Highlights
- Cruise the Mulgrave River with crocodile spotting
- 4 hours to relax and enjoy Normanby Island
- Guided snorkelling tours, kayaking & paddleboarding
- Guided walk around island with kid's treasure hunt
Description
Discover Frankland Islands National Park on a unique tour to Normanby Island with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises in Cairns. Explore the rainforest on a Mulgrave River cruise before crossing to the tropical Frankland Islands, home to colourful marine life and striking coral. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is the only experience in Cairns to combine a reef, rainforest and river tour in one!
Your full day tour with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises begins with a Cairns pick-up and scenic 45 minute journey past sugar cane fields, rainforest mountains and the famous Walsh’s Pyramid. Upon arriving in Deeral, you are met by the Turtle Islander, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises’ luxury modern vessel. Cruise for 30 minutes to the mouth of the Mulgrave River, with the opportunity to spot crocodiles and learn about the North Queensland rainforest.
The Turtle Islander takes you on a short 10km coastal water crossing to reach the hidden Normanby Island, a haven away from the crowds. Normanby Island is part of the protected Frankland Islands National Park, with beautiful beaches and healthy reefs ready to explore. During your tour with Frankland Island Reef Cruises, you have the option to take part in guided snorkelling straight off the beach and a snorkel safari on reefs further afield from aboard the Turtle Islander. If you prefer to stay dry, you can also explore the wonders of the reef from a kayak or stand up paddleboard.
In between making the most of the wonderful reef activities available, you will definitely be ready for both morning and afternoon tea, and a delicious buffet lunch provided by Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. After lunch, you can explore Normanby Island in more depth before departing back to Cairns, on a guided walk past rocky pools, through rainforest and along the beach spotting abundant marine wildlife. Kids will have plenty of entertainment with a fantastic treasure hunt designed by the Frankland Island Reef Cruises team, making this tour ideal for everyone.
Trip Includes
- Return transfers from Cairns to Deeral (45 mins each way)
- 30 minute Mulgrave River cruise with crocodile spotting
- 4 hours to enjoy Normanby Island
- Guided snorkelling tour and adventure snorkel safari
- Protection suits (Nov-Apr) and floatation devices
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Guided island eco walk
- Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea
- Kid's treasure hunt
- Guided scuba diving (optional extra)
Duration
- Allow a full day (approx 11 hours)
Departures
- 7:00am departure
- Coach transfers depart central Cairns accommodation (returns approx 5:30pm)
- Self-drive to Deeral for check-in at 8:15am (approx 45 minutes from Cairns)
- Operates Friday to Tuesday all year
Other Information
- Tours restricted to 80 passengers per day to enjoy having the island to yourself
- Short 10km coastal water crossing makes this tour ideal for those with seasickness
- Frankland Island Reef Cruises is the only operator licensed to land on Normanby Island
- Tour guides are expert marine biologists and master reef guides
- If scuba diving, briefing is provided during journey to the islands
- Scuba diving is subject to meeting medical conditions on medical questionnaire
- Please read the important dive information before booking
- Maximum dive depth is 16m due to shallow waters
- Infants 0-3 years travel free but must be pre-booked
- Child rates apply (4-14 years)
