Entrada Travel Group Acquires Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

Entrada Travel Group has today announced the acquisition of Frankland Islands Reef Cruises, the third in a series of recent investments in Tropical North Queensland by the New Zealand-based tourism company.

CEO John Thorburn says Frankland Islands Reef Cruises was a natural choice for the company as it continues to expand into the Australian market.

“Frankland Islands Reef Cruises offers a unique way to experience the Great Barrier Reef and, combined with the outer reef tours we offer through our TUSA and Divers Den brands, it widens the range of options for travellers of all kinds,” he says.

“We’re excited to be able to share this unspoilt piece of paradise with visitors and look forward to bringing our experience in conservation, education and tourism on this beautiful group of islands.”

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises holds an exclusive commercial access permit to visit the island group, with visitor numbers capped at 100 per day to ensure this pristine and ecologically significant national park is protected for future generations.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises tours depart Cairns daily and include return sightseeing coach transfers before boarding the 30m Turtle Islander for a relaxing cruise along the Mulgrave River and the shortest crossing to the Great Barrier Reef at just 30 minutes. Visitors then spend the day snorkelling, diving and exploring the island with a marine biologist.

All staff will be retained, with settlement expected to take place during February 2020. Included in the purchase are three vessels and two coaches.

About Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

The Frankland Islands are an archipelago in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, located 10km offshore about 45km south-east of Cairns. The group consists of five ecologically significant islands: Normanby, High, Russell, Round and Mabel. All are uninhabited and surrounded by stunning reefs, with abundant and diverse marine life. The islands are part of the sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji people.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is the only company to hold a permit to visit Normanby Island, with visitors restricted to 100 per day, making it an exclusive day tour option. Tours travel along the Mulgrave River before a 30-minute crossing to the island, providing the shortest travel time of all Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tours.

Day tours include snorkelling, a fresh buffet lunch served on the island and guided walk of the foreshore and interior by expert marine biologists. Optional extras include semi-submersible or glass bottom boat tours, kayak and Seadoo hire and stand-up paddleboards. Introductory diving and certified diving are also available.

For more information visit www.franklandislands.com.au