Woody Island and Low Island form the Low Isles, located 15km north-east of Port Douglas. Visitors are advised that there is a seasonal closure is in place at Woody Island until 1 March 2027 – no public access is permitted. This closure is to protect bird nesting and roosting areas.
Woody Island is vital for pied imperial pigeons, hosting a globally significant population. From September to March, these pigeons fly daily between the mainland and the island. They eat rainforest fruits on the mainland and nest on the island. Additionally, Woody Island is home to other seabirds and shorebirds. This includes sooty oystercatchers, bridled, roseate and black-naped terns, as well as the vulnerable beach stone-curlew.
This closure is part of broader site arrangements. It aims to protect sensitive habitats and bird nesting and roosting grounds at Low Isles. During this time, Low Island at Low Isles remains open to visitors.
Access to Woody Island on Low Islets Reef (16-028) is prohibited during the following periods to protect roosting and nesting seabirds:
- 24 September 2026 until 1 March 2027
- 1 September 2027 until 1 March 2028
- 1 September 2028 until 1 March 2029
- 1 September 2029 until 1 March 2030
- 1 September 2030 until 1 March 2031
During the closure period, access to this location and airspace up to 500ft above the ground or water is prohibited, unless otherwise authorised by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area has over 1,050 islands. This includes 70 Commonwealth and 980 Queensland islands. Woody Island is a Queensland island, and Low Island is a Commonwealth island. The Low Isles are managed together by the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service through the Reef Joint Field Management Program.
