Frankland Islands
The Franklin Islands are located in the waters southeast of Cairns, forming a triangular shape. One side of the island features a large herringbone-shaped white sandy beach with fine, soft sand, while the other side consists of dead coral reefs washed ashore by waves and offshore reef areas. The island is very small, with a daily visitor limit of no more than 100 people. There are no permanent residents, preserving its pristine ecological environment and offering excellent privacy. From the island, there are no obstructing landmasses or other islands—just the endless expanse of the ocean, making it a true hidden paradise at sea.
Tropical Rainforest, River, and Great Barrier Reef Views All in One
Our itinerary offers hotel pick-up services in Cairns city, the northern beaches, and Palm Cove. Departing from Cairns, we head south through vast sugarcane fields, passing by the World Heritage-listed Wooroonooran National Park and tropical rainforest mountains, until we reach the cruise dock. Boarding a double-decker air-conditioned cruise, you'll enjoy a 30-minute journey on the river, where you can admire the unique mangrove views. Shortly after leaving the river mouth, you'll arrive at Franklin Island. Most of this cruise takes place on the river, with minimal time at sea, making it ideal for guests prone to seasickness.
Diverse Water and Underwater Activities with 4.5 hr Duration
Our itinerary includes a 4.5-hour stop at Franklin Island. The boat ticket comes with a complimentary guided snorkeling activity (including snorkeling equipment and safety instructions), as well as a guided island hike (featuring a treasure hunt activity for children). For those who prefer not to snorkel, alternative activities like semi-submarine rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also included in the package. If you'd rather take it easy, simply stroll around the island or relax on the beach for a leisurely experience.
Itinerary
The following schedule is for reference only and is subject to change based on actual arrangements on the day.
7:45am Pick-up at Cairns hotel
Meet up with road trip guests at 8:15am, then head to DEERAL Pier to board the boat, enjoying tropical rainforest views along the way.
Depart from the pier at 8:30am and head to Franklin Island, enjoying the riverside mangrove views along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy 4.5 hrs of leisure time on the island.
Return to DEERAL Pier at 3:30 & 4pm
5:15pm Arrival at Cairns Pick-up Hotel
FAQ
Q: If I take a road trip to the pier to board the ship, is there a parking fee?
A: Deeral has many free parking spaces
Q: What if I can't swim and am afraid of water?
A: We provide life jackets and buoyancy aids, so you can snorkel even if you can't swim. If you're afraid of water, our staff will guide you during snorkeling, so there's no need to worry—just follow their instructions. If you're too afraid to snorkel, you can pay on-site to book activities like glass-bottom boat rides or semi-submarine tours, which don't require entering the water.
Q: What should I do if I get seasick?
A: Our boat will sail along the river for a while before entering the sea. The sailing time on the sea is approximately half an hour. Once we arrive at the island, there's no need to return to the boat. The chance of seasickness is very low. If you're particularly concerned about seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication around 8:00 am before boarding.
Travel Notice
Transportation
The package on this page includes pick-up service. For some hotels that are inconvenient for parking, you will need to go to a nearby meeting point for boarding. The specific pick-up time and location will be provided in the confirmation letter. Self-driving address: 169 Ross Road, Deeral OLD. Self-driving tips: Approximately 15 minutes after passing Gordonvale, you will reach the township of Deeral. Stay on the Bruce Highway until you see Ross Road on your left (Ross Road will appear after you see the BP service station sign, but before you pass the BP Service Station. If you see the BP Service Station, it means you've gone too far).
Booking Information
1. The departure time is 8:30am. For the road trip package, please arrive for check-in and boarding by 8:15am. The Cairns city center is approximately a 45-min drive from the road trip location. Please plan your time accordingly, as no refunds will be issued for missed boarding due to personal reasons such as traffic delays or getting lost.
2. This itinerary does not have Chinese-speaking staff, so guests need to possess basic English communication skills.
3. No high-altitude flights within 12 hours after a single deep dive, or within 24 hours after two or more deep dives.
Children must be 12 years or older for deep diving