Surrounded by extensive fringing reefs, these five continental islands feature rocky outcrops, dense rainforest, mangroves and coastal vegetation, making them a haven for a variety of wildlife.

Featuring outcrops of weathered and eroded green and white metamorphic rock, the islands are part of the coastal mountain range which was separated from the mainland by a rise in sea level 6,000 years ago. The vegetation on the islands is varied and includes patches of lush rainforest, coastal plant communities and mangrove swamps.

The islands support a large array of bird life including numerous seabirds as well as pied imperial-pigeons, fruit doves, varied honeyeaters and white-breasted woodswallows. The fringing reefs surrounding the islands are home to a diversity of reef life including both hard and soft corals.

The Frankland Islands have special significance for the Mandingalby Yindinji and Gungandji Aboriginal people who fished, hunted and gathered food on these islands and the adjacent sea country. Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook named the islands in 1770 in honour of two 18th century sailors—a Lord of the Admiralty and his nephew, both named Sir Thomas Frankland. Early in the 20th century, the Frankland Islands became a popular fishing and boating destination for local people. A lighthouse was built on Russell Island in 1929 and the island became a Commonwealth island. High, Normanby, Mabel and Round islands were declared national park in 1936. The surrounding waters were included in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1983.