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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 2 Jul to 15 Jul 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in AUD ($)

Wed 2 Jul
Thu 3 Jul
Fri 4 Jul
Sat 5 Jul
Sun 6 Jul
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Tue 8 Jul
Wed 9 Jul
Thu 10 Jul
Fri 11 Jul
Sat 12 Jul
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Mon 14 Jul
Tue 15 Jul

  • Adult$200.00

  • Adult$200.00

  • Adult$225.00

  • Adult$225.00

  • 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

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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Arianna Semprini from Australia wrote on 19 June 2025

Great day out

Very nice ferry boat trip across the island. Plenty of snorkeling at main beach and after 10min walk on right (few up and down steps better by using shoes) can reach Nudy beach. There is mainly windy but nice. Nice taking pictures around the boulders. Saw a massive school of fish around there and reef is nice beyond that point. Check current before going in. Saw turtles, sting rays and lots of species. Also a nice swing at entryway of that beach.

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Adrianne Sumner from Australia wrote on 21 February 2025

A Fantastic day

I loved every minute of it. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I was travelling on my own but felt I was part of it all. Everything was a wonderful experience. Thank you to the fellow travellers for sharing a bit of your life and travelling to Cairns from across the world. Thank you to all the crew aswell. So well organised. A beautiful lunch too. Many many thanks

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

Hi Adrianne, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you loved every minute of your experience and especially while traveling on your own. We’re also happy that you enjoyed the beautiful lunch and appreciated the organisation of the day. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future!

jessiex1 from Australia wrote on 15 January 2025

Pleasant trip

The booking enquires went to the crew team directly and they are helpful with providing answers. The on board experience was ease and pleasant. Highly recommended.

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