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Visiting islands in the Coral Sea Marine Park

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The Coral Sea Marine Park is a protected area. The 60+ islands in the Marine Park support unique and sensitive ecosystems, and are home to diverse marine life, seabirds, turtles, and distinctive vegetation. 

Due to the vulnerability of these islands, visitation must be carefully managed to minimise environmental impact. 

We ask visitors to support conservation efforts and help protect these special island places by following these guidelines.

  • Ensure all clothing, footwear, hats and bags are free from soil, seeds, plants and pests.
  • Only bring pre-packaged snacks.
  • Access to land above the high-water mark and walking in vegetated areas is not allowed.
  • Only visit islands between sunrise and sunset.
  • No camping or erecting structures of any sort. Pets are not allowed.
  • Total fire ban all year – no campfires, bonfires or gas cookers.
  • Let wildlife be wild – do not feed, touch or otherwise disturb animals or birds.
  • No more than 15 people on an island at any time, to a maximum of 30 per day.
  • Take all rubbish and waste, including food scraps, with you when you leave.
  • Vessels should be treated for pests by a licensed pest controller before accessing any islands.
  • Water sports are not permitted within 500 m of an island.
  • No noisy equipment, including generators and sound systems.
  • Ensure all vessels have been antifouled. Removing hull fouling in the marine park is not allowed.
  • Block out all non-essential lighting on vessels between sunrise and sunset.
  • Use of vehicles – including quad bikes and beach carts – is not allowed on islands.
  • Operating a drone in the marine park requires a permit. Drones cannot be used above or within 100 m of an island.
  • Conducting any commercial tourism, works or research on islands requires authorisation.
  • Abide by island signage.
  • ‘No Unauthorised Access’ means no access to any part of the island.

Looking after these islands is everyone’s responsibility. If you see anything that could be a risk to an island, please contact Parks Australia: