Fees · Destination Guide
Whitsunday Islands Australia
Sail, dive and snorkel the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 6 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) - Around AUD $8 per person per day for full day reef trips
- Whitsunday Islands National Park camping permit - AUD $7.50 per adult per night or AUD $30 per family per night
- Typical payment pattern: Budget for visa or ETA fees if applicable, a small Environmental Management Charge (reef tax) usually built into reef tour prices, and camping permits if you plan to stay on national park islands.
What people usually pay
Budget for visa or ETA fees if applicable, a small Environmental Management Charge (reef tax) usually built into reef tour prices, and camping permits if you plan to stay on national park islands. Bareboat charters and commercial operators handle their own marine park permits, but you are responsible for following zoning rules.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC) | Around AUD $8 per person per day for full day reef trips Per day of eligible reef visit, usually built into tour fare | Most visitors entering the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on commercial vessels for several hours or more | Collected automatically by licensed reef tour operators | Often called the reef tax, this government charge funds research, management and ranger patrols for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Operators itemise or include the charge in their pricing. |
| Whitsunday Islands National Park camping permit | AUD $7.50 per adult per night or AUD $30 per family per night Per night, per campsite | All campers on national park islands such as Whitsunday and Hook | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service online booking system | You must hold a confirmed camping permit and display your booking tag at your campsite. Family rates apply to one or two adults with children under 18, up to eight people. Sites are limited and popular ones such as Whitehaven can sell out early. |
| Marine park permits for commercial activities | Included in tour or charter price Varies by operator and permit type | Tourism operations, moorings, pontoons and some structures within the Great Barrier Reef and state marine parks | Held by licensed commercial operators and bareboat companies | Permits for activities like operating dive boats, pontoons or moorings are obtained and maintained by operators. As a visitor you do not need your own permit, but must obey operator instructions and marine park zoning and fishing rules. |