Queensland Government
Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs

The restricted area is the Palm Island Shire which incorporates 10 of the 13 islands.

It includes all public and private places on these islands. The group of islands in the Palm Island Shire Council area are Fantome (Eumilli), Curacoa (Noogoo), Barber (Boodthean), Esk (Soopun), Falcon (Carbooroo), Eclipse (Garoogubbee), Brisk (Culgarool), Fly, Havannah and Great Palm.

The restricted area also includes all island foreshores to the low water mark, the Palm Island Jetty and the Palm Island Airport.

Alcohol restrictions

The maximum amount of alcohol a person can have in the Palm Island Shire is limited to 11.25 litres (1 x 30 can carton) of light or mid-strength beer.

This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it. However, the barge company and most plane companies do not allow anyone to bring alcohol on board, including in their luggage or freight.

The Palm Island ferry is not subject to the alcohol restrictions but for journeys to Palm Island the ferry company requires any alcohol brought on board from the mainland to be locked away for the duration of the trip. When stepping onto the Palm Island jetty from the ferry, a person must not have more alcohol than is allowed under the restrictions.

It is an offence to drink in a public place.

Dry places

People living in the Palm Island Shire may apply to have their home declared a 'dry place'.

Penalties

Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in Palm Island Shire are:

  • first offence $37,500
  • second offence $52,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment
  • third offence $75,000 and/or 18 months imprisonment

Vehicles found carrying alcohol in the restricted area may be confiscated. It is also an offence to attempt to bring illegal alcohol into the restricted area. The maximum penalty is $37,500.

The on the spot fine for drinking in a public place is $100 or $300 if under the age of 18.

The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is $1900.

These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.

More information

You can also call the alcohol limits information line on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Restricted area map: Palm Island (PDF, 565 KB)

Help with downloading documents

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

for more information about the alcohol limits.