one of its highlights.

Here’s my 5 reasons to go to Frankland Islands…

1. No other commercial vessels

Far away from the Cairns’ Marlin Marina (1-hour south of Cairns) moored up at a secluded spot on the Mulgrave River, is the Turtle Islander, a boat that can take you far away from the normal crowds of tourists. Amongst the mangroves you hop on board the Turtle Islander and enjoy a 30-minute cruise down the Mulgrave River to its mouth.

At the river mouth it’s a quick dash across open water to your destination - Normanby Island, part of the Frankland Islands group. Don’t expect to find any resorts or other tour operators in these parts. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises has this area all to themselves.

2. Croc Spotting

As the boat follows the twists and turns of the river, you can check out its unique salt-loving vegetation and tangled root system, which acts as a sanctuary for many of the reef fish during their juvenile years. It's here on the muddy banks that you might even spot a crocodile (although in our case most of them turned out to be ‘logodiles’).

3. Short Open Water Crossing

Because you spend half your journey cruising down a river the actual open water part of the journey is minimal compared with other reef boats. This is the perfect boat for those that are prone to sea sickness – by the time you leave the protection of the river you only have a quick 20-30 minute ride before you arrive at the island.

**It's not long before you're at the island**

4. There are Plenty of Activities

At the island a temporary shelter is erected and the day’s activities can begin. For those that came for a lazy day, finding a piece of tropical beach all to yourself is easy enough.

**Plenty of Activities to get involved with**

For others (like us), the day can be packed full with a guided snorkel tour, an afternoon walk, a semi-submersible tour and even the added option of an advanced snorkel tour on the fringing reef. There are also kayaks and SUP boards to play on.

5. Unique Island

It’s worth taking thetime out to explore the island by foot. Its a unique blend of coastal islandand sand cay, rainforest and mangrove swamp, tidal pools and beach rock and thekids will have a ball checking out the sea cucumbers and bristle stars that areoften trapped in the shallows along the western side.

**Waiting for the island walk to commence**

After all, it’s when you wander away to explore, you’ll find it’s hard to imagine what a busier destination would be like.

Good Things to know:

A bus can supply transfers from Cairns city but it's easy to drive the 1-hour to the boarding point.
A guided snorkel tour and all snorkelling equipment and instruction is included in your tour price, as is a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea.
Optional activities include an Adventure snorkel safari, Semi-submersible or Glass bottom boat tour, Guided island walk and Introductory or Certified scuba diving.
Clear kayaks and Stand up paddle boards as well as Sea-doo scooters are available for hire.
An underwater photographer is also onboard daily, to capture your special moments on the Great Barrier Reef. All photos are for sale at the end of the day.
There are no toilets or change rooms on the island, you must return to the boat to use these facilities.
The Frankland Islands crew can organise transfers to the Russell Island for those interested in camping. (please note that camping permits must be arranged beforehand).

Have you been to the Frankland Islands? Anything else you'd like to add to this list?

Please Note: We received our tour complimentary BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are 100% my own.

Click here to BOOK >> Frankland Islands <<