Before visiting the Great Barrier Reef, make sure you're familiar with the zoning rules to plan and enjoy your trip in a reef-friendly way.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zones
By Mark Rothfield | Brought to you by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority | Updated 4 August 2026
Quick overview
- Know your zones: Different areas of the Great Barrier Reef are marked with different colours.
- Colour meanings: Green signifies a Marine National Park, while Pink and some Orange are no-go zones.
- Finding info: Look for apps or maps before you enter the region.
For cruising boaties voyaging north from Moreton Bay and K’gari, coming face-to-face with the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef signals a significant and stunningly beautiful shift.
It’s here that low-lying coral cays of the renowned Capricorn Bunker Group, east of Gladstone, are edged by turquoise waters and fringing reefs.
What do the Great Barrier Reef zones mean?
Colour differences for zone markers
Many skippers will be familiar with Green Zones (Marine National Park) where transit is allowed but all fishing activities are prohibited.
Lesser known are Orange Zones (Scientific Research) and Pink Zones (Preservation).
Orange Zones protect areas used for scientific research and are mostly managed like Green Zones, where activities such as swimming, snorkelling and diving are allowed. There are two 'no-go' areas: one near the Australian Institute of Marine Science in Townsville and one around One Tree Island Research Station offshore from Gladstone.
Pink Zones (Preservation) are 'No entry' areas. ‘No entry’ means NO transiting, NO trolling, NO anchoring. With no exceptions. Pink Zones cover less than 1% of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and include areas such as the Wreck Island surrounds, which protects important loggerhead turtle nesting sites.
Plan your Great Barrier Reef trip
The relevant areas are clearly identified in zoning maps and apps. Studying these before departure gives you the confidence to cruise, drift or drop a line within the rules, without second-guessing your position once on the water.
Most importantly, it ensures these sensitive reef systems remain undisturbed, protecting the very experience that draws people here in the first place. Remember, the best trips to the southern Great Barrier Reef are the ones where everything feels effortless. And that starts well before you leave the dock.
Where can you find zoning maps?
You can find zoning maps a number of ways including:
- Download the free Eye on the Reef or QLD Fishing 2.0 apps
- Pick up printed zoning maps from local tackle and boating outlets
- Download digital maps at Reef Authority
Know the reef rules before you go
Brought to you by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and its protected islands are managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Find out more at Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
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