Frankland Islands National Park
An unspoiled natural paradise on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef’s Frankland Group National Park is an archipelago located 10km offshore, about 45km south-east of Cairns. The group’s five continental islands (Normanby, High, Russell, Round and Mabel) are part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
All the islands are uninhabited and surrounded by healthy fringing reefs, full of hard and soft corals, giant clams, schools of fish, turtles, rays and more. Dugongs and whales are often sighted here, and during the months of May and June, manta rays visit the shallow fringing reefs around the islands where you can see them above and below the surface.
High, Normanby, Mabel, and Round Islands were declared a National Park in 1936, to protection the natural environment. The surrounding waters were included in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1983, ensuring the conservation of the marine ecosystem. Today the islands are highly regarded as a leading example of marine management.
Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands Group provides some of the best snorkelling of all the islands near Cairns thanks to its unique geographical location. It rises from sea level, peaking at 20 metres high. It’s a continental island, which is home to rainforest vegetation, as well as coastal species. Cool water channels surround the islands, keeping sea temperatures cooler during the hot summer months.
The islands were named by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770, in honour of two 18th-century sailors, Lord of the Admiralty and his nephew, both named Sir Thomas Frankland.
A lighthouse was built on Russell Island in 1929. Today, bush camping is available on Russell Island and High Island, which must be booked in advance. Camping on Russell Island can be arranged by getting a permit from the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science with transfers offered by Frankland Island Reef Tours.
Frankland Group National Park
Fun facts about this beautiful national park
The Frankland Islands Group was once part of a coastal mountain range, which was separated from mainland Australia by an increase in sea levels over 6000 years ago.
200 species of coral can be found around Normanby and Mabel islands (out of 600 total species in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park)
The islands are home to sereval species of endangered rare fauna such as the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews.
There are two rare jewel-blue sea anemones right off the beaches on the north and west sides of Normanby Island, where you'll likely see some resident clownfish hanging out at home!
Very glad we chose the Frankland Islands for our trip to the reef. Enjoyable river cruise with crocodiles and friendly crew. The island is beautiful and the snorkelling was excellent with sharks, turtles, Moray eel and plenty of fish and coral just offshore
The whole day was great. Starting in the river and then going into the ocean gave a different perspective than other cruises. Saw a crocodile on the way back in the river. Highly recommend this company and cruise.
Amazing experience, beautiful island that is truly well maintained, the crew did such a great job in keeping us safe and making us feel comfortable and giving us the best experience ♥️🐢
A perfect day with a totally engaged and friendly staff. I can recommend this to everyone, so much better with the small group and more individual than all the other snorkeling tours mass tourism tours.
Thanks to the whole Frankland Islands team, we had a great day out. Everyone was so friendly. Max especially was great with the snorkel safari and the island walk; he was so knowledgeable and genuinely interested in what he was showing us. We would highly recommend this.