Frankland Islands Frankland Island Express Day Tour

Map View Full Details Reviews

The short version of the Frankland Islands reef trip: a later start from Cairns, a Mulgrave River cruise, and up to 2.5 hours on Normanby Island with a semi-sub or guided snorkel, kayaks and paddleboards. You're back on the mainland mid-afternoon.

Days

About 5.5 hours from Cairns

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared boat tour

Start / finish

Cairns / Deeral / Normanby Island / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Coach from Cairns, then river and reef boat from Deeral

Meals

Morning and afternoon tea; lunch is an optional extra

Route

Map of Frankland Islands Frankland Island Express Day Tour

View map

Included experiences

Mulgrave River — crocodile spotting on the cruise to the sea
Semi-sub — reef, fish and corals without getting wet
Guided beach snorkel — 30 minutes with a marine biologist
Kayaks and paddleboards — free to use on the island
Normanby Island — swim and snorkel off the beach

Frankland Islands Frankland Island Express Day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO DEERAL

A later start than most reef days: coach pick-ups from selected Cairns city stops begin at about 9am, or you drive yourself and check in at Deeral by 10am. The road heads south through cane fields. Walsh's Pyramid, 922 metres high, is one of the tallest freestanding natural pyramids in the world, and a race to its summit is run every year. About 45 minutes from the city you reach the jetty at Deeral.

DOWN THE MULGRAVE RIVER

At Deeral you board the Wantaim for the run down the Mulgrave River, whose mangrove banks are estuarine crocodile country, so keep scanning the mud from the shaded deck. Morning tea is served on board. From the river mouth it is only about 10 km across to the islands, so you spend more of the trip looking at crocodile banks than at open sea. The Frankland Islands are five small continental islands that James Cook named in 1770, and Normanby Island is the one you land on, a national park ringed by fringing reef.

MIDDAY: UP TO 2.5 HOURS ON NORMANBY ISLAND

You choose one guided activity when you book, as the two run at the same time. The semi-sub glides over the fringing reef so you see the fish, hard and soft corals and, often, turtles through the glass without getting wet. The guided beach snorkel is 30 minutes in the water with a marine biologist, who knows where the giant clams sit. The rest of your time is free: snorkel off the beach, take out a two-seat kayak or a paddleboard, or find shade under the trees. Lunch isn't included, so add the picnic lunch when you book or bring your own.

EARLY AFTERNOON: BACK TO THE MAINLAND

Afternoon tea comes out on the cruise back up the Mulgrave, with one more chance to spot a crocodile on the mud. The boat reaches Deeral at about 2:30pm, and the coach takes you back to Cairns with the rest of the afternoon still yours.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coach pick-up from selected Cairns CBD accommodation from about 9am. Self-drivers check in at Deeral Jetty, 169 Ross Road, Deeral, by 10am.
Departure time: The boat leaves Deeral at 10:15am, though the tides can shift this.
Finishes: Back at Deeral about 2:30pm, then the coach to Cairns.
Suits: Families with young children, cruise ship passengers and anyone short on time. Infants are welcome.
Dietary needs: The picnic lunch has vegetarian and vegan options.
Please note: Turtles live on these reefs, but sightings are not guaranteed. Activities can change with weather and sea conditions.

What to bring

Swimmers
Towel
Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
Your own lunch, if you haven't added the picnic lunch

What is included

Return coach transfer from selected Cairns CBD accommodation
Mulgrave River cruise and boat to Normanby Island
Up to 2.5 hours on the island
One guided activity: semi-sub tour or guided beach snorkel
Snorkel equipment, wetsuits and instruction
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
Morning and afternoon tea and bottled water

Not included

Lunch (optional picnic lunch, book at least 24 hours ahead, or bring your own)
Adventure snorkel safari, guided island walk and kids' treasure hunt (on the full-day tour)
Drinks from the bar on board

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A great family day at the beach, short and sharp but with plenty of reef, snorkelling, fish, turtles, lovely beaches and beach toys. Thanks to Ivan and Victor for looking after us.

Jess Garner Verified· Travelled 23rd September 2026

Read original ↗

(5/5)

We did the half day and felt like we had the island to ourselves. Riley and Captain Victor got us there and back safely and helped spot two crocs on the way home, the snorkelling was incredible and Max's island walk was amazing. We saw sharks, a manta ray and a stingray.

Vanessa Schilling Verified· Travelled 28th April 2026

Read original ↗