Franklin Islands is a group of five untouched islands is part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They’re located about 10 kilometers off the coast and 45 kilometers south-east of Cairns.
Where Are The Frankland Islands?
The Frankland Islands are a group of five islands located just outside the Mulgrave River’s mouth, south of Cairns and near Fitzroy Island.
How to Get to the Frankland Islands
To get to the Frankland Islands, you have two choices: join a guided tour or go on your own.
If you have a boat, you can drive 45 kilometers south-east of Cairns to the town of Deeral. Here, you’ll find boat ramps on the Mulgrave River and Russell River where you can launch your boat. From there, it’s a 30-minute ride to the islands, making it the shortest ocean crossing to the Great Barrier Reef.
The easier option is to join Frankland Island Reef Cruises. They’re the only company with a permit to visit Normanby Island and take small groups of up to 50 people. You can also book a transfer-only if you’d prefer to enjoy some quiet time on the beach.
Staying overnight on the Frankland Islands
The Falkland Islands are uninhabited, but you can stay overnight if you want. The only place to camp is at Russell Island, and it’s managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Camping is allowed here to help protect the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
You’ll need a permit to stay overnight. Frankland Island Reef Cruises will take you to the campsite, but you must bring your own camping gear, food, and water. If you’re with a group, you can still camp, but it’s best to talk with Frankland Island Reef Cruises to plan your trip.
How about food on Franklin Islands?
The five Frankland Islands are uninhabited, so there aren’t many food options. If you’re coming by private boat, it’s up to you to make sure you and your group bring enough food and water for the day.
However, if you’re taking a tour with Frankland Island Reef Cruises, lunch and snacks are included in the cost, and they cater to special dietary needs too.
Things to Do on the Frankland Islands
Your time on the Frankland Islands is best enjoyed surrounded by nature. The reefs along the sandy shores are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, full of sea life. You can snorkel just off the beach to see soft and hard corals, manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can explore deeper underwater. On land, there’s plenty to discover too, with rock pools, thick tropical rainforest, mangroves, and coastal plants waiting to be explored.
