Getting here
Complimentary coach transfer or self-drive
Located just 45 minutes south of Cairns, Frankland Islands is an easy day tour option. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises offers complimentary coach transfers from Cairns, or if you’d prefer to sleep in a bit, you can make your own way down to meet the Turtle Islander vessel at our departure point in Deeral.
Setting out from Cairns, and south onto the A1 road, the landscape quickly transforms and the concrete of the city is replaced with lush rainforests and rolling hills.
Sugar cane and bananas are commonly grown throughout the region and you will see plantations along the road as you journey towards Walsh’s Pyramid.
This iconic natural landmark rises 922 meters above sea level, it’s the highest freestanding pyramid in the world. Popular among hikers and adventurers, it offers challenging but rewarding climbs with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tropical landscape. Want a photo stop with a killer backdrop? Along Behana Gorge Road is a great scenic photo spot to capture Walsh’s Pyramid in all its glory.
Gordonvale
Nestled at the base of the Great Dividing Range is the charming little town of Gordonvale.
The area is home to the Mamu people, and was settled by Europeans in the late 1800s for sugarcane cultivation.
The town quickly thrived, becoming a bustling sugar-producing hub. In 1911, Gordonvale witnessed a tragic cyclone that caused significant damage. Over the years, the town continued to evolve, and today it retains its historical charm with well-preserved Art Deco architecture and a strong connection to its agricultural roots.
Gordonvale’s vibrant community and historical heritage make it a fascinating stop for those exploring Far North Queensland.
Here, the A1 road runs alongside the Mulgrave River. As you drive, take in the tranquil waters of the river, where you might spot local anglers casting their lines or families enjoying a picnic along the banks.
Deeral and the Mulgrave River
20km further south, we reach the small settlement of Deeral and the widest stretch in the river.
Deeral is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting diverse wildlife and opportunities for fishing and boating.
At this stage, we turn off the highway and onto Ross Road. Approximately 500m down the road we reach our private wharf and the meeting point for our departures.
The crew was so friendly and everything was well organized! Pick up & drop off were timely. They had so much gear and we saw so much wildlife.
A fun day with lots to do and a very friendly and helpful crew. Enjoyed all the activities. The snorkelling was great, all the gear was provided and one crew even swam with us and took us out to see the reef as we weren’t very confident and are not very good swimmers. The semi submarine was beautiful and we saw a turtle and a sting ray. And finally the island walk – very interesting and informative. All in all a great experience and a big thanks to the crew.
Amazing day out on the reef so many turtles and fish to see the staff are amazing they know exactly where to look for things and let you know. Day is well run and organised friendly and helpful staff made the day one to remember.
Absolutely loved my experience with Frankland Island Tours! From start to finish, it was a fantastic day. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome right away. Our guides, were amazing! They were so knowledgeable about the reef, the island, and all the marine life. We learned so much and had a great time doing it.
The island itself is stunning, and the snorkeling was out of this world. We saw so many colorful fish and even a few turtles! Everything was well-organized and ran smoothly, which made the whole day relaxing and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a great day trip in the Cairns area, I highly recommend Frankland Island Tours! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Truly Cairns hidden gem… knowledgeable and friendly staff all inclusive .. absolutely pristine..turtles baby sharks so much marine life large fish and variety of coral .. food was lovely .. very good value for money .. not a huge day ..felt relaxing ..even W kids 😉
Our experience with Frankland Islands Cruises was absolutely incredible! The staff were remarkably knowledgeable, helpful, fun, and full of energy, making the entire day a joy from start to finish.
We’re so glad we chose this cruise over the others—it was perfect for families and packed with activities! Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking—we did it all! Swimming with turtles, countless fish, and seeing the vibrant coral up close was simply unforgettable.
Lunch was delicious and exactly what we needed after such an action-packed day.
This has truly been the highlight of our trip, and we can’t thank the amazing staff enough for making it so special. Highly recommend Frankland Islands Cruises!
Despite some showers and a thunderstorm during lunch, it was an excellent day for my two kids and I. We much prefer this experience over the outer reef because the water was calmer and easier for the kids to handle. Plenty of marine life to see. Staff were great. We did not partake in the glass boat tour or the island walk because my kids wanted to stay on the beach, snorkel, and kayak. You can customize your experience to suit your desires. Thank you Frankland Island Reef Cruises for a memorable day!
Great tour. Worth the money. The crew makes sure that everyone finds the right activity. The equipment is sufficient. The activities are well planned. I would absolutely recommend the tour.
This tour was the highlight of our holiday and the best snorkeling to be had outside of the outer Great Barrier Reef. We saw clown fish living in bright blue anemones, a reef shark, turtles and a bright yellow box fish. Conditions were very calm and clear on the day we went. It was like swimming my in an aquarium.
Staff were professional and helpful and food was great. There were even beach games for young children.
We loved our day on a tropical island, admiring the views, snorkeling, swimming and stand up paddle boarding.
Undoubtedly one of the best island trip, if not the best. To begin with, once you are picked up by the bus, the bus ride to the ferry is unbelievably beautiful. With mountains and sugar cane fields. The ferry ride on the river and sea is smooth and not bumpy which keeps sea sickness away.
The island itself is a Virgin island. You will have semi submarine tours and snorkeling. Beginners will have guides on water. The underwater coral view is truly amazing. The staff is super friendly and will take good care. Highly recommend 👌