YACHT CHARTERS TO
Escape to the exclusive beauty of the Frankland Group National Park, an unspoiled archipelago nestled in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Located just 10 km offshore and 45 km southeast of Cairns, this secluded paradise offers an unparalleled luxury getaway amidst World Heritage-listed wonders.
The Frankland Islands Group was originally part of a coastal mountain range, which was separated from mainland Australia by an increase in sea levels over 6000 years ago. Comprising five pristine islands – Normanby, High, Russell, Round, and Mabel – the Frankland Group is entirely uninhabited, providing an intimate connection to nature. Surrounding the islands are vibrant fringing reefs teeming with hard and soft corals, giant clams, and an array of marine life, from turtles to graceful rays. During May and June, manta rays glide through the shallow reefs, offering breathtaking encounters both above and below the water’s surface.
With sightings of dugongs and seasonal whales, the Frankland Islands offer an exclusive sanctuary for those seeking an unforgettable escape into the untouched beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Normanby Island, with its unique 20m rise above sea level, provides some of the best snorkelling off Cairns thanks to its unique combination of rainforest vegetation and coastal species. The water is also cooler here during the summer months.
Russell Island is home to a lighthouse built in 1929. Today, visitors have the option of bush camping on both Russel and High Islands, with permits.
Submerge yourself in over 200 different species of hard and soft corals in the waters surrounding the Frankland Islands. Keep an eye out for two rare jewel-blue sea anemones off the north and west sides of Normanby Island, where you might see some clownfish. You may also have an underwater encounter with green sea turtles, giant clams, manta rays, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and numerous species of vibrant reef fish.
The Frankland Islands Group was originally part of a coastal mountain range, which was separated from mainland Australia by an increase in sea levels over 6000 years ago. Comprising five pristine islands – Normanby, High, Russell, Round, and Mabel – the Frankland Group is entirely uninhabited, providing an intimate connection to nature. Surrounding the islands are vibrant fringing reefs teeming with hard and soft corals, giant clams, and an array of marine life, from turtles to graceful rays. During May and June, manta rays glide through the shallow reefs, offering breathtaking encounters both above and below the water’s surface.
With sightings of dugongs and seasonal whales, the Frankland Islands offer an exclusive sanctuary for those seeking an unforgettable escape into the untouched beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Normanby Island, with its unique 20m rise above sea level, provides some of the best snorkelling off Cairns thanks to its unique combination of rainforest vegetation and coastal species. The water is also cooler here during the summer months.
Russell Island is home to a lighthouse built in 1929. Today, visitors have the option of bush camping on both Russel and High Islands, with permits.
Submerge yourself in over 200 different species of hard and soft corals in the waters surrounding the Frankland Islands. Keep an eye out for two rare jewel-blue sea anemones off the north and west sides of Normanby Island, where you might see some clownfish. You may also have an underwater encounter with green sea turtles, giant clams, manta rays, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and numerous species of vibrant reef fish.
