Australia - Restrictions

Some restricted areas are marked on the charts.

Aboriginal Reserves and National Parks:

Entry to these may be restricted and special permission is required to visit them. The Northern Territory has several of these areas on its coast. For more details, write to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Darwin or enquire at the port of entry.

The coast and islands west of Gove are part of the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve and one needs a permit for entry, obtainable from the Lands Office in Gove.

Cotton Island is off-limits as it has sacred burial sites.

Coburg Peninsula is a National Park and permission to enter can be obtained from the Ranger Station.

Ashmore Reef is a National Park, no spearfishing is allowed.

Note: In the Northern Territory, one must remember that salt-water crocodiles can be found in the sea and estuaries. Their numbers are growing as they are a protected animal.

New South Wales

In New South Wales living aboard a yacht permanently is illegal, although foreign yachts that are cruising are considered more leniently. The Maritime Services Board in Pittwater is more lenient than those in Sydney Harbour.

A recent change to Maritime Safety laws in late 2016 means that yachts that visit New South Wales (in particular Sydney) and plan to anchor are welcome to anchor for 28 days and no more. Otherwise, you must get a mooring or a slip.

See this news item for further details.

Artifacts and protected wildlife products cannot be exported unless special permission is obtained.

Queensland

The discharge of both treated and untreated sewage is prohibited in:

• waters of a boat harbor, canal and marina;
• the Noosa River, and;
• designated areas of state marine parks.

In those waterways where discharge of sewage is permitted, the discharged sewage must first pass through a macerator if a fixed toilet is onboard. For more information visit http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/qt/msq.nsf/index/sewage_mgt

For additional restrictions applicable in Queensland, see Queensland page for more details.

Biofouling Requirements

Vessels entering Australian territory must comply with requirements under the Biosecurity Act 2015  and under this legislation all vessels, (including those from Australia) become subject to biosecurity control upon entering 12 nautical miles of the Australian mainland or Australia’s external territories.  This means that all non-commercial vessel owners, vessel operators, arriving in Australian territory to visit, stay or returning Australians must provide a Pre-Arrival Report when they intend to arrive in Australian territory.  This form which can be submitted electronically includes questions relating to biofouling management practices on the vessel.

See Biosecurity for more information.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10 per cent of the world's coral reef ecosystems, and is one of the best known and most complex natural systems on Earth.

Most rules apply throughout the Marine Park — like Marine Park zoning that outlines what you can do in each location — however there are some specifically related to popular areas, certain activities and sensitive locations. Before you visit it is important to be familiar with the area you’re going to and the Marine Park rules that apply.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Boating and Yachting

Anchoring is permitted in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park but there are rules around anchoring in specific places that you need to be aware of.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Anchoring and Mooring

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Moorings and No Anchoring Areas

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is divided into different colored zones; in the "Green Zones" which cover about one-third of the park, no fishing or collecting is allowed. Heavy fines and boarding by authorities to inspect the boat freezer are in operation. Restricted fishing is permitted in some of the other zones.

For the latest information and zone maps, it is advisable to view the Marine Park Authority's website before your planned visit to the area.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Other Restrictions

Artifacts and protected wildlife products cannot be exported unless special permission is obtained.

Last updated:  January 2025