Yachting

Yacht cruising in the Marine Park.

Yachties voyaging north or south through the Marine Park should note that major commercial vessels such as bulk carriers and container ships will be encountered. Fishing trawlers will also be present in some areas, particularly at night.

Yachts are at undoubted risk of collision. The risk will be markedly reduced if yachts avoid the charted shipping routes and anchor at night when the risk of collision is greatest.

Under international law a powered vessel is required to give way to a vessel under sail except when constrained by draught or engaged in fishing (with its nets down). A degree of commonsense needs to be applied here as a large vessel is severely limited in the avoiding action it can take in the confines of the Great Barrier Reef.

Best Environmental Practices

• Stay alert for dugong in shallow inshore areas especially over seagrass beds. Refer to ‘Dugong Watching’
• Be extremely careful in the Whitsundays from June to October to avoid disturbing humpback whale mother/calf pairs. Refer to ‘Whale Watching’
• Stay alert for sea turtles especially during September and October when mating behaviour brings them closer to the surface. Refer to ‘Turtle Watching’
• Use care near any islands and cays where seabirds are nesting or roosting. Be aware of any boating restrictions. Refer to ‘Bird Watching’.
• Use care when approaching shorelines, beaches and reef edges. Proceed slowly and choose carefully where to come ashore or leave your vessel/tender.
• Take care when transferring fuel to minimise the risk of fuel and oil spillages. Where possible, refuel onshore or in port instead of at sea.
• You must abide by the vessel length and group size settings in the Cairns Planning Area, the Hinchinbrook Area and the Whitsunday Planning Area.