Fees · Country Guide
Coral to kelp: plan one coast, then add a contrast region
Updated Mar 4, 2026 • 1 source
Fees And Permits
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Fees You Can't Skip
- Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC) - AUD $8.00 per full day, AUD $4.00 per part day (from 1 Apr 2026: $8.50 full day, $4.25 part day)
- Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) admission fee - AUD $21 adult single day (1 Jul 2025 to 30 Jun 2026); AUD $28 adult extended stay
- Typical payment pattern: Many marine and park fees in Australia are collected through operators (especially on the Great Barrier Reef) or as park entry and admission fees for protected areas and islands.
What people usually pay
Many marine and park fees in Australia are collected through operators (especially on the Great Barrier Reef) or as park entry and admission fees for protected areas and islands. Always confirm what is included in your tour price versus what is paid on arrival.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC) | AUD $8.00 per full day, AUD $4.00 per part day (from 1 Apr 2026: $8.50 full day, $4.25 part day) Per day of reef activities | Most reef tours in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park | Collected by Great Barrier Reef tour operators as part of your booking | The EMC helps fund management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Your operator should show it as a line item or include it in the total price. |
| Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) admission fee | AUD $21 adult single day (1 Jul 2025 to 30 Jun 2026); AUD $28 adult extended stay Single day or duration of stay (extended stay) | Visits to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) | Included with ferry tickets, or paid online before arrival if visiting by private vessel | Ferries typically bundle admission with transport. Fees support facilities and conservation on the island. |
| Western Australia park entry fees (common baseline) | AUD $17 per vehicle per day (standard vehicle, up to 12 occupants) One day entry (park pass options available) | Fee-paying national parks, including Cape Range National Park (Ningaloo Coast) | At park entrances or via WA park passes | Not every park charges an entry fee, but many do. If you are visiting multiple WA parks, a multi-day or annual pass can be better value. |
| Booderee National Park vehicle pass (Jervis Bay area) | AUD $20 per vehicle (day pass) Day entry | Some access points and beaches near [Jervis Bay](/destinations/jervis-bay-australia) | Park entry station or approved sales channels | Check which beaches and trails are inside the park boundary and plan your day pass accordingly. |
| Marine park zoning compliance | Varies by park and activity Trip-specific | Fishing, collecting, anchoring, and wildlife interaction in marine parks | N/A (rules-based, not a ticket) | Even when there is no fee, marine-park rules are enforceable. Review zoning maps for your exact area and follow operator briefings. |