Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Tropical gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, minke whales, and rainforest-to-reef adventures

Key fee: Environmental Management Charge (EMC)

AUD $8.00 full day, AUD $4.00 part day

Updated Oct 29, 2025 • 13 sources

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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

Environmental Management Charge (EMC) - AUD $8.00 full day, AUD $4.00 part day
Typical payment pattern: Tickets on commercial reef trips include the Environmental Management Charge that funds park management.

What people usually pay

Tickets on commercial reef trips include the Environmental Management Charge that funds park management. Private boating must comply with zoning and anchoring rules.

Fee	Amount	Applies to	Where to pay	Notes
Environmental Management Charge (EMC)	AUD $8.00 full day, AUD $4.00 part day per person per day with commercial operator	Most paying visitors on permitted trips	Included in reef operator ticket	Collected by permit holders for the Reef Authority. Scheduled to increase to AUD $8.50 full day from 1 April 2026.