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All-Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands - Great Barrier Reef

4.7
316
Deals from $200.00 Save $50.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Escape to a hidden tropical island, with Cairns’ only River, Rainforest and Reef Tour

Escape to a hidden tropical island, with Cairns’ only River, Rainforest and Reef Tour

Highlights

  • Relax on a calm river cruise down the Mulgrave River, whilst keeping an eye out for crocodiles
  • Followed by the shortest open-water crossing of any the Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef day tours, before reaching Normanby Island
  • Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with numbers limited to 100 passengers per day
  • Enjoy unspoiled natural paradise with a beachside tropical buffet lunch

Embark on a unique adventure to the stunning Frankland Islands, a hidden tropical island south of Cairns. Our all-inclusive day tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making it the ideal choice for travellers seeking an unforgettable Cairns island getaway. Your day with Frankland Islands Reef Tour begins as you board our air-conditioned coach from Cairns and travel south through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, fields of sugar cane, and past the iconic Walsh’s Pyramid – the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world!

Enjoy a peaceful river cruise down the Mulgrave River, followed by the shortest open-water crossing of any Cairns day tour to Normanby Island, the most pristine island off Cairns and a gateway to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The Frankland Islands Group offers the best snorkelling experience of all the islands near Cairns, Australia, thanks to its unique geographical location.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator licensed to land on beautiful Normanby Island, so you can relax and explore with plenty of space and time. Once on the island, you can customize your day trip to suit your interests, our all-inclusive day tour offers a fantastic range of optional activities. Set off on a snorkel safari, explore the sea floor while staying dry on our semi-submarine tour with commentary, join our knowledgeable crew for an informative guided island walk, paddle with kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and enjoy a delicious beachside buffet lunch, do as much or as little as you like, you’re on island time!

Once you’ve had your fill of vitamin-sea, enjoy a relaxing return to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon.


Your Day Trip includes:

  • Return transfers to and from select Cairns CBD accommodationto Deeral Jetty (subject to availability)
  • Scenic 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River
  • Snorkel Stars - Kids snorkelling tutorial and certificate
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Fresh tropical beachside lunch
  • Up to 4 hours on Frankland Islands
  • Guided snorkel safari
  • Guided island walk
  • Kids treasure hunt
  • Unlimited beach snorkelling
  • Snorkelling equipment and tuition
  • Use of equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards


Complimentary Bus Transfers:

Complimentary transfers are available from select Cairns CBD accommodation but are subject to availability. If the bus transfers are fully booked, you will need to arrange your own transport to the Deeral Jetty.

Self-Drive Check-In:

We recommend allowing at least 45 minutes of travel time south of Cairns along the Bruce Highway to reach Deeral Jetty, located at 169 Ross Road, Deeral 4871. For those driving themselves, please aim to arrive by 8:15 a.m. for check-in. The Turtle Islander departs Deeral at 8:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Point:If you prefer to self-drive, please allow time for the drive and check in at Deeral located at 169 Ross Road, Deeral 4871 by 8:15am, for an 8:30am departure.

Adult $250.00
Child $125.00 (Child 4-16 years)
Infant $0.00 (Infant 0-3 years)

What's included

  • Return transfers to and from select Cairns CBD accommodation to Deeral Jetty (subject to availability)
  • Scenic 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River
  • Snorkel Stars - Kids snorkelling tutorial and certificate
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Fresh tropical beachside lunch
  • Up to 4 hours on Frankland Islands
  • Guided snorkel safari
  • Guided island walk
  • Kids treasure hunt
  • Unlimited beach snorkelling
  • Snorkelling equipment and tuition
  • Use of equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards

Location

  • Deeral Jetty - 169 Ross Road Deeral 4871

Notes

  • As there are no paved walkways on the island, guests need to be able to walk up to 100 metres on sand and navigate stairs on board the vessel. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Guests are welcome to bring portable prams, but please note there are no paved walk so they will need to carry or push them on the sand. Please also note, there are no toilets on the island, but we offer direct shuttles back to the main vessel for any toilet breaks required.

  • Children: Ages 4-16 years. Infants: 0-3 years old may travel free of charge; however, it is required to contact the operator directly in advance to add an infant to your booking.

Available Bookings from 28 Jun to 11 Jul 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in AUD ($)

Sat 28 Jun
Sun 29 Jun
Mon 30 Jun
Tue 1 Jul
Wed 2 Jul
Thu 3 Jul
Fri 4 Jul
Sat 5 Jul
Sun 6 Jul
Mon 7 Jul
Tue 8 Jul
Wed 9 Jul
Thu 10 Jul
Fri 11 Jul

Bookings close in 5 hours...

  • Adult$200.00

  • Adult$200.00

  • Adult$200.00

  • Adult$200.00

Bookings close in 5 hours...

  • Adult$225.00

  • Adult$225.00

  • Adult$225.00

  • Adult$225.00

Bookings close in 5 hours...

  • Adult$250.00
  • Child$125.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$250.00
  • Child$125.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$250.00
  • Child$125.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$250.00
  • Child$125.00
  • Infant Free

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

316 reviews

Showing all 316 authenticated Bookme reviews

oceane. from France wrote on 07 March 2023

Dommage manque une activité

Nous n’avons pas fait la ballade en bateau avec les hublots, car personne ne nous a dit qu’elle partait plus tôt que prévu. Pas de compensation pour ca… vraiment dommage. Le reste était bien .

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From All-Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands - Great Barrier Reef

Hi Oceane, thanks for your review. We are sorry to hear you've missed the semi sub experience. Our staff communicates the inclusions of the daytour once you get on the vessel to start the river cruise. It is unfortune, that you've missed this information. We do offer a range of inclusions on Frankland Islands, such as the snorkel safari and the eco walk around the island. Great to hear you've enjoyed the rest of the day :)

Aurelie DINTILHAC from France wrote on 16 February 2019

Superbe journée !

Un personnel vraiment très attentionné ! Un buffet lunch très très bien garni et varié ! Une demi journée que je recommande à tout le monde !

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From All-Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands - Great Barrier Reef

Thanks for the 5 stars and for the review - great you enjoyed what we have on offer, including the lunch and recommend our tour to everyone!

Eva Tailamee from France wrote on 06 December 2018

Superbe expérience

C’etait vraiment génial, entre l’endroit paradisiaque et l’equipe très sympathique, on a été gâté. On a eu la chance de nager avec des tortues de mer..

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From All-Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands - Great Barrier Reef

Hi, Thank you for your review. We are very fortunate to have this beautiful Island to ourselves & the amazing fish life. I will pass on your comments to the crew. Take Care

johnd37 from Australia wrote on 13 September 2024

nice day out

weather could have been better but had a good day anyhow

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Toni Franklin from New Zealand wrote on 20 June 2025

Relaxing and diverse day trip

I found the cruise along the mangroves listening to tunes very peaceful. The snorkelling was good even without ideal conditions and the staff were knowledgeable and educational. It was organised without being rushed. We saw turtles! The tour had a remote feel which was nice.

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This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

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