When do I need to book?
Read your permit to check whether or not you need to book to access the Cairns Planning Area. Remember, using a public mooring does not increase your access to the Cairns Planning Area or remove any need to book.
You will most likely also need to book to visit a Sensitive Location. Check your permit for any endorsements that allow you to access a Sensitive Location without a booking.
You must also book to anchor a large vessel (35-70 metres) or a cruise ship in a cruise ship anchorage. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) operates a separate booking system for these anchorages.
What are the rules for making a booking?
We have developed a set of guidelines for you to follow when you are making a booking. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a consistent and transparent process that is complementary to current management arrangements.
What details do I provide?
Before you make a booking, please make sure that you have handy:
- The names of the places you want to visit
- The dates that you want to visit
- Your permit number
- The details of your vessel or a Vessel Identification Number.
Limits on bookings
The number of bookings available to the Cairns Planning Area are:
- 40 per day for vessels
How do I book to the Cairns Planning Area?
To make a booking to visit the Cairns Planning Area, please contact the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Cairns Office:
(07) 4046 6660 (business hours)
0417 004 815 (after hours)
(07) 4046 6643 (fax)
You must obtain a booking prior to entering the Area. You can make bookings for vessels and aircraft up to two years in advance, up until the day before your activity. If you decide not to use your booking, please notify QPWS as soon as possible. If you do not cancel your booking by the day before, your booking will stand and be allocated against your yearly total.
How do I book to a Sensitive Location?
To make a booking to visit a Sensitive Location, please contact the QPWS Cairns Office:
(07) 4046 6660 (business hours)
0417 004 815 (after hours)
(07) 4046 6643 (fax)
Note: You are not required to book to access Cod Hole Locality and Lizard Island Locality 1.
You can make bookings for a Sensitive Location up to two months in advance. Should it be necessary to cancel a booking you must cancel at least the day before. If you do not cancel your booking by the day before, your booking will stand and be allocated against your yearly total.
