A number of the islands and rocks in the Whitsunday Planning Area are important nesting and roosting sites for seabirds, shorebirds and migratory bird. Birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance by humans during their nesting season.
Where are the Significant Bird Sites?
The Significant Bird Sites are mainly between Gloucester Island and the main Whitsunday group, but there are also some near Hayman Island, Long Island and Shaw Island (see Download map).
When can I visit?
Because roosting and nesting birds are very vulnerable to disturbance, there are some times of the year when you will not be able to visit these sites. For most sites, you must not visit between 1 October and 31 March (inclusive). There are five important islands that you must never visit (see table below).
| Closed All Year | Closed between 1 October to 31 March (inclusive) |
| Bird Island East Rock* Edwin Rock* Eshelby Island Little Eshelby Island | Armit Island (south beach) Double Cone Island (west island) Grassy Island (south beach) Little Armit Island Olden Rock (south of Olden Island*) Shaw Island (beach east of Burning Point) South Repulse Island(west beach, excluding campsite) |
* Boat Free Zone between 1 October and 31 December each year.
How close can I go?
During the restriction period it is best to stay well away from these islands or beaches. If you need to visit the waters around the islands during the restriction period then, when using a vessel, you must not approach at more than 6 knots within 200 metres of a Significant Bird Site. You must not land on the islands or beaches.
In addition, for three of the islands, East Rock, Edwin Rock and Olden Rock, there is a Boat Free Zone within 200 metres of high water mark between 1 October and 31 December each year.
If you operate an aircraft then you must not operate below 1500 feet (above ground or water) when within 1000 metres of a Significant Bird Site during the restriction period.
How can I help protect birds?
If you and your visitors have the opportunity to view birds in the Whitsundays area then please make sure you follow the responsible reef practices for seabird watching.
