Upolu Cay and Reef Site Management Arrangements

Location summary � Fringing reef around unvegetated sand cay

Latitude/longitude	Lat: 16° 41� S, Long: 145° 56� E
Distance from mainland	40km north-east of Cairns
Accessibility	The waters around Upolu Cay are in a Marine National Park (Green) Zone. The waters of the surrounding reef are in a Conservation (Yellow) Zone. More information on zoning. The cay is often covered by water at high tide. Restrictions apply to vessels over 35m � please refer to the Cairns Area Plan of Management for further information.
Management Area	Cairns/Cooktown Management Area
Traditional Owners	Upolu Cay and the surrounding area is culturally significant to Traditional Owners

Zoning Maps and Guides

Marine Park Zoning Map 6 [Acrobat Format 2300KB]
Upolu Cay Location Map [Acrobat Format 3097KB]

Upolu Cay

Upolu Cay

Upolu Cay is a naturally formed, uninhabited coral cay surrounded by protected, shallow waters. Many years ago, Upolu Cay was nothing more than a sand bank, becoming more stable as sediment accumulated over time. It is constantly changing shape in response to weather conditions.¹ The area is popular and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience a natural cay and surrounding reef without encountering any large permanent structures such as pontoons or jetties.

Upolu Cay is a Queensland National Park. Visit the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency for more information.

A number of seabirds commonly roost on Upolu Cay, such as black-naped terns, common noddies and crested terns. Visitors should keep at a reasonable distance and follow Responsible Reef Practices for Bird Watching.

Anchoring, mooring and group size limits ²

Anchoring is not allowed within a 50 metre radius of a permitted (private) or public mooring
One public mooring is installed to the north of the cay
Thirteen private moorings are permitted. The GBRMPA encourages permitted mooring owners to develop agreements to allow other operators to use their mooring when not in use. View the Moorings Register
One designated reef anchorage is installed for use by vessels between 35 metres and 70 metres in length
Upolu Cay is a moderate use location (maximum 60 people per vessel)
View Responsible Reef Practices for Anchoring.

Tourism Operators

Crested terns

Tourism operators are able to carry up to 100 people if they are operating to a mooring (otherwise a maximum of 60 people per vessel applies)
The Upolu Cay Tourist Operators Code of Conduct [Acrobat Format 53KB] includes a list of guidelines designed to assist tour operators accessing the area
Visit Onboard - The Tourism Operator's Handbook.

Information for Planners and Managers

Upolu Reef is surrounded by a No Structures Sub-zone, which prohibits the construction of most structures and permanently-moored facilities.

Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park Management Plan [Acrobat Format 496KB]
Upolu Cay Reef Site Plan (historical document - 2001) [Acrobat Format 695KB]

Please Note:
While the above documents may be used as guiding policy documents for management arrangements, some components are superseded by the following documents: