Frankland Islands Queensland
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Frankland Islands Queensland

4.8
·437 reviews·Parramatta Park, Australia

A secluded Great Barrier Reef paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral, and abundant marine life, accessible only by eco-certified tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Year-round

Consistent tropical weather

CrowdMedium
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Frankland Islands Queensland

Frankland Islands Queensland

Best Time

Year-round

Consistent tropical weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded Great Barrier Reef paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral, and abundant marine life, accessible only by eco-certified tours.

4.8
(437 reviews)

"Truly a fantastic day out, living in paradise with no reason not to love your job!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Eco-Certified Tours

Only eco-certified tours visit these islands. Book in advance for a small-group experience! 🎟️

Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Key

Protect the delicate reef ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen. :sunwithface:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 437 reviews

Type

Tour Agency

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snorkel with Marine Life

Snorkel with Marine Life

Shallow waters around the islands

Swim alongside turtles, Nemo, reef sharks, and colorful fish in crystal-clear, shallow waters.

Pristine Island Beaches

Pristine Island Beaches

Sandy shores

Relax on secluded, untouched beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

River Cruise Wildlife Spotting

River Cruise Wildlife Spotting

Mulgrave River

Spot crocodiles and other fascinating wildlife during a scenic cruise along the Mulgrave River.

Okinawa Stars

Okinawa Stars

Sandy shores

Discover tiny, star-shaped grains of sand, which are actually microscopic organisms.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Eco-Certified Tour in Advance

The Frankland Islands are a secluded paradise accessible only by eco-certified tours. Booking ahead is essential, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on these small-group adventures. These tours are the only way to access this pristine Great Barrier Reef gem.

Embrace the Reef's Natural Wonders

Prepare for incredible marine life encounters! From snorkeling with turtles and Nemo to spotting reef sharks and rays, the Frankland Islands offer a vibrant underwater world. Remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof camera to capture the magic.

Best Times

When
Year-round
Why
Consistent tropical weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Parramatta Park’s Wistaria Gardens now in full bloom 🌸 You can enter the park at any time or join their FREE Flower Festival - here are all the details: * WHAT: September in Wistaria 2024 * WHEN: 21 Sep 2024, 10:00 am until 22 Sep 2024, 04:00 pm * HOW MUCH: Free Roll out the picnic blanket and enjoy live music in Parramatta’s much-loved Wistaria Gardens this September, when the annual floral disp...
@anniesbucketlist
12.9K likes • 335.5K views

Book Eco-Certified Tours

Only eco-certified tours visit these islands. Book in advance for a small-group experience! 🎟️

Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Key

Protect the delicate reef ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen. :sunwithface:

A birdseye view of the Frankland Islands from @tgraham.photography!
franklandislands
79 likes • 1.6K views
Frankland Islands never disappoints 🐢 Home to some of the Great Barrier Reef’s friendliest locals, like this green turtle chilling in the shallows. 🎥@franklandislands #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia Visit Queensland, Australia Australia.com
tropicalnorthqueensland
739 likes • 15.2K views

Waterproof Camera Recommended

Capture incredible underwater moments with a waterproof camera or phone case. :iphone:

Pack Light for Island Day

Tours usually include lunch and activities, so just bring essentials like swimwear and a towel. :beachwithumbrella:

Frankland Islands in 15 seconds 🏝 This picturesque island is home to an enormous population of Nemo’s, turtles and Manta Rays, who all live in the shallows no more than 2-3m deep! It’s just unreal out here! My team and i shot this (and a full length edit), as part of a Tourism @queensland campaign on @franklandislands #franklandisland #turtle #scuba #diving #underwater #amazing #queensland #na...
descentproductions
311 likes • 7.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Eco-Certified Tours

Only eco-certified tours visit these islands. Book in advance for a small-group experience! 🎟️

Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Key

Protect the delicate reef ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen. :sunwithface:

Waterproof Camera Recommended

Capture incredible underwater moments with a waterproof camera or phone case. :iphone:

Pack Light for Island Day

Tours usually include lunch and activities, so just bring essentials like swimwear and a towel. :beachwithumbrella:

Look for Okinawa Stars

Keep an eye out for tiny, star-shaped sand grains on the beach – a unique find! ✨

What Travellers Say

4.8
(437 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Frankland Islands for their stunning natural beauty and incredible marine life encounters. The small-group tours are highlighted for their professional and caring staff, delicious food, and well-organized activities, making it a truly memorable day out. Some minor dislikes include the boat journey being long for some, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"A wonderful day out! We had an amazing experience on this tour. The team were very caring and professional helping everyone to feel safe and comfortable with all activities. It is a small group of around 50 including staff on the entire island. It is paradise with beautiful clear water. We saw crocodiles on the River Cruise and when snorkelling we saw a variety of fish and turtles."

Amanda Bisset

"Truely a fantastic day out.
The crew friendly,very helpful and you could tell they love their job. Let's be honest when your living in Paradise there is no reason not to love your job.
There was enough food to feed everyone from fresh prawns to cold meat and salad with a bread roll and fresh fruit.
The treasure hunt for the kids was a great little activity for them, my grandson loved it.
Thanks crew for a memorable day.
Keep up the great work."

Belinda Nurney

"The trip was amazing. Our guide Jess was very friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious. We were a small group of people and had the whole island just for ourselves. The tour was well organized with plenty of activities to choose from. Snorkeling was great — we saw three turtles, a baby shark, and even a stingray. On the way back, we spotted a crocodile too. Overall, it was an incredible experience and I would definitely recommend it"

Natália Nagyova

What People Like

Pristine island paradise
Abundant marine life
Friendly and professional crew

What People Dislike

Long boat journey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Frankland Islands are only accessible via a full-day eco-certified tour departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. The journey typically involves a scenic cruise along the Mulgrave River and then across the open sea to the islands. InstagramReddit

No, public transport does not go to the Frankland Islands. Access is exclusively through organized tour operators who manage the boat transfers. Reddit

The boat trip to the islands usually takes around 30-45 minutes from the departure point after the river cruise. Reddit

You cannot drive directly to the Frankland Islands. They are located offshore and require a boat transfer as part of a tour. Instagram

Tours typically depart from Cairns or Port Douglas, with pick-up points often available from accommodation in these areas. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cost varies depending on the tour operator, but expect prices to be in the range of $150-$250 AUD per person for a full-day tour, which usually includes lunch and activities. Reddit

Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times, as these are small-group tours and spots fill up quickly. Reddit

Most tours are full-day eco-certified experiences. Some may offer half-day options or focus on specific activities like snorkeling or island exploration. Reddit

Typically, tours include boat transfers, a guided snorkel safari, island walk, buffet lunch, morning tea, and sometimes activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. InstagramReddit

The tour price generally covers access to the islands. There are no separate entry fees for the islands themselves when booked as part of an organized tour. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can see a wide variety of marine life including green turtles, clownfish (Nemo), reef sharks, stingrays, and numerous colorful fish species. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, snorkeling is excellent, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life visible in the clear, shallow waters directly off the beach. Reddit+1

Many tours offer kid-friendly activities like treasure hunts, which are a big hit with younger visitors. Reddit

Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera. Tours usually provide snorkeling gear. :athletic_shoe: :iphone:

Crocodiles can sometimes be spotted during the river cruise portion of the tour, especially on the Mulgrave River. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Most full-day tours include a buffet lunch with options like fresh prawns, cold meats, salads, bread rolls, and fresh fruit. Morning tea is also often provided. InstagramReddit

No, there are no permanent restaurants or cafes on the islands. All food and drinks are provided as part of the tour package. Reddit

While tours provide meals, you can usually bring personal snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but check with your specific tour operator. Reddit

It's best to inquire with your tour operator when booking, as they can often accommodate dietary requirements if notified in advance. Reddit

Expect a fresh, tropical-themed buffet lunch, often including seafood, meats, salads, and fruits, catering to a range of tastes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life like turtles and fish. Instagram+1

Yes, with a waterproof camera or phone case, you can capture amazing underwater photos and videos of the reef and its inhabitants. Instagram

Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, while afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour hues. Check tide times for optimal snorkeling conditions. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in protected marine park areas and on eco-certified tours to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check with your tour operator. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a macro lens can capture the intricate details of marine life. A waterproof camera is a must for underwater shots. Instagram

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