Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park

A Queensland national park made up of two small coral cays on the Great Barrier Reef, protecting seabird colonies and turtle nesting habitat. The cays lie within the reef ecosystem off northern Queensland and are managed for conservation.

A marine and island conservation area notable for seabird colonies and seasonal turtle nesting rather than built visitor amenities. Snorkeling and reef watching are available on nearby reef flats, while the sandy cays themselves are used by birds and are sensitive to disturbance.

Long used by seabirds and marine fauna, the cays are incorporated into Queensland’s system of protected islands and the broader Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to conserve breeding habitat and reef biodiversity.

Situated offshore on the Great Barrier Reef in tropical northern Queensland; the cays lie within the Coral Sea and are reached by boat from mainland or larger islands.

• Access and protection: Both cays are fragile coral sand islands with no developed visitor facilities; access is by boat and visitation is managed to protect nesting birds and turtles.

What to See #

• Michaelmas Cay: A small, low-lying coral cay that supports dense seabird colonies and provides sandy beach for turtle nesting; popular for day trips and wildlife viewing.
• Upolu Cay: A nearby sand cay with vegetation that also supports nesting seabirds and forms part of the same protected island group within the reef system.