Frankland Islands Info
Normanby Island, part of the Frankland Islands group is a short open water cruise from the mainland. This is the only tour to visit Normanby Island daily, so you will not be surrounded by large crowds...it is a true island escape!
Why Frankland Islands?
- Maximum of 98 people
- River cruise, Reef & Island experience
- The only commercial operator
- Totally undeveloped
- Shortest open water crossing
- Staff to passenger ratio is 6:1
- Lycra protection suits are available free of charge
Cruise the pristine Mulgrave River with its mangrove fringed banks and mountainous rainforest backdrop. On leaving the estuary at Russell Heads, the Great Barrier Reef is already in sight, making it the shortest open sea crossing in North Queensland. The Frankland Islands are a unique Great Barrier Reef experience.
Your destination Normanby island is a National Park part coral cay, part continental island with a healthy and vibrant surrounding coral reef community.
Snorkelling gear and snorkel tours are included: Reef viewing are easily accessed from the beach. Two guided snorkelling tours depart every day. One departs from the beach and another snorkelling tour departs from a tender and is a drift snorkel for more adventurous snorkellers. Both offer an easy but comprehensive introduction to the reef and the marine environment. There is a great diversity of Marine life including regular sightings of Sea Turtles, Octopus as well as a large variety of soft and hard corals and giant clams.
The guided marine island walk included: Explore the rainforest and surrounding rock pools and reef flats with a Marine Biologist. You will be amazed at what your guide will show you along the way.
Lunch is served under a canopy of trees on the beach. This cold tropical buffet comprises of chicken, ham, prawns, salads, cheese, bread rolls and a tropical fruit platter.
A day at Normanby Island can also offer a fabulous dive experience for either the certified diver or the uninitiated adventurer looking for an introductory dive with an experienced dive instructor. Normanby Island is a sanctuary for the Green Sea Turtle and diving affords a rare glimpse of this elusive creature. Staghorns, plate corals and bombies are abundant and the many species of fish and other marine life make the Frankland Islands a divers delight.
All Inclusive Package:
- River Cruise on the Mulgrave River with commentary
- Snorkelling equipment
- Snorkelling tuition
- Glass bottom boat tour and/or Semi-Submersible Tour
- Morning & afternoon tea
- Tropical buffet lunch
- Rock pool discovery walk
- Guided snorkelling tour
- Protection Suit (summer only)
- National & Marine Park fees/levies
Additional Costs:
- Certified & Intro Diving
- Paddleboards
- Kayaks - clear transparent allowing complete view of reef below
- Sea-doo
- Coach transfers from Cairns
- Kids Club (4-11yrs) during peak school holiday times
Scuba Diving: Experience diving amongst the coral and marine life in the shallows close to the island, or for certified divers, visit our fringing reef & bommies. Note: All divers will be requested to complete a medical questionnaire in order to ensure there are no medical conditions that may preclude them from diving.
WHAT TO BRING:
Hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, swimmers and a towel. You will be transferred from our boat to the Island by dingy so footwear may get wet.
Self-Drive:
For self drivers please meet at 8am at Deeral Jetty, just 40 minutes south of Cairns.
Camping is available on neighbouring Russell Island. Permits must be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency prior to arrival. Being a National Park, you will need to bring all your own gear, including cooking equipment. You cannot burn any wood on the island and you must bring all your rubbish back with you.
Children 4-14 years
GREAT NEWS! All payments made to Travstar do not incur a credit card surcharge.
Guest Reviews
Excellent day
We had an excellent day with the crew to the Frankland Islands. The weather was perfect for snorkelling, the food was very tasty. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking at booking a day trip to the barrier reef.
Posted By Susan Scifleet
Recommended!
Fantastic day out...Recommend the beach combing & reef walks with very informative staff. Very pretty journey travelling through the estuary and the short journey to Franklyn island. The tour was very well equipped with a canopy shelter on the island erected in minutes with precision and commend all staffs attention to detail. Lunch was fantastic! Staff were very friendly, informative and helpful at every stage of the trip! Recommended!
Posted By Karina Egitto
had a great time
I had a great time. Great time of the year to visit North QLD. I will go again next year.
Posted By Brock Coleman
Extremely well organized and enjoyable
Extremely well organized and enjoyable; Good food
Posted By Ravi Narayan
it was still great
even though it was overcast and choppy wheather it was still great
Posted By Jamie Hall
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