Permits

Some commercial activities and operations occurring in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef (Coast) Marine Park require a permit. 

Discover everything you need to know about permits like what a permit is, when you need a permit and how a permit is structured.  

Some activities in the Marine Park requires a permit. An online application portal allows applicants to submit their Marine Parks application and track its progress.

Our assessment guidelines explain the general approach the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority uses when assessing applications for permission. 

Fees are charged for permits to cover the cost of the time spent administering and assessing the request for Marine Park permission.

Tourism and charter permissions may be granted for transport, accommodation or services for people who are visiting the Marine Park.

The Queensland Government runs a shark control program with a permit along the Queensland coast, including within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  

Details of permit applications and permit decisions can be found here including current and archived decisions and applications open for public comment.  

Personal information you provide to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in your permit application is protected by the Privacy Act 1988.

The Marine Parks Cultural Referral process provides Traditional Owners with a greater say on activities permitted in the Marine Park.

The Reef Authority recognises the important role that research plays in contributing to our understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and most research requires a permit.

New permissions to carry out works may require a permit. Contact the Reef Authority before applying for a permission to carry out works in the Marine Parks.

Special tourism permissions relate to capped tourism activities which allow operators to continue with activities outside of the Plans of Management or regulations.

Learn more about permit requirements for research activities.