How to have the reef to yourself with a day trip to Frankland Islands

Among the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant gathering of 3000 coral reefs and 600 continental islands sits a handful of hidden gems. If you’re eager to take the path less travelled, it’s these secret spots which are well worth some of your time and attention. Like the little known cluster that is the Frankland Islands, an archipelago of five uninhabited islands - Normanby, High, Russell, Round, and Mabel - a picturesque place within a hop, skip, and a jump of Cairns. Surrounded by reef and residing within a national park, this idyllic destination is abundant in natural beauty.

It’s easy enough to immerse yourself in the wonder of the Frankland Islands for just the day courtesy of Frankland Islands Reef Cruises, the only commercial company which holds a permit to enter. This small-footprint tour of the region is the ultimate in eco-friendly travel, introducing a maximum of 80 guests per day to the heavily protected destination. As for what you’ll get up to on that day trip, here’s a little insight.

Your day starts from the unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns. It’s here that you’re conveniently close to the Great Barrier Reef, and from where your exploration of the Frankland Islands will begin. Jump aboard the (air-conditioned) coach and you’ll weave your way south through the Wet Tropic Rainforests to the port at Deeral, where you’ll board your vessel, the aptly titled Turtle Islander. From here it’s just 10 kilometres to the Frankland Islands.

Don’t forget your swimwear and your sunscreen - the Frankland Islands is a haven for water-based adventures. Your destination is Normanby Island, which is fringed by sandy beaches and protected reefs, home to a bounty of marine life, from turtles to dugongs. Swimming and snorkelling is on the cards as a part of your day tour, where you’ll be given the chance to join in on the guided snorkelling on offer - equipment is thankfully provided. Dive into the aquamarine waters from the boat, you’ll be able to swim into the sand, snorkelling around the rainbow reefs along the way.

After a refuelling at the buffet lunch (there’s morning tea and afternoon tea too) you’ll have a chance to get better acquainted with the Frankland Islands on foot. The resident marine biologist and Master Reef guide will lead the way, walking you around the island and introducing you to the diversity of wildlife that lives here, both on land and at sea. Kids in tow? All the better as there is a treasure hunt involved for the little ones.

If you’re craving a little more adventure you’re welcome to it - there are a handful of optional extras, including the chance to take it easy with a cruise on a stand up paddle board or kayak. Or take a deep dive into the surrounding waters (quite literally) by taking part in the certified scuba diving available to enjoy at neighbouring Normanby Reef.

At the arrival of the afternoon it’s time to depart back to your accommodation in Cairns.

Camping in the Frankland Islands

You’re welcome to spend the night on the Frankland Islands if you fancy an eve on the reef spent under the stars - while there’s no hotel-style accommodation available on these uninhabited stretches you are able to pitch a tent on neighbouring Russel or High Islands.

But be mindful before you arrive that both boast bush camping areas only, with very few facilities - you’ll need to be self-sufficient and hopefully have a little camping experience up your sleeve. BYO drinking water, food, tent, tarps, sleeping bag, toilet paper and rubbish bags, though poles are provided for erecting tarpaulins. Camping permits are also required, with slight fees for High Island.