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Where is Michaelmas & Upolu Cays?
What is Michaelmas Cay?
Are Michaelmas and Upolu Cays bird sanctuaries?
Are Michaelmas & Upulu reefs protected?
Michaelmas and Upolu Cays is a national park in Queensland, Australia, 1,409 km (876 mi) northwest of Brisbane and 33 km (21 mi) east of Cairns. It comprises two small cays on Michaelmas Reef, which forms the north-eastern section of the Arlington reef complex, within the Great Barrier Reef.
- 1975
- Cairns
Jan 22, 2024 · Michaelmas Cay is one of the most important bird nesting sites in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the most significant around Cairns. Boating and snorkelling are also popular around Michaelmas and Upolu cays. Location. Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park is 41km north-east of Cairns. Learn more Getting there
Jul 31, 2023 · Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The reef and intertidal area surrounding the islands are managed under the provisions of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Jan 19, 2024 · The reefs and surrounding waters of Michaelmas and Upolu cays are in a Marine National Park (Green) Zone. These are ‘no take’ areas and all forms of fishing and collecting are prohibited. Check zoning information and maps before entering or conducting any activities in the marine parks.
- About Michaelmas Cay National Park & The Cairns Great Barrier Reef
- Bird Nesting Site at Michaelmas Cay
- Snorkeling at Michaelmas Cay
- Scuba Diving at The Outer Reef
- Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Michaelmas Cay
- Sailing and Anchorage Information at Michaelmas Cay
- Marine Stingers on The Reef?
- More Photos of Michaelmas Cay and The Great Barrier Reef
- More Great Barrier Reef Travel & Adventure Inspiration
Michaelmas and Upulu Reefs are National Parks protected under the World Heritage Listing. As a result, they are pretty well looked after, besides the threat of coral bleaching due to climate change. The reef was initially named Oyster Cay in 1849but was later renamed when it was used by the beche-de-mar (sea cucumber) industry. It was recognized as...
Up to 20 0000 birdsin the peak nesting season. For a short time, the droppings left by the birds were collected and sold as guano. Since the National Park classification, the birds and reef have been much healthier. Now, only indigenous use is allowed by the traditional owners; the Gungandji, Mandingalbay-Yidinji and Yirriganydji people.
The main attraction at Michaelmas Cay and the rest of the outer reef is the incredible snorkeling and diving. This was the main reason why I made the trip out here, and it didn't disappoint! While the corals aren't as healthy in my opinion as neighboring Upulu Cay, we still saw hundreds of species of healthy corals, large schools of fish and occasi...
Of course, scuba diving is probably the best way to experience Michaelmas Cay and the outer reef. However, you'll need to book ahead either in Cairns or Port Douglas. There are hundreds of businesses that offer trips to the reef. The dive sites will vary depending on the company and the weather conditions. If you're interested in scuba diving day t...
Looking for a bit of adrenaline and the best possible view of Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef? You can take a scenic flightover the cay and surrounding reefs. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the skyis one of the most surreal views imaginable, and certainly one of the best things to do around Cairns.
Michaelmas Cay is great for sailors and boaters since it's a fairly quick and straight shot from Cairns Harbour. It took us roughly 2 hours to reach the cay from Green Island, and approximately 5 hours from Cairns in total. There are two public courtesy moorings available if you want a convenient mooring close to the cay. To get here, you'll need t...
If you're already on the Great Barrier Reef, then you'll have probably already heard about the dangerous marine stingers. It's generally advised to wear a stinger suit in the summer months, as they are much more prevalent on the coast at this time. However, stingers are hardly ever seen on the outer reef, but it's up to you to take precautions.
Already in Cairns and thinking about the next thing to do on your Great Barrier Reef itinerary? Hopefully, some of these aerial and underwater photos from Michaelmas Cay will inspire you to visit one of Queensland's best destinations.
I hope you've enjoyed this up-to-date travel guide to visiting Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Before you head off, don't miss these useful travel guides to help you make the most of your trip to Cairns. 1. 60+ Things to do in Cairns- my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable expe...
Bird Sanctuary. Both Michaelmas and Upolu Cays are bird sanctuaries. Michaelmas Cay is the larger of the two and has developed some vegetation. Twenty-four species of sea birds have been seen on this Cay, with nineteen known to nest and mate on this Cay.
Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park is a protected area located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and unique bird species, including the Roseate Tern and the Lesser Crested Tern.
