Great Sandy Marine Park Visitor Guide

Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
Great Sandy
Marine Park
Photo: Dorothy Pashniak
Visitor guide
Photo: Qld Govt.
Eastern curlew on the wing.
Photo: Qld Govt.
Grey nurse shark gather at Wolf Rock.
Breaching humpback whale.
A rich marine environment of
fringing reefs, sheltered channels
and bays, seagrass meadows,
mudflats and mangroves.
Encounter marine turtles, with
family and friends.
Great state. Great opportunity.
And a plan for the future.
1. Marine national park zones
Map 2 page 6
Baffle
Creek
Rooney Point
Map 3 page 8
Bundaberg
Platypus
Bay
Great Sandy
Marine Park
Point
Vernon
The Department of National Parks,
Recreation, Sport and Racing’s (NPRSR)
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
(QPWS) manages the Great Sandy
Marine Park.
Urangan
Boat
Harbour
Fraser
Moon Island
Point
Maryborough
Great Sandy
Marine Park
Map 5 page 12
Bundaberg Port
Major sealed road
Scale
0
20km
Zoning
Find a map
Conservation—along with the reasonable
use of significant marine natural resources
—is achieved through a zoning plan
consisting of five zones, eight designated
areas, and a system of regulations
and permits.
Map 1. Woongarra Coast to Woodgate
Map 2. Southern Gutter; Platypus Bay; Rooney Point to
Sandy Cape; Point Vernon to Moon Point
Map 3. Hervey Bay: Burrum Heads to Urangan;
Northern channels of Great Sandy Strait
Map 4. Great Sandy Strait: River Heads to Kauri Creek
Map 5 Great Sandy Strait: Kauri Creek to
Double Island Point including Tin Can Inlet
The zones range from no-take marine
national park zones—green zones—to
general use zones. For more information
see page 3.
What is a designated area?
Designated areas allow for the
management of issues that occur
seasonally, such as protection for
migratory shorebirds, marine turtles and
dugong. The purpose and management
provisions of designated areas are in
addition to the purpose and provisions
of the zones in which the designated
areas are located.
Map 4 page 10
Legend
Minor sealed road
Rainbow Beach
Double
Island Point
Pages 6–7
Pages 8–9
Pages 10–11
Yes9
Yes9
NoA
NoA
Aquaculture
Permit
Permit
Permit
NoA
NoA
Crabbing
Yes9
Yes9
Yes2,9
NoA
NoA
Bait gathering
Yes9
Yes9
Yes9
NoA
NoA
Buffer zones have the same entry and use
provisions as marine national park zones,
but allow for trolling for pelagic species.
They are identified on the zoning map in
olive green. An area around the marine
national park zone at Wolf Rock is currently
the only buffer zone in the Great Sandy
Marine Park.
Line fishing
Yes4,9
Yes4,9
Yes5,9
NoA
NoA
Limited collecting
Yes3,9
Yes3,9
Yes3,9
NoA
NoA
Limited spearfishing (snorkel only)
Yes9
Yes9
Yes9
NoA
NoA
Traditional use of marine resources
Yes6
Yes6
Yes6
Yes6
Yes6
Trolling
Yes4,9
Yes4,9
Yes4,9
Yes4,7,9
NoA
Commercial netting (other than
bait netting)
Yes9
Yes9
No8,9
NoA
NoA
3. Conservation park zones
Harvest fishing for aquarium fish, coral
and beachworm
Permit1
Permit1
Permit
NoA
NoA
Harvest fishing for sea cucumber,
trochus, tropical rock lobster
Permit1
Permit1
No
NoA
NoA
Yes9
No
No
NoA
NoA
Conservation park zones—yellow zones—
protect significant marine habitats.
Commercial netting, trawling and harvest
fishing are prohibited. Restrictions apply
to most other activities.
FISHERIES, FISHING AND COLLECTING ACTIVITIES
Trawling
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Line fishing is limited to one line or
rod and one hook or lure per person.
When trolling, each person is limited
to a maximum of three lines or rods with
a combined total of six hooks. Where
crabbing is permitted, only four catch
devices may be used per person.
Boating, diving, photography
The Great Sandy designated area that
overlays conservation park zone allows for
additional commercial and recreational
fishing which is different from those in
the rest of the conservation park zone.
For more information about the Great
Sandy designated area see page 10.
A.
4. Habitat protection zones
6.
Habitat protection zones are coloured in
dark blue. They are located over areas
that contain sensitive habitats. Trawling is
prohibited in the habitat protection zones,
but most other activities are allowed.
7.
8.
Pages 12–13
Page 4
Page 4
Page 4
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 13
Things to Know
What is a hook?
Staying safe and best practice guide
Permits, fees and contacts
Yes9
Entry and use provisions
Research (other than limited impact)
Shipping (other than in a
designated shipping area)
Tourism program
Page 7
Page 14–15
Page 16
5. General use zone
The light blue general use zone covers
all remaining areas of the marine park.
These zones provide both conservation
and reasonable use. Commercial activities
require a permit, but most other activities
are allowed.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Yes
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
Permit
NOTES ON ENTRY AND USE PROVISIONS
Pages 4–5
Find a designated area
Mon Repos designated area
Turtle protection area
Turtle monitoring area
Fish trap area
Go Slow Designated Area
Great Sandy Designated Area
Shorebird roosting and feeding area
Grey Nurse Shark Designated Area
—Wolf Rock—Marine National Park Zone
Bait netting
2. Buffer zones
Woodgate
Management
2
Sandy
Cape
Burnett Heads
The park is easily accessed from coastal
towns and boat ramps from Rules Beach
north of Bundaberg to Rainbow Beach on
the Cooloola Coast, and from marinas in
Bundaberg, Urangan, and Tin Can Bay.
The marine park offers a wide range of
recreational, research and commercial
opportunities. Its tidal lands and marine
waters form a transition zone between
tropical and temperate waters, where
changing water temperatures drive
unique and dynamic life cycles and
influence marine habitats, communities
and wildlife.
Breaksea Spit
Bundaberg Port
Marine
national park
zone
Map 1 page 4
Marine national park zones—green
zones—provide the greatest level of
protection for areas of high natural and
ecological value. Marine national park
zones are identified on the zoning map
in green. They are ‘look but don’t take’
zones where activities such as diving
and photography are allowed, but fishing
and collecting are prohibited. All fishing
equipment must be stowed and secured
prior to entering a green zone.
Buffer zone
The Great Sandy Marine Park extends from
Baffle Creek in the north to Double Island
Point in the south. It includes Hervey Bay,
Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Inlet and the
waters off the east coast of Fraser Island,
seaward to three nautical miles.
Great Sandy Marine Park—know your zones and designated areas.
Provisions Table (What you can do and where)
Conservation
park zone
Access
Great Sandy Marine Park—Zones
Habitat
protection zone
Great Sandy Marine Park
Get to know the
five zones
General use
zone
Welcome to
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
9.
All fishing equipment must be stowed and secured prior to entering a buffer zone
or green zone.
Other than an accredited harvest fishery.
Limited to 4 catch devices (e.g. crab pots or dillies) per person.
By hand or hand-held implement.
Maximum of 3 lines/rods per person with a combined total of 6 hooks.
Limited to 1 line/rod per person and 1 hook/lure per line (except the Great Sandy
Area which is as per note 4).
Activities that are not “as of right” in the zone, or that involve the take of protected species
require either a permit or a Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement.
Pelagic species only.
Commercial fishers holding Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
endorsements can continue commercial fishing activities within the Great Sandy
Designated Area.
All fishing activities must comply with restrictions or conditions placed upon them
by the Fisheries Act and Regulation.
Note: Permits are required for most other activities not listed above. Designated Areas
may provide additional restrictions at some locations. The zoning plan does not
affect the operation of s.2.11 of the Native Title Act 1993.
Other management provisions.
Vessels may travel on the plane in official marine park transit lanes.
View the transit lanes at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for
Great Sandy Marine Park.
3
GREAT BARRIER REEF
MARINE PARK
Map 1. Woongarra Coast to Woodgate
INSET
MNP1
Baffle Creek
Seasonal
go slow area
Commonwealth
Waters
24°47.939’S
152°28.274’E
Commonwealth
Waters
MNP1
0m
30
24°48.305’S
152°28.771’E
Littabella Creek
Burkitt’s Reef
24°48.605’S
152°27.768’E
24°48.605’S
152°27.886’E
Bargara
WARNING:
100m
24°49.395’S
152°28.023’E
R
IVE
NR
A
KOL
BUNDABERG
PORT
2
15 4°4
2° 9.
28 76
.14 6’S
1’E
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED
FOR MARINE NAVIGATION.
24°49.271’S
152°28.256’E
All users should refer to navigational
information available from
comprehensive hydrographical charts.
24°49.395’S
152°28.261’E
24°49.766’S
152°28.379’E
Moore Park
INSET
MNP2
24°49.766’S
152°28.141’E
24°45.400’S
152°24.958’E
Burnett
Heads
RIVER
Turtle encounters
Mon Repos Conservation Park supports the most significant nesting
population—about 300–400 females of the endangered Loggerhead turtle
Caretta caretta—in the southern hemisphere. Green and flatback turtles also
nest at Mon Repos with thousands of people visiting Mon Repos each year to
view turtles. QPWS manages visitors and potential impacts through ticketed
beach access. The whole family can learn about marine turtles through the
turtle encounters program and the centre’s interpretive displays. Children are
welcome to participate in the ranger-led, junior turtle ranger activities. Bookings
are essential and can be confirmed by contacting Bundaberg North Burnett
Tourism on (07) 4153 8888. Please remember that domestic animals are not
allowed in the conservation park as they are not permitted in protected areas.
24°44.900’S
152°48.552’E
24°49.766’S
152°28.379’E
Legend
Commonwealth waters
1km
Go slow designated area
Great Sandy designated
area
Coordinate point
Mon Repos
Conservation Park
Navigational aid
See Inset
MNP1
Town
MNP2
Highway
Burkitt’s Reef
ETT
Railway
Hoffmans Rocks
Seasonal go slow area
for marine turtle protection
(15 October to 30 April)
extends 300 m from shore
24°50.400’S
152°28.765’E
Bargara
Barolin Rock
BUNDABERG
PORT
• Domestic animals are not allowed to enter the designated area.
24°50.400’S
152°29.003’E
Seasonal go slow area
300m
See Inset
MNP3
Coral
Cove
Entry and use provisions apply from 15 October to 30 April:
• Only authorised vehicles can access the foreshore for the purpose of
management or official monitoring of marine turtles.
Sealed road
400m
Hoffman’s Rocks
BUR
N
Bundaberg
100m
See Inset
MNP2
Bargara
Mon Repos marine turtle designated area
Twenty-five
Fathom Hole
24°55.000’S
152°48.000’E
Elliott Heads
1km
24°55.344’S
152°29.641’E
VE
RI
Seasonal go slow area
INSET
MNP3
300m
OT
T
Burnett
Heads
Mon Repos
Conservation Park
24°52.276’S
152°28.988’E
24°52.276’S
152°29.285’E
Coonar Creek
500m
do
eo
Th
AD
RO
View this map online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Great Sandy Marine Park.
TE
GA
D
O
WO
Coral Cove
25°05.000’S
152°34.270’E
k
ree
C
lite
25°06.270’S
152°34.900’E
Woodgate
25°07.476’S
152°37.998’E
MNP4
25°04.999’S
152°42.000’E
25°07.476’S
152°42.000’E
25°07.000’S
152°52.000’E
24°
5
152 3.203’
S
°29
.527
’E
Elliott Heads
Barolin Rock
24°5
152 3.203’S
°29.
247
’E
ISIS
The turtle monitoring area protects marine turtles and their habitat. It allows for
monitoring of the impact of human activities—including trawling—and provides
a coordinated management response to risks to marine turtles.
MNP3
25°02.806’S
152°37.998’E
AY
RAILW
Turtle monitoring area
arr
on
Co
COAST
Seasonal go slow
area for marine turtle
protection 15 October
to 30 April - extends
300m from shore
NORTH
The turtle protection area aims to protect marine turtles and their habitat,
and minimise human impacts, including trawling. Trawling is prohibited in
the designated area from 1 November to 31 January each year.
Cr
Bagara
Turtle protection area
4
ee
k
Ranger’s directions must be followed.
Innes Park
LI
H
AY
HW
IG
EL
• Swimming, fishing or the use of a vessel is not permitted.
R
Between 6pm and6 am:
• Torches must be small and not more than three volts. It is an offence to
project a light that changes the ambient light in the area as this may
disturb marine turtles.
Southern
Gutter
25°07.000’S
152°56.000
5
24°38.985’S
153°11.300’E
24°38.834’S
153°16.000’E
Map 2. Southern Gutter; Platypus Bay; Rooney Point to
Sandy Cape—Fraser Island; Point Vernon to Moon Point
MNP12
24°41.834’S
153°16.000’E
24°43.687’S
153°11.300’E
24°58.840’S
153°21.025’E
Middle
Rocks
Sandy Cape
Lighthouse
24°45.400’S
153°09.575’E
24°45.400’S
153°05.167’E
MNP11
24°46.838’S
153°05.167’E
WARNING:
24°59.436’S
153°21.087’E
Ferguson
Spit
Rooney Point
1km
24°55.000’S
152°48.000’E
Go slow designated area
Great Sandy designated
area
Ngkala
Rocks
Navigational aid
North cardinal mark
Town
Lighthouse
Sealed road
Artifical reef
Fishtrap area
No
approach
zone
24°59.436’S
153°21.387’E
No
approach
zone
No
approach
zone
50m
MARLOO BAY
Orchid Beach
Waddy Point
See Inset
MNP13
PLATYPUS
BAY
Caution zone
Caution zone
no more than
6 knots, no wake
no more than
6 knots, no wake
300m
150m
Regulations when near a whale or dolphin:
Highest astronomical tide
along 25°58.840’S
Wathumba
Creek
No
approach
zone
Indian
Head
500m
From July to November each year
Hervey Bay becomes a sanctuary
for a proportion of the east coast
humpback whale population.
Hervey Bay is important to these
humpback whales and their newborn calves, as they spend most of
this time resting in sheltered waters
of Platypus Bay before travelling
south on their annual 6000km
migration to the Antarctic.
Coordinate point
MNP13
INSET
MNP13
Humpback whales
in Hervey Bay
Commonwealth waters
Caution zone
no more than 3 boats
GREAT
SANDY
NATIONAL
PARK
All users should refer to navigational
information available from
comprehensive hydrographical charts.
Legend
Caution zone
no more than 3 boats
100m
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED
FOR MARINE NAVIGATION.
Twenty-five Fathom Hole
24°58.840’S
153°21.342’E
24°48.502’S
153°06.945’E
24°48.943’S
153°06.772’E
Dolphin
Whale
Southern Gutter
1km
Around whales and dolphins
Sandy Cape
Seasonal go slow area for
marine turtle protection
15 October
(15
Octoberto
to30
30April
April)extends 500m from shore
24°44.900’S
152°48.552’E
SOUTH
PACIFIC
OCEAN
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Jet skis must not approach closer than 300m to whales and dolphins.
Swimmers must not approach closer than 100m to whales and 50m to dolphins.
Aircraft must remain at least 300m away from a whale or dolphin.
Helicopters must remain 500m away and not hover above a whale or dolphin.
Do not make a noise within 300m that is likely to disturb a marine mammal.
It is illegal to feed a marine mammal.
It is illegal to touch a marine mammal.
Special management declarations also apply.
Middle Rocks
Indian Head
What is a hook?
single hook
3 nautical miles
single-shanked
double hook
ganged hook set (of up
to 6 adjoined hooks)
500m
lure with up
to 3 hooks
Awinya Creek
25°07.000’S
152°52.000’E
25°07.000’S
152°56.000’E
MNP10
artificial fly
a bait jig (of up to 6
hooks, size 1–12)
Dundubara
y
lie
Wora
Co
on
Coongul Point
gu
Creek
25°09.480’S
152°52.000’E
d
ra
r
wa
Bo
Be dingo-safe!
Fraser Island
World
Heritage
Area
squid jig
l
Cr
Photos courtesy of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority for and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia
ee
Fork Bank
k
Cre
ek
25°13.761’S
152°48.274’E
25°13.000’S
25°13.761’S
152°50.023’E 152°53.200’E
25°14.000’S
152°56.000’E
25°13.000’S
152°56.000’E
National Park
1.5km
ek
Cre
Point Vernon
Sandy
Point
ey
1.3km
Commonwealth Waters
Great Sandy
dn
Yi
25°14.348’S
152°57.558’E
Moon
Point
Eli Creek
25°15.607’S
152°51.758’E
Roy Rufus
Artificial Reef
Urangan
Pier
500m
URANGAN BOAT
HARBOUR EXCLUSION
6
Hervey Bay
Woody
25 17.893S Island
152 55.012E
ck
Bla ek
Cre
Happy Valley
View this map online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Great Sandy Marine Park.
7
25°09.402’S
152°28.253’E
Weir
k
ee
BAY
When operating your vessel in Go Slow areas it must be ‘off the plane’
unless
within navigational channels or defined transit lanes. Keeping vessels off the
plane is a proven and effective way of reducing disturbance, injuries and death
to marine wildlife from boat strikes.
Cr
Stockyard
Creek
NORTH
MNP5
Coonarr
COAST
INSET
MNP5
e
te
V
RI
Cr
25°13.020’S
152°28.816’E
T
Weir
Woodgate
25°07.476’S
152°37.998’E
25°07.000’S
152°52.000’E
25°07.000’S
152°56.000’E
y
Burrum Point
GREAT SANDY
MARINE PARK
Burrum Heads
RO
AD
25°13.000’S
152°53.200’E
25°13.761’S
152°50.023’E
25°14.000’S
152°56.000’E
Marsh Creek
Cr
ee
k
BURRUM
elb
i
Eli Creek
Be
500m
M
ROAD
S
R
VE
URANGAN
BOAT
HARBOUR
EXCLUSION
Hervey
Bay
AL
L
N
BA
BA
Fishtrap area
L
OORA
EY BA
Y
RU
M
HERV
GH
RO
U
RY
BO
Ck
MA
The
Sponge
Gardens
25°21.483’S
153°01.000’E
25°21.400’S
153°00.400’E
DERM
on
Bo
(Fraser Island World Heritage Area)
25°21.483’S
153°02.920’E
Ck
MNP16
Great Sandy
National Park
k
Poyungan Ck
on
Ck
GH
MNP15
Bo
Ck
MA
RY
Ck
Duck
Island
Ck
Eurong
25°21.100’S
153°00.200’E
ff
ee
Cr
OR
OU
g
an
Picnic
Island
Bu
RY
B
Ur
k
ee
Cr
BU
R
ek
re
C
on
Bo
Boges
Hole
25°21.600’S
152°59.800’E
Yankee Ja
ck
25°24.000’S
152°55.042’E
GREAT SANDY
NATIONAL
PARK
25°19.365’S
153°01.469’E
South Point
Go Slow
Area
or
at
wa
go
Bookar
Island
Bogimbah
Ck
on
k
Ck
Un
Turkey
Island
k
kC
ac
Bl
25°17.864’S
153°02.625’E
25°18.893’S
153°02.896’E
Little Woody
Island
Woody
Island
lba
ee
Walsh
Island
AY
W
25°24.000’S
152°54.881’E
25°18.792’S
153°00.976’E
oo
ck
y
MA
View this map online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Great Sandy Marine Park.
gg
Ro
Brothers
Island
25°19.957’S
152°34.342’E
Wa
n
Cr
RIV
Fraser
Island
25 25. 819S
152 55.576E
Shoulder
Point
Go
Slow
MNP17
R
Area
VE
RI
GH
HI
INSET MNP8
n
River Heads
Barge
Landing
ER
Woody
Island
Happy Valley
Bo
See Inset
MNP15
Maryborough
Railway
8
Kangaroo
Island
INSET
MNP14
ga
lig
Al
Sealed road
Artifical reef
Po
yun
Kingfisher Bay
Resort
AD
RO
RU
M
Highway
Mangrove
Point
25°21.860’S
152°55.061’E
INSET
MNP17
BU
R
Weir
Mangrove Point
HEADS
RA
ILW
AY
25°19.933’S
152°34.319’E
Town
Fishtrap area
T
Y
WA
North cardinal mark
VE
R
CO
AS
RIVER
Y
LWA
Navigational aid
Creek
RAI
MNP8
RI
N
INSET
MOON POINT
GO SLOW
INSET MNP15
Duck Island
See Inset
MNP17
SA
RT
H
E IGH
UC H
BR
Great Sandy designated
area
Coordinate point
ROAD
a
ny
T
AS
CO
E
Go slow designated area
Weir
Little Woody
Island
ng
Ura ek
Cre
Picnic
Island
SU
NO
Commonwealth waters
Datum
Rock
25°16.683’S
152°55.666’E
Bu
H
RT
UC
BR
Legend
Woody
Island
Go slow
area
MNP14
152 55.012E
Hervey Bay
B
OAD
Fishtrap areas protectRimportant
Indigenous
cultural
heritage sites from damage caused by anchors and
the impact of excavating, modifying or removing
material in these areas. Restrictions relate to
anchoring and conducting any activity that may
impact on the area’s integrity and cultural values.
Torbanlea
NO
RI
VE
R
R
TO
See Inset
MNP8
ROA
D
PI
EA
ney
Yid k
C
25°16.100’S
152°56.400’E
ck
Bla ek
Cre
Woody
25 17.893S Island
HARBOUR EXCLUSION
Howard
ek
Artificial Reef
Urangan
Pier
BURR
U
HEAD
Sandy
Point
25°16.000’S
152°55.600’E
See Inset
MNP14 Roy Rufus
25°15.607’S
152°51.758’E
O’Regan Creek
Sandy
Point
GREAT SANDY
NATIONAL
PARK
k
Cre
Moon
Point
25°14.348’S
152°57.558’E
Moon
Point
ee
ek
BA
RI
MNP7
25°16.514’S
152°31.048’E
1.5km
Point Vernon
AL
Cr
Cre
L
PI
l
ey
RWE
L
HW
AY
M
RU
25°16.505’S
152°31.039’E
CHE
HIG
R
BU
R
25°13.000’S
152°56.000’E
1.3km
Toogoom
HE
gu
dn
Yi
See Inset MNP6
S
AD
ER
IV
on
See Inset
Moon Point
Go Slow
Fork Bank
25°13.761’S
152°48.274’E
Great Sandy
National Park
Co
Coongul Point
k
’S
744 5’E
13.
25° °00.26
153
RIVER
ee
(Fraser Island World Heritage Area)
See Inset MNP9
and Burrum Heads
Go Slow
Buxton
MNP10
25°09.480’S
152°52.000’E
25°13.645’S
25°13.859’S
Marsh
MNP9 Creek
152°39.135’E
152°38.981’E
Dundubara
Cr
Walkers
Point
See Inset
MNP5
BR
UC
E
.645’S
25°13 81’E
8.9
3
°
152
d
ra
25°07.476’S
152°42.000’E
500m
Awinya Creek
RIVER
RY
EGO
GR
ISIS
All users should refer to navigational
information available from
comprehensive hydrographical charts.
lie
Wora
GOODW
OOD
25°04.999’S
152°42.000’E
MNP4
INSET
MNP6
OD
WO
Island
r
wa
Bo
AY
ILW
RA
AD
RO
TE
GA
Go slow
area
’S
420
13. 0’E
25° 40.00
°
152
ST
H COA
NORT
AY
RAILW
ISIS
ek
oli
od MNP6
ERhe
Fraser
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED
FOR MARINE NAVIGATION.
25°12.999’S
152°28.810’E
Middle Rocks
Indian Head
Seasonal Go Slow areas apply to the Woongarra coast and the northern
beaches of Sandy Cape on Fraser Island from 15 October to 30 April.
WARNING:
25°02.806’S
152°37.998’E
See Inset
MNP13
Ck
Coonar Creek
3’S
25°10.99
90’E
152°36.8
Wathumba
Creek
Burrum
Heads
Go Slow designated areas are located throughout the marine park to protect
turtles and dugong from boat strikes, especially in critical feeding and
PLATYPUS
resting areas.
o
25°09.377’S
152°28.224’E
INSET MNP9 and
Burrum Heads
Waddy Point
Go Slow
Orchid Beach
0’S
25°10.80
30’E
152°38.2
ho
RIVER
Great Sandy Strait
GREGORY
Go Slow designated areas
Pu
t
RI
VE
R
EL
LI
OT
Map 3. Hervey Bay—Burrum Heads to
Urangan and the northern channels of
Great Sandy Strait
Commonwealth Waters
9
ek
HERV
E
Map 4. Great Sandy Strait—River Heads to Kauri Creek
SA
RI
N
The Great Sandy designated area recognises
important existing legal, commercial and
recreational fishing in Baffle Creek, the Elliott,
Burrum and Mary rivers, Great Sandy Strait and
Tin Can Inlet.
G
25 25. 819S
152 55.576E
Shoulder
Point
MNP19
Barge
Landing
Wa
n
gg
lba
Great Sandy
Mu
ee
Cr
ck
y
k
dlo
w
Eurong
Walsh
Island
Ck
National Park
lig
Al
at
RY RIVER
MA
or
Un
Ck
Bookar
Island
Ck
Turkey
Island
wa
go
Brothers
Island
Turkey
Island
Bu
f
Bu
fC
er
k
Ck
25°30.664’S
152°58.621’E
S
’
4
.86 ’E
25°30.981’S
°30 71
25 °57.1
152°58.737’E
2
5
1
25°31.771’S
152°56.710’E
Sandy
Point
Urangan
Pier
Great Sandy
reek
ck
Dayman
Bla ek
Point
Cre
National Park
AD
URANGAN BOAT
Urangan
HARBOUR EXCLUSION ng Ck
Hervey Bay
(Fraser Island World
Ura
Big Woody
Little Woody Heritage Area)
Island
Po
Picnic Island
yu
ng
Island
AL
an
ROAD
BOOR
Duck Island
Mangrove Point
Sheridan
Flats
Fraser Island
World Heritage Area
k
RO
Ka
ito
qu
os
M
uri
Carlo Point
RO
AD
Legend
M
AN
INLET
Se
ar
ys
Co
ol
oo
la
Wolf
Rock
Double
Island
Point
Great Sandy designated
area
Coordinate point
25°48.978’S
152°55.483’E
MILITARY RESERVE
MNP23
(Entry Prohibited)
10
Rainbow Beach
Toolara
C
o
uit
osq
rs
Ck
Ck
ek
WARNING:
BAY
G ek
e
Cr
WIDE
BAY
CAN Mye
rla
Ca
152°55.448’E
Go slow designated area
AD
RO
W
BO
IN
RA
Kauri Creek
Go Slow
Area
Carlo Point
Sna
ppe
rC
reek
Cr
ee
k
ee
k
Cr
M
Wide Bay Bar
Pannikin Inskip Point
Island
Creek
qu
Hook Point
TIN
MILITARY RESERVE
(Entry Prohibited) riffen
os
Hedleys
(camp ground)
Creek
uri
Ka
Pannikin
Island
North Spit
Elbow
Point
ROA
D
k
ee
Cr
Tinnanbar
AD
RO
Ka
ur
i
Ka
ur
i
na
Po
o
R
TINNANBA
Poona
ito
M
MNP23 also Log Dump
Go Slow (camp ground)
Area 25°48.668’S
re
ttha
Bu k
e
Cre
LA
See Inset
MNP23 and Kauri Creek Go Slow
Cowra Point
Wide Bay Bar
South Spit
Tooloora Ck
Geewan Ck
Tawan
LOO
25°45.779’S
152°59.344’E
Commonwealth Waters
TIN
Snout Point
RD
COO
Cre
ek
k
ee
Middle
Bank
Cr
ee
k
Ck
bby
Scru
r
a C
Inskip Point
k
SOUTH
PACIFIC
OCEAN
August Ck
Tootawwah Ck
Creek
ee
Cr
Boonooroo
Poona
Commonwealth waters
C
RD
O
Poon
a
Fig Tree Ck
O
tth
Bu
Tuan
State
Forest
Dilli Village
NO
LA
AD
RO
TINNANBAR
Eurong
Stewart
Island
POONA
Cowra
Point
Ck
Maaroom
North
Spit
Elbow
Point
olb
a
Ck
k
ee
Cr
Tuan
Tinnanbar
Hook Point
25°45.662’S
152°57.902’E
h
la
Ko
Ro
ck
y
Yankee Jack Ck
O
LOO
Tinnanbar
Highest
astronomical tide
along 25°42.700’S
Turkey
Island
tch
er
Cr
ee
k
Tawan
25°45.662’S
152°57.902’E
Ck
INSET MNP23 and
Kauri Creek Go Slow
Brothers
Island
Bu
BO
Ck
Geewan Creek
COO
a
V
RI
Walsh
Island
ER
k
C
Ck
or
a
at
lig gow
Al
Ck
Un
ff
Bu
RD
O
PO
River Heads
Shoulder Wa
ng
Point
go
OU
GH
Tooloora Creek
Ck
O
it
NA
500m
Snout Point
Poona
k
C
RO
PACIFIC
OCEAN
R
25°36.858’S
152°57.829’E
Garrys
Anchorage
on
Bo
O
tra
S
dy
August Creek
MNP22
VE
South Head
North Head
Tootawwah Creek
Tinnanbar
th
INSET
MNP18,
SOUTH19, 20, 21 and 22
Tuan
Poona
25° 43.135' S
' S 152° 56.333' E
3.452
25° 4 5.446' E
5
25° 43.230' S
152°
152° 56.393' E
25° 43.386' S
S
'
3.567
152° 54.775' E
25° 4 5.451' E
5
152°
Bu
25°36.775’S
152°57.113’E
Boonooroo
RD
RI
N
Fig Tree Creek
25° 43.302' S
152° 54.884' E
INSET
POONA
GO SLOW
SA
Garry’s
Anchorage
NO
an
See Inset
Poona Go Slow
SU
on
Bo
O
BO
tS
Go Slow
Area
See Inset
MNP18, 19,
20, 21 & 22
Stewart
Island
25°35.341’S
152°56.516’E
Dilli Village
a Creek
ny
Bu
Maaroom
Reef Islands
ea
Coast Guard
Sandy Strait
Tu Big
Ck an
Be dingo-safe!
Dream
Island
Gr
Tuan
l
Ko
HEADS
RIVER
ROAD
ah
Boonooroo
BAY
OA
D
GH
25°39.764’S
152°54.196’E
• Groups of feeding and roosting shorebirds and/or their
habitat must not be excessively disturbed by people or
the operation of vehicles, vessels or aircraft.
Point
Vernon
Ck
ee
Cr
• Dogs are to be controlled and/or restrained in a way
that prevents them from causing excessive disturbance
to shorebirds in the area.
k
ree
ey C
dn
Yi
Go Slow
Area
Ja
ck
OR
OU
The shorebird roosting and feeding area exists to
protect shorebirds, particularly migratory shorebirds
from disturbance by people, vehicles, vessels, aircraft,
domestic animals, habitat loss and degradation, and
introduced pests and predation.
MNP18
MNP21
tch
Yankee
Recreational fishing
When fishing in the Great Sandy designated area,
recreational fishers are permitted to use three lines
or
MA
RY
rods per person, with a combined total of six hooks.
B
25°29.752’S
152°58.444’E
Bookar
Island
oo
Ro
Commercial fishing
Licensed commercial net and line fishing is
permitted in the Great Sandy designated area, but
beam trawl netting is limited. Under legislation,
commercial fishers conducting a commercial
fishing activity must be or act under an authority
to conduct the activity.
Walsh
Island
er
River Heads
Kangaroo
Island
Ck
Great Sandy Designated Area
Shorebird roosting and
feeding area
MNP20
m
an
VE
R
25°28.430’S
152°58.795’E
C
k
Kingfisher Bay
Resort
SU
25°49.882’S
153°01.228’E
View this map online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Great Sandy Marine Park.
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED
FOR MARINE NAVIGATION.
Navigational aid
All users should refer to navigational
information available from
comprehensive hydrographical charts.
Highway
Town
Sealed road
Transit lane
11
Protecting the grey nurse shark
Map 5. Great Sandy Strait: Kauri Creek to Wolf Rock;
Double Island Point including Tin Can Inlet
Wolf Rock marine national park zone
WARNING:
Legend
Commonwealth waters
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED
FOR MARINE NAVIGATION.
Go slow designated area
Great Sandy designated
area
Coordinate point
N
O
PO
Geewan Creek
Lighthouse
Highway
LA
LOO
COO
Town
All users should refer to navigational
information available from
comprehensive hydrographical charts.
Tawan
Tinnanbar
ree
a C
tth
Bu
Cre
North Spit
Elbow
Point
Cowra
Point
k
ek
Sealed road
AD
RO
Middle
Bank
ur
Po
on
a
Ka
Wide Bay Bar
k
South Spit
Inskip Point
ee
Cr
Commonwealth Waters
Hook Point
Creek
i
TINNANBAR
TIN
Pannikin
Island
Ka
uri
Carlo Point
to
ui
See Inset
MNP24
q
ee
k
ee
k
Cr
Cr
M
y
CAN ers
C
MILITARY RESERVE
k
Creek
(Entry Prohibited)
n
See Inset
iffe
Gr reek
MNP28
C
Snapper Creek
Boat Harbour
Toolara
INLET
See Inset
MNP25
Cr
ee
k
RO
AD
Highest astronomical tide
along 25°53.624’S
Tin Can Bay
Se
Ck
TI
N
Snap
per
Ck
25°54.252’S
153°00.249’E
25°51.398’S
153°03.141’E
BEACH
’S
097
54. 541’E
°
5
.
2 00
°
153 Boat
Myers
25°51.890’S
153°03.077’E
Wolf Rock has special significance as both a mating site, and
as the only known site along the east coast of Australia where
pregnant females aggregate. Grey nurse sharks are not prolific
breeders, as cannibalisation of siblings in the uterus results in
a maximum of only two pups per litter. Their slow breeding rate
means the recovery of this species from previous overfishing
is slow.
• use mechanical or electro-acoustic apparatus including,
but not limited to, scooters, horns and shark-repelling
devices and
k
25°54.600’S
153°11.850’E
• attempt to block cave entrances or gutters, or entrap grey
nurse sharks
• dive in a group of more than 10 divers.
WIDE
BAY
Rainbow Beach
Wolf Rock
25º54.600’S
1.5km 153º11.850’E
Double Island Point
Teebean Point
25°58.605’S
153°00.917’E
Tin Can
Inlet
25°55.913’S
153°02.767’E
25°57.463’S
153°02.315’E
300m
Cameron
Creek
500 m
25°56.109’S
153°10.622’E
25°56.161’S
153°02.449’E
MNP26
la
oo
ol
Co reek
C
nd
rla
Ca reek
C
GREAT
SANDY
NATIONAL
PARK
View this map online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Great Sandy Marine Park.
r
we
Po es
n
Se Li
ar
ys
Go Slow
Area
25°56.353’S
153°11.134’E
Ck
INSET MNP26
MNP25
GREAT
SANDY
NATIONAL
PARK
Wolf Rock
1.2km
INSET MNP24
25°57.607’S
153°01.841’E
• chase, harass or interrupt swimming patterns or interfere
with a shark’s natural behaviour
MNP29
Harbour
Poverty
Point
12
Cr
ee
MNP27
INSET MNP27
• dive between 6pm and 6am
INSET
MNP29
MNP24
Tin Can Bay
2
15 5°58
3°0 .65
0.5 2’S
07
’E
Double Island Point
25°56.353’S
153°11.134’E
nd
r la
Ca k
C
8’S
.07 ’E
°54 15
25 °00.5
3
15
MNP28
25°54.268’S
152°59.903’E
r
Snappe
See Inset
MNP27
See Inset
MNP29
Wolf
Rock
Wolf Rock, near Double Island Point, is the northern most
known aggregation site—gathering area—of endangered grey
nurse sharks in Queensland. The green zone protects grey
nurse sharks from a point over Wolf Rock out to 1.2km radius.
A buffer zone assists this protection for a further 300 metres,
by limiting fishing to trolling for pelagic species only.
• touch or feed a grey nurse shark
See Inset
MNP26
Ck
RESERVE
ys
ola
BO
W
(Entry Prohibited)
Ck
INSET
MNP28
IN
olo
Griffen
AY
BMILITARY
RA
Co
AD
RO
CAN
ar
Rainbow Beach
500m
Highest astronomical tide
along 25°55.443’S
25°56.109’S
153°10.622’E
The grey nurse shark designated area further protects the
grey nurse shark population, their habitat and minimises
harm or distress—especially to the pregnant females that
congregate here—caused by diving or other human activities.
The designated area extends 1.5km around a point at Wolf
Rock. Activities are highly regulated and restrictions apply to
everyone, including divers entering and using the area.
Do not:
Enjoy diving at Wolf Rock, but it is restricted to daylight hours
and in groups of no more than 10. Advanced and novice
divers should consider diving under the guidance of the local
authorised commercial dive operator. Apart from grey nurse
sharks, divers will see unique volcanic pinnacles with steep
walls and a series of gutters, schools of pelagic fish like
trevally, as well as Queensland grouper (a no-take fish species)
often seen suspended almost motionless in the water column.
Manta rays, surgeon, angel and lion fish are seen close to
coral encrusted rocks, while leopard sharks lie quietly on
the bottom.
WIDE BAY
ROA
D
os
M
Grey nurse shark designated area
The grey nurse shark Carcharias taurus is one of Australia’s
most endangered marine species. Although relatively harmless
to humans, because of the shark’s fierce appearance, this
inshore shark species was hunted to near extinction during
the 1960s and 70s. The species’ survival now requires specific
management and protection from further potential impacts
such as, fishing and disturbance from inappropriate diving
activities. The grey nurse shark is listed as endangered in
Queensland under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and
listed as critically endangered nationally under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
INSET MNP25
13
Tsunami,
cyclones and
extremely high
tides may occur
in coastal areas.
Safety is our concern,
but your responsibility.
Swimming in the ocean is not
recommended due to strong
currents, rips, sharks, marine
stingers and other potential
hazards. Medical assistance
can by hours away.
ZERO ZERO ZERO
If you have difficulty
connecting to
Triple Zero (000), try 112
Safety at sea
• Log on with the local marine
rescue authority.
• Ensure you have the vessel’s
required safety equipment.
• Check tide times and
weather forecasts.
• Know the risks, your equipment,
your responsibilities and
your boat.
• Seek local advice about strong
currents and tidal influences.
Essentials to bring
• your vessel’s required safety
equipment
• a first-aid kit
• adequate fuel
• drinking water
• insect repellent
• sun protection
• current zoning map.
Weather forecasts
• Boating weather service:
Maritime Safety Queensland,
phone 1300 360 426
• Commonwealth Bureau of
Meteorology www.bom.gov.au
14
Always tune to the local radio
station for weather updates or
tsunami warnings. For further
information, phone 1300 tsunami
(1300 878 626 4) or search
www.bom.gov.au/tsunami
Extreme
Emergency
Police, Fire,
Ambulance call
Triple Zero (000)
A guide to best practice in the marine park
Warning!
Stay
safe
weather events
Be
croc wise
Estuarine crocodile sighting have
been reported within Great Sandy
Marine Park.
• Camp at least 50m from the
water’s edge.
• Never clean fish or discard fish or
food scraps near the water’s edge,
campsites or boat ramps.
• Take care when launching or
retrieving your boat.
Tsunami, cyclones and
extreme tides
A tsunami is a large destructive sea
wave, or series of waves, caused
by underground earthquakes,
landslides or volcanic action.
The wave can hit the entire beach
as a swell of water many metres
deep. It can quickly inundate areas
up to hundreds of metres inland,
spreading as far as one kilometre
inland. As the wave retreats,
sometimes gradually, it pulls
everything in its path out to sea.
A tsunami can form so quickly that
first warnings may only give you
minutes to move to higher ground.
On hearing a
tsunami warning:
Act immediately! You may have
only minutes to respond.
Your life may be in danger if you
are in the water, near the beach or
estuaries, on jetties or in harbours.
Move further than one kilometre
inland from the beach or to higher
ground (at least 10m above sea
level). If you are in a vessel in a
harbour, an estuary or shallow
coastal waters, if time permits
secure your vessel and seek higher
ground. Vessels already at sea
should stay offshore in deep water.
During cyclones and floods
Do not stay in flooded, storm surge
or tide-affected areas. Move to
higher ground quickly. Beach driving
conditions can deteriorate quickly
during cyclones and water levels can
rise quickly. Pack up and leave early.
If visiting
Fraser Island
Be
dingo-safe
Organise your gear
Go slow for those below!
Be prepared
• Minimise packaging and reduce waste.
• Organise buckets and/or bins
with lockable lids to stow
rubbish and bait.
• Invest in quality fishing
gear—cheap lines, nets
and pots break easily,
increasing their chance of
being lost or abandoned.
• Use biodegradable cleaners.
• Dispose of rubbish
appropriately.
Keep your food stores and ice
‘Go slow for those below’ is a legal requirement in Go Slow
designated areas. High boat speeds can cause serious injury
or kill marine wildlife. Go Slow areas aim to protect
turtles and dugong from boat strikes in
critical feeding and resting areas.
boxes secure from wildlife.
Stow it … don’t throw it!
Go with the flow
If you ship it in, ship it out!
Marine wildlife will
swallow fragments
of plastic containers,
bags, rope and
fishing line, thinking
they are food.
‘Drift fish’ over fragile habitats
like seagrass meadows, fringing
coral reefs and the Rooney Point
gastropod colonies—a unique
association of loosely coiled
marine snails and associated
sponge colonies that
resemble termite mounds.
Anchors pull up seagrass,
break coral and damage
the gastropod colonies.
Dingoes are wild and
unpredictable animals.
• Never feed dingoes.
• Watch them from a distance; don’t
encourage or excite them.
• Always stay close (within 5m) to
your children, even small teenagers.
• Walk in small groups.
• Lock up your food stores, iceboxes
and food scraps.
• Keep fish and bait in sealed
containers off the ground.
• Make tents and camp sites
boring for dingoes; keep your
belongings secured.
• Visitors camping with children on
Fraser Island are advised to camp
in fenced campgrounds.
If you feel threatened by a dingo:
• stand up at your full height
• face the dingo
• fold your arms and keep
eye contact
• calmly back away
• if in pairs, stand back to back
• confidently call for help
• do not run or wave your arms.
If attacked defend yourself
aggressively.
Boaties should go slow
for those below even
outside designated areas,
and especially over
seagrass beds, shallow
coral reefs and in the
channels as the tide falls.
Go well around, let them rest
Each time shorebirds fly needlessly they lower energy reserves,
reducing their ability to survive. Noise, speed, movement and
pets easily disturb shorebirds. Always travel slowly and go
around flocks. Always stay on designated roads and tracks.
Remember that shorebirds and turtles nest above high water.
Their nests are well camouflaged and not easily seen.
Underwater care—leave only
bubbles, take only photos
Take care when diving and snorkelling.
• Practise buoyancy control and
test your gear over sand,
away from coral.
• Never rest on or hold corals
and avoid hovering over
corals when taking
photographs.
• Quietly observe marine
wildlife and do not
interrupt natural behaviour.
Tread softly—leave only footprints, take only photos
Fish for the future
Fishing activities are allowed in most of the marine park but
some restrictions apply; refer to the zoning entry and use
provisions table. Stay up-to-date with bag and size limits.
• Leave shells on the shore; they are homes for hermit crabs.
Always return creatures and rocks to their original position
when exploring.
• Coral cannot be taken
from the marine park
without permission.
• Never feed wildlife,
keep wildlife wild.
Remember:
• Conserve fish stocks. Take only what you need and learn
more about catch-and-release.
• Check your fishing gear regularly and reduce impacts on
non-target species.
15
You need to know ...
Permits and fees
Visitor information
The Great Sandy Marine Park is a protected area. The QPWS
manages the marine park to ensure activities are safe and
sustainable, for all to enjoy now and in the future.
For general visitor information contact the following tourism
information centres:
Permits are required for:
• camping in national parks
• tourism programs and other commercial activities
• competitive events
• extraction or collection of natural resources
• aircraft and hovercraft operations
• structures and works
• scientific research activities.
Permits may also be required for other activities that may impact
on the environment, wildlife, or other visitors. Always check first.
Visit us online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Permits.
Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism
• www.bundabergregion.info
• 271 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg Qld 4670
• ph (07) 4153 8888 or 1300 722 099
Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre
• www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au
• Cnr Maryborough-Hervey Bay and Urraween Road
• Hervey Bay Qld 4655
• ph (07) 4125 9855 or 1800 811 728
Camping on Fraser Island or Woody Island
Gympie Cooloola Tourism Centre
• www.cooloola.org.au
• Lake Alford, 24 Bruce Highway, Gympie Qld 4570
• ph (07) 5482 5444 or 1800 444 222
Fraser Island and Woody Island both offer great vessel-based
camping experiences at appropriate locations. Camping
permits apply.
Further information
Visit us online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and search for Fraser
Island or Woody Island.
Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Visit us online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
Conditions of camping include:
• displaying a completed camping tag
• using a fuel stove—no campfires
• domestic animals are prohibited
• taking your rubbish with you
• being dingo safe if camping on Fraser Island (see page 14).
Know your zones and designated areas
Disclaimer
While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this product the Department
of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing makes no representations or
warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any
particular purpose and disclaim all responsibility and all liability (including without
limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including
indirect or consequential damage) and costs which might be incurred as a result
of the product being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
Entry and use provisions apply and are enforceable. Penalties
apply for non-compliance.
Rangers patrol the area and are on the lookout for inappropriate
activities such as:
• Travelling on the plane in ‘Go Slow’ areas (see page 9).
• Fishing or collecting in ‘green zones’ (see page 3).
• Not abiding by whale watching approach regulations
(see page 7).
Report incidents
Marine Safety Queensland, phone (07) 4973 1208 (24hrs)
• marine pollution incidents including fuel, oil and sewage spills.
RSPCA Queensland, phone 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
• injured wildlife
• stranded or dead marine turtles or mammals
(including identification tag numbers).
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol
(Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
• illegal fishing activities, phone 1800 017 116
• marine wildlife entangled in shark nets, phone 1800 806 891.
Queensland Police
• life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000)
• non-urgent assistance, phone Policelink 131 444
• report ‘hooning’ activities by drivers of either vehicles or
vessels, phone 134 666.
©State of Queensland 2015.
Department of National Parks, Recreation,Sport and Racing.
BP1947 January 2015