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Whitsundays Plan of Management
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Whitsundays Settings map Settings, significant bird sites and cruise ship anchorages in the Whitsundays - 237.9 kb
To help maintain a range of opportunities for visitors to the area, each reef, bay and coastal area within the Whitsunday Planning Area has been assigned a setting. Settings can also help protect areas of outstanding conservation, cultural or scientific value. There are five settings, ranging from low use (protected setting) to high use (developed setting). The main factor is the size of the group you are carrying, but there are also some requirements about vessel length.
The settings usually apply to the area within the 1500 metre line of the edge of a reef.
What are the setting limits?
Before accessing a place in the Whitsunday Planning Area check the setting map (see Download map) to ensure that the number of people in your group is within the nominated group size for that destination.
Group size limits refer to the total number of people on board your vessel or aircraft, including crew and excluding children under four years of age.
| Setting | Description | Maximum Vessel Length | Maximum Group Size |
| 1. Developed | Areas adjacent to resorts or urban centres Heavy visitation Permanent facilities (e.g. moorings) Motorised water sports | 70 metres | No limit |
| 2. High use | A natural setting High visitation A number of facilities No motorised water sports | 35 metres* | No limit |
| 3. Moderate | A natural setting Moderate visitation use Few facilities No motorised water sports | 35 metres | 40 people |
| 4. Natural | A natural setting Low visitation use Free from facilities, large vessels and aircraft | 35 metres | 15 people |
| 5. Protected | A protected natural setting Outstanding or unique conservation values and management concerns | 20 metres | 15 people |
* At Hardy Reef, vessels up to 70 metres may enter the high use setting area if operating to a mooring or pontoon.
Can I visit with a larger group size?
You may access a setting area with a larger group size if:
- you hold an individual exemption from any limits through your permit (check for any endorsements or letters of authorisation)
- your vessel or aircraft is in transit through the setting area by the most direct route
- you are operating a cruise ship or a large vessel (more than 35 metres) anchored at cruise ship anchorages (booking required)
- you are a long range roving operation, but you must not have more than 30 passengers on board
- you are providing passenger transport.
What if I operate a large vessel?
If you have a large vessel (over 35 metres up to and including 70 metres) you must remain outside setting areas, except setting 1 areas, unless:
- you are operating to a mooring or pontoon at Hardy Reef
- you hold an individual exemption from any limits through your permit (check your permit for any endorsements or letters of authorisation)
- your vessel or aircraft is in transit through the setting area by the most direct route
- you are anchored at cruise ship anchorages (booking required)
- you are providing passenger transport.
What if I operate a cruise ship?
If you are visiting the Whitsundays with a cruise ship (more than 70 metres) you are able to access the General Use Zone or Shipping Areas that are outside setting areas. You may also anchor at, and transit to or from a cruise ship anchorage. To ensure that space is available at that anchorage, you must make a booking before visiting the anchorage.
