Home - Australian Marine Parks

Australian Marine Parks help conserve marine habitats and the marine species that live within and rely on these habitats.

These marine parks also provide places for people to watch wildlife, dive, and go boating, snorkelling and fishing. Importantly, they create jobs in industries like fishing and tourism, and provide us with food and energy.

The Australian Government has established 60 Australian Marine Parks around the country. They cover 3.8 million square kilometres, or 43% of Australian waters, and are managed by Parks Australia.

Australian Marine Parks are the largest part of Australia’s National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas, which also includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, and marine parks managed by state and territory governments. This national system of marine parks covers over half of Australian waters and is one of the largest areas of marine parks in the world.

Latest marine parks news

Two people in green shirts and widebrim hats sitting on the back of a boat at a desk covered in medical sample vials

New environmental DNA (eDNA) data a game-changer for understanding life in our oceans

Tuesday 29 July 2025

Australia’s rich marine biodiversity is about to become more visible, thanks to a groundbreaking new tool.

Marine Compliance Operation underway at Solitary Islands and Cod Grounds Marine Parks

Thursday 10 April 2025

If you're planning on heading out fishing during the Easter school holidays, make sure you’re aware of where you’re casting your line - getting caught fishing in a green zone could cost you.

Tough Penalty for illegal fishing in Australian Marine Parks

Friday 28 February 2025

The Federal Court has sent a strong message to companies conducting illegal fishing activities within Australian Marine Parks, with a commercial fishing company fined $90,000 for trap fishing within the Oceanic Shoals Australian Marine Park.

New management arrangements commence for South-East Marine Parks

Friday 14 February 2025

A new South-east Marine Parks Network Management Plan has come into effect, replacing the previous plan that expired in June 2023.

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Where are Australian Marine Parks?

Explore Australian Marine Parks

North Marine Parks Network

North-west Marine Parks Network

Orcas at Bremer Marine Park. Photo by David Govoni.

South-west Marine Parks Network

Temperate East Marine Parks Network

South-east Marine Parks Network

Indian Ocean Territories Marine Parks

Coral reefscape scenery in the Coral Sea off Cairns.

Coral Sea Marine Park

How we manage marine parks

Management plans set out how we manage our parks – protecting important marine habitats and species, while allowing people to use and enjoy these special places.

Find out more about how we manage marine parks under these plans by clicking the links below.