It is located between the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the northern part of the Sunshine Coast, covering an area of around 1,500 km2.
The diverse ecosystems within the park are home to many species of fish, turtles, dolphins, and seabirds, along with an abundance of invertebrates such as sponges, molluscs, and crustaceans.
The park's seagrass meadows also provide critical food and shelter for a range of species, including dugongs and green sea turtles, while mangroves and estuaries support juvenile fish populations.
The Great Sandy Marine Park is one of the few remaining locations in Australia where grey nurse sharks reliably breed, making it an essential region for the species' conservation.
The importance of protecting these breeding grounds has been recognized by both local and international marine conservation groups, and the area is subject to strict management to mitigate threats such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.