419 Dive Log Australasia AUGUST 2026

The fringing reefs around the Franklands sit in 12m or less so I could free dive down to most dive sites – a fun surprise for many intro divers to see me show up with camera in hand.

location so unique. The specially designed shallow draught catamaran winds through the Russell with the Frankland Islands insight from the river mouth. On a handful of days through the year the water is so clear that mud crabs can be spotted scuttling across the riverbed. Salt water crocodiles can also be spotted along the banks of the river. Once out at the islands, the shallow reef systems are dominated by expansive cabbage coral gardens that provide shelter for an extraordinary diversity of fish and invertebrates. Green sea turtles are a daily sight, often feeding or resting amongst the coral. Seasonal visitors such as manta rays add another dimension during the ‘winter’ months – this is more appropriately known as the dry season up here. On a lucky day you might even hear the chirping of dugong. Fringing reefs that start only a few metres from the shoreline provide opportunities for Epaulette sharks and Banded Sea Kraits that make the most of these areas around high tidThe

Frankland Islands are more susceptible to the influence of the weather than offshore reefs, and the islands reveal opportunities to photographers who are willing to observe these patterns. Growing up in Far North Queensland we’re all weather gurus to a certain extent. Rain can bucket down at a moments’ notice and our outdoorsy lifestyles expose us to the elements – don’t even mention the cyclones. The proximity of the islands to the Russell river, where outgoing tides, particularly after heavy rain, will yield lower vis than the incoming tide due to the movement of sediment. Wildlife behaviour is also closely linked to the tides. My favourite green sea turtles often become more active with changing tides. On the turn of the tide they’re commonly found dozing in the coral, having a siesta. Clouds, too, impact photographic opportunities. Corals produce dimethyl sulphide that facilitates cloud formation. Nimbostratus (low and heavy) clouds form over the reef and tend to drift towards the mainland in the afternoons carried by the south east trade winds. Clear, calm mornings are ideal for capturing wide-angle reef scenes

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DIVE LOG Australasia #419 August ‘26

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