Frankland Islands isn’t just a detour from Cairns — it’s a full-blown escape hatch into reef-country bliss, minus the elbow-jostling crowds. If the idea of snorkelling alongside a busload of strangers gives you the icks, I’ve got a tropical solution that’ll restore your faith in reef travel: the Frankland Islands. Tucked just off the coast from Cairns, this cluster of uninhabited islands in the Frankland Islands National Park is a rare treat — no queues, no flippers in your ribs, and no fight for beach space.
You won’t find jet skis, souvenir shops, or tour boats jostling for reef space here. What you will find is a day on the reef that feels like your own private castaway fantasy, with a side of rainforest, rock pools, and maybe a croc or two (more on that later).
Worth Every Extra Mile
Let’s cut to it — the Frankland Islands might not have the PR machine of Green or Fitzroy, but they outshine both in one key area: peace and quiet. They’re officially part of the Frankland Group National Park, and access is limited to one commercial operator per day — the ever-reliable Frankland Islands Reef Cruises.
This cap isn’t just for show — it means the coral reefs here are in bloody good nick. Less boat traffic means coral polyps have a fighting chance. Plus, without the usual tourist trample, the marine life is relaxed, curious, and not shy about swimming right up to your mask.
Frankland Islands tick the boxes for:
- Reef without the reef circus
- Rainforest walks and coral sand beaches
- Easy snorkel entry straight from the sand
- Unlimited beach snorkelling
- Optional activities like Introductory diving and snorkel safaris
So yes, absolutely worth your time — especially if you’re after nature, not noise.
Snorkel Straight from the Sand
One of the best things about the Frankland Islands? You don’t need a boat ramp or a flippers-on-backwards shuffle to get in the water. Here, you wade in right off the beach — just mask up, slide in, and you’re among bommies and blue-spotted rays before your snorkel’s even fogged up.
I’ve snorkelled reefs where it felt like a rugby scrum just to get wet. But on Normanby Island — the main island open to visitors — it’s more of a gentle wade and glide. Ideal for:
- Families with kids
- Older travellers (or knees that click like mine)
- Reef first-timers who don’t want to launch from the deep
Marine life is abundant within 10 metres of the shore. Expect to see:
- Tropical fish like blue fish and bright fish
- Ever-popular anemone clownfish and blue anemone
- Green sea turtles and maybe a reef shark
- Soft and hard coral reefs with an incredible variety of corals
It’s Blissfully Low-Key
If your idea of a reef day includes infinity pools and buffet brunches, the Franklands might not be your cup of billy tea. But if you’re happy with picnic tables, tropical lunch, and plenty of space, you’re in for one of the most serene days you’ll have on the Cairns reef.
No shops, no resorts, no cafes — and thank heavens for that. Just beach games, shady pandanus trees, and a reef so alive it could’ve starred in Finding Nemo. You don’t just see nature here — you’re inside it.
Welcome to the Rainforest Side
What surprised me on my first Franklands visit: lush rainforest just metres from the coral shore. You’re walking through pandanus groves and monsoon forest, dodging butterflies and spotting beach stone-curlews.
The Adventure snorkel safari often includes a guided bush walk through Normanby’s forest, featuring:
- Local flora explained by marine naturalists
- Views across the Coral Sea to the mainland
- Interpretive signs about natural wonders and Aboriginal culture
Croc Spotting on the Mulgrave River
Before you even hit the islands, the rainforest river cruise down the Mulgrave River gives you a cheeky bonus: croc country. And no, this isn’t a zoo sideshow — this is the real deal.
You’ll glide past fields of sugar cane, spot birdlife and maybe a saltwater croc sunning itself on the bank. It’s part of the scenic 30-minute calm water cruise, which acts as a prelude to the reef.
One Island, One Operator
Only one featured operator has commercial access to the islands — Frankland Islands Reef Cruises, also known as Frankland Island Reef Cruises. They run all-inclusive day tours from Cairns CBD and include:
- Return transfers from major hotels like Hilton Cairns, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, and Cairns Colonial Club Resort
- A calm river to the reef water crossing
- Snorkel gear, protection suits, and a safety briefing
- Optional extras like Introductory scuba diving and Semi-submersible tours
- Tropical buffet lunch (catered for all dietary requirements)
- A fun treasure hunt for kids
They even offer pick-up from 117 drop-off locations, including Cairns City Apartments, Cairns Central YHA, Bohemia Resort, Cairns Holiday Park, and Oaks Cairns Hotel.
Optional Activities
You’ve got a variety of activities to choose from. Keen for action? Book a guided Adventure snorkel safari or try a semi-submersible (on request). Want to chill? Grab a shady spot near the picnic area and kick back with a view of the reef — and zero beach vendors trying to sell you sunnies.
Optional extras include:
- Introductory diving (pre-book — it sells out fast)
- Guided snorkel safaris to deeper reef areas
- Semi-submersible tours (subject to availability)
- Souvenir underwater photos from the onboard staff
Everything’s charged via credit card — no need to bring cash.
Best Time to Visit
This is the tropics, mate — there’s the wet and the dry, and you want to be here in the dry season (May–October). Why?
- Calm water = better visibility
- Lower jellyfish risk
- Less chance of trip cancellations
- Reef conditions are prime
The wet season (Nov–Apr) brings humidity, manta rays, and cyclones. If you visit then, pack the stinger suit, poncho, and sense of humour.
How to Get There
It’s a surprisingly easy trip:
- Drive option: 40-minute drive south of Cairns to Deeral boat jetty
- Coach transfer: Included in most bookings
- River cruise: Scenic Mulgrave River ride
- Reef crossing: 30-minute hop to Russell Island and Normanby Island
Or base yourself at any Cairns island accommodation like Pullman Cairns International, Mantra Trilogy Cairns, Coral Towers Holiday Apartments, or Cairns Plaza Hotel.
Practical Tips — Because This Is the Tropics, Mate
- Pack a water bottle — hydration is key
- Bring a credit card for optional extras
- Don’t forget your Snorkelling equipment if you’ve got personal faves
- Reef-safe sunscreen only — the coral thanks you
- Wear long sleeves and a hat — the sun’s no joke
