Fees · Destination Guide
Townsville Australia
Central Great Barrier Reef access for the SS Yongala, underwater art, and island hiking
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 17 sources
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 (full day) or AUD $4.00 (part-day); increases to AUD $8.50 / AUD $4.25 from 1 Apr 2026
- Protected zone permit (historic shipwrecks such as the SS Yongala) - Free (permit required to enter protected zones)
- Typical payment pattern: Most visitors pay reefrelated fees indirectly through tour operators.
What people usually pay
Most visitors pay reef-related fees indirectly through tour operators. The key one is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Environmental Management Charge (EMC), which is collected by permitted operators and is typically included in your ticket price. Additional permits can apply for protected shipwreck zones and for camping in Queensland national parks.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC) | AUD $8.00 (full day) or AUD $4.00 (part-day); increases to AUD $8.50 / AUD $4.25 from 1 Apr 2026 per person, per Reef trip day (full-day or part-day) | Most visitors on commercial activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park | Collected by the permitted reef tour operator and remitted to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) | In practice, the EMC is usually bundled into your ticket price. Ask for a receipt if you are doing multiple tours and want to understand how charges are applied. |
| Protected zone permit (historic shipwrecks such as the SS Yongala) | Free (permit required to enter protected zones) as per permit conditions | Divers and vessels entering declared protected zones | Queensland Government underwater cultural heritage permit process (many commercial operators manage this for you) | Protected zone rules are in addition to normal marine park rules. On the SS Yongala, do not penetrate the wreck or disturb artefacts. |
| Queensland Parks camping permit | AUD $7.50 per person per night or AUD $30 per family per night (fees can change) per night | Camping in Queensland national parks and state forests (including some Magnetic Island and Paluma area sites) | Queensland Parks online booking system | If you plan to camp, book ahead for weekends and school holidays. Always check the specific campground page for seasonal closures and site rules. |