Zoning maps

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning maps are tools to help you get to know the zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. You can avoid fines if you get to know the zones and what is activities are allowed in each zone.

Zoning exists in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to protect plants, animals and habitats. Like a town planning scheme, it defines what activities can occur in each location. If you’re heading out on the water make sure you bring a zoning map with you so you can follow the zoning rules and avoid a fine. We’ve released new look maps to provide you with more information. The zoning itself has not changed, just the look and extent of the maps shown on each map.

You can also access four overview maps (scale 1:1,000,000) and two special edition maps;  Whitsunday Group Special Edition map (scale 1:150,000)and the Lizard Island Special Edition map (scale 1:100,000). *note the Lizard Island special edition map is included as an insert in MAP 4 - Cooktown.

Image of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park catchment and coastline. Zoning exists in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to protect plants, animals and habitats. There are 19 zoning maps for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Zoning maps 1-19

Map number Map name
MAP 1 Cape York
MAP 2 Lockhart River
MAP 3 Cape Melville
MAP 4 Cooktown
MAP 5 Cairns
MAP 6 Innisfail
MAP 7 Townsville
MAP 8 Cape Upstart
MAP 9 Offshore Bowen
MAP 10 Whitsunday
MAP 11 Hydrographers Passage
MAP 12 Mackay
MAP 13 Hardline Reefs
MAP 14 Shoalwater Bay
MAP 15 Offshore Shoalwater Bay
MAP 16 Swain Reefs
MAP 17 Capricorn
MAP 18 Capricorn Bunker Group
MAP 19 Offshore Capricorn
Bookmark and Share

  • Free Zoning Maps

    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.

  • Whale of a time

    World heritage

    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.

  • Important milestone

    Safe distance

    We're delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's World Heritage listing.

  • Visit the Reef

    Tourism experiences

    Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing plants, animals and habitats. There are a range of tourism experiences on offer.

  • What you can do

    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.

  • Report marine strandings

    turtle swimming under water

    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

    Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef vulnerability assessment cover image

    A Vulnerability Assessment: of the issues that could have far-reaching consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Current Conditions

    Current Conditions logo promo image

    Current Conditions: Environmental and climatic forecasts for the Great Barrier Reef

  • Reef Guardians Improving the outlook

    Underwater image of yellow fish swiming around coral

    The Great Barrie Reef is facing some challenges. Many people, including Reef Guardians, are making a difference. View the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Grazier

    Grazier standing next to Ute with sheepdog on the back

    Reef Guardian graziers are helping to protect the Great Barrier reef through better farming practices.Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Banana Farmer

    Banana Famer riding four wheeler

    Reef Guardian farmers are undertaking on-farm practices that are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Cane Farmer

    Cane farmer, wife and daughter standing next to cane fields

    Reef Guardian farmers are forward-thinking producers who are doing their bit for the Reef. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Fisher

    Fishing family and staff posing for photo on fishing boat

    Reef Guardian fishers are fishing sustainably for the health of the Reef and their fishery. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Marine Aquarium Collector

    Corral Collector standing next to a fishtank in the shop

    Coral Collectors hand pick corals from various locations to minimise impact and help The Great Barrier Reef. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Council

    Reef Guardian Council Burdekin staff planting vegitation

    Reef Guardian councils across the Great Barrier Reef catchment are demonstrating Reef protection and management. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian School

    Reef Guardian school group standing in the shade of some trees

    Reef Guardian schools across Queensland are taking positive action for the environment. Watch the commercial.

Have your say