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.
Could not have been happier with our day. Great guides, easy down river trip and across to the island with stunning views. The island itself was beautiful and incredibly isolated, it was a small personal tour that was highly enjoyable. You should definitely do the guided snorkel tour if you do the day trip
Perfection! Having the option of semi sub tour, sup, snorkelling on your own, snorkel safari in group, island tour, beautiful lunch and an ideallic island setting is superb for a family wanting to explore Great Barrier reef and not be stuck on a boat the whole day. Swimming above coral, colourful marine life, fish and swam with turtles! Would love to go again! Thank you crew we have wonderful memories.
It was am amazing experience! I got picked up by a coach in the morning, the coach was well ventilated, drove for about an hour in that until we hour to the ferry. The boat trip was about an hour long too where I saw beautiful sights of nature! They provided free drinks and snacks both ways in the ferry and lunch was also included in the island! They can provide something for every dietary requirement, including vegan.
What a hidden gem this tour was. Beautiful island, river cruise and great reef. Nice small group. Had the island to ourselves. Knowledgeable, friendly crew. Fabulous value. Will definitely be recommending this trip.
Highlight of the holiday!! Can’t recommend enough: we were picked up outside our hotel in the morning, drove to the boat where we had a great trip down the Mulgrave river before another 30 min on the sea and we arrived at the island. Variety of activities available from free snorkelling in a watched boundary and a snorkel tour a bit further out, to a semi-submersible and rainforest island tour where you can see in rock pools. The semi-sub was a little murky so if you enjoyed the snorkelling tour, I’d carry on on your own, as it’s what you saw before, but less clear, but if you’re not comfortable snorkeling, then it’s a great alternative to see the corals.
Excellent day tour to a great little island. Crew were wonderful and provided an overall fabulous experience. Suitable for most all ages/abilities and can do as much or as little as you like. Highly recommend.
Very well organized. Staff was amazing!! Something for everyone. You had your choice of snorkeling, glass bottom boat, kayaks, sup, guided nature walk ( totally amazing and interesting!) and there was even a treasure hunt for young kids. Food and snacks were great as well! Highly recommend!
Had a great day out on Frankland Island Reef Cruises. You can do as much or as little as you want on the island so perfect if you want to snorkel and spend lots of time in the water or just sit on the beach in the sun listening to the birds. The boat trip over is pretty short so good if boat travel isn’t your thing. Semi-sub trip is great if you are not a confident swimmer or fan of snorkeling. The information is interesting and while not crystal clear its a good reminder the reef can survive & flourish but we can do lots to help in our everyday life. Loads of food for lunch and afternoon cheese & biscuits was a great way to finish off the day. Highly recommend this trip
We can throughly recommend this small, relaxed all-inclusive reef tour.
The crew were amazing, the snorkel safari the best we’ve ever been on in clear, calm waters seeing beautiful corals, fish and turtles close up. Semi sub tour of the island, guided walk, use of paddle boards and kayaks and amazing food all included. A really great day out.
Thanks to all the crew. You worked so hard all day and were fun, helpful, friendly and very informative.
Thank you
What an amazing day out in frankland Island.
Would highly recommended this trip – one of the best snorkelling I’ve done and its guided. if your not the best swimmer you can just walk straight into the crystal clear water and still see lots of amazing stuff.
The submarine was brilliant, got to see loads.
The island walk was very educational and saw some very unique things.
Great staff, great food. Overall amazing day out would highly recommend 🙂