
Planning Your Visit
Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef. A World Heritage area, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. The awe-inspiring region has an abundance of marine life, ancient cultural connections and offers spectacular scenic views above and below the water. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a multiple use area offering a variety of activities.
We invite everyone to enjoy the region in an environmentally and reef-friendly way that maintains the area’s ecological, cultural and heritage values. All users are responsible for the environment around them and their actions in it.
Everyone can visit the Marine Park throughout the year and there are activities for all interests, ranging from fishing, to amazing snorkelling, diving and sailing experiences.

There are some important things which you need to know before heading out to the Reef
Essential information for all users
It is important to be familiar with the different management tools used within the Marine Park as there are implications for non-compliance.
For example, there’s no-take areas where fishing isn’t allowed and other specific areas where specific rules apply.
Click on the headings below to find out more or go directly to Access and Use by Location to find out what rules apply to the area you are visiting.