Frankland Islands
A group of national park islands southeast of Cairns: take a boat down the Mulgrave River to look for crocodiles, then snorkel at an uninhabited island.
The Frankland Islands consist of five continental islands lying at sea about 45 kilometers southeast of Cairns. All are part of a national park, with rainforest and white-sand beaches fringed by reefs. The day trip departs from Deeral, about 40 minutes’ drive south of Cairns. The boat first travels downstream along the Mulgrave River, where saltwater crocodiles may be spotted. After heading out to sea, you land on uninhabited Normanby Island and snorkel from the beach to see sea turtles and corals; you can also join a tour led by a marine biologist. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so it is quieter than popular pontoon trips, and advance booking is required.
Opening hours
Day tours approx. 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Babinda Boulders
- Fitzroy Island
- Josephine Falls
- Rusty's Markets
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Night Markets
- Cairns Aquarium
- Cairns Botanic Gardens