50 Northern Territory Parks Now Require Entry Fees

From today, interstate and international visitors to up to 50 Northern Territory parks and reserves are required to purchase a parks pass before entering.

Up until now, entry to most of the Northern Territory’s national parks and reserves, with the exceptions of Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks which are federally managed, has been free for day trippers to enjoy. 

But as NT Parks continues the upgrade of its booking system and to increase the cost of camping and multi-day walks, it’s also introduced day-use fees as well. 

Interstate and international visitors are now required to purchase and display a parks pass, while NT residents are exempt from the fees. However, Territorians may be required to show proof of residency to park rangers, and any non-local visitors travelling with Territorians are still required to purchase the pass.

Which national parks are included?

A parks pass is required for entry to 50 of the Northern Territory’s 85 state-managed parks and reserves. This includes Litchfield National Park near Darwin, Nitmiluk and Elsey National Parks near Katherine, Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve near Tennant Creek, and Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park near Alice Springs.

Ellery Creek Big Hole, Tjoritja NT | Photo thanks to Tourism NT/Laura Bell

Neither Kakadu nor Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks falls under the parks pass scheme as they are managed by the federal government and already require their own separate entry fees.

The full list includes 50 of the 85 parks, reserves, and protected areas managed by the NT Government.

How much does a parks pass cost?

The cost of the parks pass depends on the length of your visit and the number of people visiting. 

A single-day pass will cost individual adults $10 and families $25, a two-week pass will cost adults $30 and families $75, while an open pass which is valid for 12 months, will cost individual adults $60 and families $150. 

Territorians aren’t required to pay entry to the parks.

How do I purchase a parks pass?

Parks passes are now available to purchase through NT Park’s new Online Booking System which was introduced in 2022.

Additional fees still need to be paid for camping and some of the Territory’s longer walks, including the Jatbula and Larapinta Trails. 

No word yet whether passes will be available to buy offline, however it doesn’t seem likely.

Purchase Your Parks Pass

Jatbula Trail, Nitmiluk National Park

Why are these costs being introduced?

In recent years, NT Parks has been upgrading the management of its parks and reserves, including the introduction of an online booking system and increased costs of camping and multi-day walks.

‘Revenue from fees will be invested back into the protection, maintenance and safety of our parks, and the creation of new visitor experiences,’ said Parks and Wildlife Executive Director, Sally Egan.

‘These changes mean our parks and reserves are maintained and developed for generations to come, so Territorians and visitors can continue to enjoy the amazing landscapes and native wildlife,’ she said.

These upgrades have recently been outlined in the Northern Territory Parks 10 Year Activation Plan and include a swathe of possible new tourism offerings in the Territory, including glamping on the Jatbula Trail.

33 of the Territory’s parks are co-managed with the Traditional Owners, and a percentage of the fees charged for use of these jointly managed parks, which is yet to be specified, will be paid to the governing land councils on the Traditional Owner’s behalf.