In short
- The open-water boat ride is just 10 kilometres long.
- Tours start with a calm cruise down the Mulgrave River.
- Kids can snorkel directly off the beach on Normanby Island.
In this article
Taking children to the Great Barrier Reef requires planning around travel time and ocean conditions. The Frankland Islands tour limits the open-ocean boat ride. This makes it a highly family-friendly option compared to longer outer reef trips.
How long is the boat ride to the Frankland Islands?
The boat ride takes about 45 minutes in total.
Your family will start with a scenic, calm-water cruise down the Mulgrave River. After reaching the river mouth, the boat makes a 10-kilometre open-water crossing to Normanby Island. This is the shortest ocean crossing of any Cairns reef trip. It significantly reduces the chance of seasickness for young children.
What is there for kids to do on the islands?
Kids can snorkel off the beach and explore a short nature trail.
Normanby Island features shallow fringing coral reefs directly off the sand. This allows kids to wade in at their own pace. They can look for sea turtles, giant clams, and anemonefish. You can also take them on the 1-kilometre circuit walking track, which takes just 20 minutes to finish.
Is the Frankland Islands tour good for seasickness?
Yes, it is one of the best reef options for families prone to motion sickness.
Because the open ocean segment is only 10 kilometres, the rougher part of the journey is brief. Families spend the first part of the boat trip on a completely calm river. Bring light windbreakers for the boat ride to keep everyone comfortable.
What should families pack for a Frankland Islands trip?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towels, and reusable water bottles.
Pack sturdy walking shoes for the island trails and insect repellent for the rainforest areas. You must take all your rubbish with you. There are no bins on any of the islands in the National Park.
What do the commercial family tours include?
Commercial tours offer varying levels of inclusions for families.
The all-inclusive tour provides a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and a guided snorkel safari. The express day trip offers snacks, but lunch must be prebooked. Both tours include snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Are there any hazards for kids to watch out for?
Estuarine crocodiles can occur in the rivers, and jellyfish are present in warmer months.
Children should always wear stinger suits when swimming in the summer. Commercial tours usually provide these lycra suits. Remind kids to avoid touching corals or marine life to prevent damage and painful stings. Ensure they stay out of the fenced sand spit areas between September 1 and March 31.
Questions travellers ask
Where are the Frankland Islands located?
The islands are located 45 kilometres south-east of Cairns and approximately 10 kilometres offshore in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Can you stay on the Frankland Islands?
Yes, you can camp overnight on High Island or Russell Island. You must book a Queensland Parks permit in advance and be completely self-sufficient.
Do I need a stinger suit at the Frankland Islands?
Yes, wearing a stinger suit is recommended during the warmer months. This protects against dangerous jellyfish. Tour operators typically provide these suits for guests.
