In short
- Frankland Islands limit commercial visitors to 100 per day.
- Fitzroy Island offers a resort; Frankland is entirely uninhabited.
- Frankland has the shortest ocean crossing from Cairns at just 10 kilometres.
In this article
Deciding between the Frankland Islands and Fitzroy Island depends on how you want to spend your day. The Frankland Islands offer a remote, highly protected environment with zero commercial development. Fitzroy Island provides a busier, resort-style experience with more facilities.
How does the atmosphere compare?
The Frankland Islands are quiet and highly protected, while Fitzroy Island is a bustling resort destination.
Only one commercial operator visits the Frankland Islands. A maximum of 100 commercial guests can land on Normanby Island each day. This cap protects the ecosystem and keeps the beaches empty. Fitzroy Island sees much higher daily visitor numbers.
Which island has better facilities?
Fitzroy Island has developed facilities, whereas the Frankland Islands have absolutely none.
The Frankland Islands are entirely off-grid. There is no running water, sewage system, or rubbish bins on the islands. You must carry everything in and out. Fitzroy Island features a resort, restaurants, and standard tourist infrastructure.
Which island has the shorter boat ride?
The Frankland Islands offer the shortest open-water crossing of any Cairns reef trip.
Tours to the Frankland Islands involve a 45-minute drive from Cairns to Deeral. From there, you take a 45-minute boat trip. The vessel cruises down the Mulgrave River before a short 10-kilometre ocean crossing.
How do the reefs compare?
The Frankland Islands feature shallow fringing reefs directly off the beach with very low foot traffic.
You can walk straight into the water to see sea turtles, giant clams, and anemonefish. Because of the strict daily visitor cap, the corals around Normanby Island experience much less human contact compared to the busier reefs near Fitzroy Island.
Can you sleep on the islands?
You can book a resort room on Fitzroy Island, but the Frankland Islands only offer off-grid camping.
If you want a wilderness escape, you can camp on Russell Island or High Island in the Frankland Group. You must be completely self-sufficient. Permits cost roughly $7.75 AUD per night for High Island or are free for Russell Island.
Which island is better for families with kids?
Both work well, but the Frankland Islands are ideal if you want to avoid seasickness.
The calm river cruise and short 10-kilometre ocean crossing to the Frankland Islands make it easier on young stomachs. Families who need immediate access to running water and cafes usually prefer Fitzroy Island.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a resort on the Frankland Islands?
No. The Frankland Islands form an uninhabited National Park. There are no resorts, cafes, or running water. Fitzroy Island is the option to choose if you want resort facilities.
Do you need a tour to visit the Frankland Islands?
You can visit via a private vessel from the Mulgrave or Russell river boat ramps. Otherwise, you must book with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises, the only permitted commercial operator.
Are the Frankland Islands inhabited?
No. The five islands in the archipelago are completely uninhabited. They serve as a protected environment for marine life and nesting seabirds.
