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Whitsundays Plan of Management
The Whitsundays is well known for its spectacular island scenery, fringing and offshore reefs. The reefs and islands support a range of wildlife including threatened species such as humpback whales, dugongs, loggerhead turtles and beach-stone curlews. The Whitsundays region is one of the most highly visited regions of the Great Barrier Reef receiving approximately 40 per cent of total tourism visitation.*
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority originally released the Whitsundays Plan of Management in June 1998. The Plan aims to protect and conserve the values of the Whitsundays Area while allowing a range of use opportunities. In 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2008 amendments were made to the Plan to better manage the use of this popular area.
* Based on 2004 Environmental Management Charge (EMC) data
Tourism operators
Visit Onboard: the tourism operator's handbook to the Great Barrier Reef
Recreational visitors
Visit A guide to visiting the Whitsundays for recreational users
Information for Planners and Managers
- How to prepare and amend a Plan of Management
- Visit the website of the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI). This website contains the compilations of previous Plans of Management, Explanatory Statements and other related documents.
Related Documents
- Whitsundays Plan of Management
- Whitsundays Plan of Management Overview Map
- Whitsundays Plan of Management Insert – a summary of 2008 amendments
- Whitsundays Plan of Management Setting 5 Site Plans
- Whitsundays Planning Area Motorised Water Sports Map
Related Links
- Best Environmental Practices
- Fishweb - Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
- Onboard -The Tourism Operator's Handbook
- Policy on Moorings in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- Policy on Managing Tourism Permissions to Operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (including Allocation, Latency & Tenure)
- Position Statement on No Structures Sub-zones
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Free Zoning Maps
If you're heading out on the water, don't forget your free Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.
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Whale of a time
The Great Barrier Reef is a hive of activity. If you're lucky enough to see a humpback whale from May to September, make sure you keep a safe distance.
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Important milestone
We're delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's World Heritage listing.
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Visit the Reef
Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing plants, animals and habitats. There are a range of tourism experiences on offer.
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What you can do
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our Great Barrier Reef. Find out what you can do to help protect this Great Australian icon.
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Report marine strandings
If you see sick, dead or stranded marine animals please call RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL
(1300 264 625) -
Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
A Vulnerability Assessment: of the issues that could have far-reaching consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.
