How to do the Frankland Islands

Let us introduce you to arguably the Great Barrier Reef’s best-kept secret. Despite the coral-rich region being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia, there remain some hidden secrets here, like the Frankland Islands. This largely untouched cluster of five sits within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, 10 kilometres offshore, and about 45 kilometres south-east of Cairns.

The archipelago - consisting of Normanby, High, Russell, Round and Mabel islands - remains uninhabited, and as a result rich in diversity, overflowing with healthy reef, giant clams, schools of fish, dugongs, manta rays, and more. Eager to get better acquainted? Here we show you just how to do the Frankland Islands.

How to get to the Frankland Islands

When it comes to making your way to the Frankland Islands you have a duo of options to get there - to join a commercial tour operator for the day, or choose to foray solo.

If you happen to have a boat at your disposal, you’re welcome to make the drive 45 kilometres south-east to Cairns to the town of Deeral where you’ll find the Mulgrave River and Russell River boat ramps to launch. It’s here you can launch your vessel and begin the 30 minute journey out to sea to the archipelago (this is actually the shortest ocean crossing of all Barrier Reef cruises).

Or take the easy option, joining Frankland Island Reef Cruises for a day of play - proudly the only company to hold a permit to visit Normanby Island, this is a particularly exclusive day tour option which takes groups of only up to 50 people at a time. Transfer-only rates are also available for those eager to enjoy some solitude while on these sandy shores.

Where to stay on the Frankland Islands

While the Falkland Islands remain uninhabited, you are welcome to spend the night if you so choose. Russell Island Camping is the only place to stay, and comes courtesy of Frankland Island Reef Cruises. This in fact one of the few locations on the Great Barrier Reef that camping is allowed and for good reason - to protect the natural wonders of the region that is. Permits for an overnight stay are required, and while Frankland Island Reef Cruises will provide you with a lift to and from the grounds, it’s important to keep in mind that all campers are responsible for their own camping gear, food and water for the duration. In a group? You’re still welcome - but you’re best discussing your options with the Frankland Island Reef Cruises, who will help you plan your trip.

Where to eat on the Frankland Islands

Because the quintet that form the Frankland Islands are uninhabited, you’ll find your food options rather limited. If you are choosing to arrive via private boat, it will be your responsibility (and yours alone) to ensure that you and your fellow travellers bring ample supplies for a day’s exploration (water included). If you plan on joining Frankland Island Reef Cruises you’ll be delighted to hear that lunch and snacks are provided in the day fee - including for those who have dietaries to speak of.

What to do on the Frankland Islands

Your time amongst the Frankland Islands are best spent immersed in nature. The reefs that fringe the sandy stretches form a part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a place overflowing with marine life. Grab a snorkel and make way for the series of reefs just offshore, bidding hello to the resident soft and hard corals, manta rays, sea turtles, and rainbow coloured fish.

Certified scuba diving is also available for those who want to explore a little further below the surface. There’s still plenty to do back on land too, with these islands diverse in their landscape - picture a gathering of rockpools, dense tropical rainforest, mangroves, and coastal vegetation that demand to be explored.