NT Parks Pass come into effect April 3, domestic and international visitors to pay for Territory national parks

Dozens of NT parks and reserves that used to be free for all to enjoy now require domestic and international visitors to buy a Parks Pass. See the full list of parks with a fee.

From April 3 all interstate and international visitors will need to purchase a Parks Pass to visit most Territory parks and reserves.

While fees are already in place at federally managed NT parks such as Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, this is the first time visitors are being asked to pay for access to Territory government parks.

A family will need to fork out $150 for a year’s pass, $75 for two weeks, and $25 for a day’s access to tourist favourites like Litchfield, Nitmiluk National Park and Watarrka National Park.

For single adults, a day pass is $10, two weeks is $30, and 12 months is $60.

Territorians are exempt from needing a Parks Pass if they can provide proof of residency.

Territorians are exempt from the Parks Pass, which will see families visiting the NT paying up to $150 for 12-months access. Picture: Supplied.

Parks and Wildlife said the move, first flagged two years ago, was a “game changer” for parks management that would help protect, modernise and improve the Territory’s natural wonders by providing important information to visitors.

It would also generate new revenue for their care, management and development.

“Revenue from the passes and camping and walking fees will all be invested back into the protection, maintenance and safety of our parks, and the creation of new visitor experiences. It’s a game changer for the management of our parks and reserves,” executive director Sally Egan said.

“Improving the revenue that we get from our parks is an investment in the future of your parks and reserves.”

The department indicated while penalties could be applied, early enforcement would focus on education and awareness.

It would also largely rely on an honesty system alongside spot checks from rangers.

The NT Government manages 85 parks, reserves and protected areas across the Northern Territory with 33 of these areas formally joint managed with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.

A percentage of fees on jointly managed parks will be paid to governing land councils on behalf of Traditional Owners.

Urban parks are not included in the Parks Pass so visitors can still freely enjoy Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Parks requiring a Parks Pass as of April 3, 2023:

Adelaide River Foreshore Conservation Area, Darwin region

Arltunga Historical Reserve, Central Australia

Barranyi (North Island) National Park, Katherine region

Blackmore River Conservation Reserve, Darwin region

Bullwaddy Conservation Reserve, Katherine region

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park, Darwin region

Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, Katherine region

Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve, Central Australia

Channel Point Coastal Reserve, Darwin region

Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve, Barkly and Tennant Creek region

Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

Daly River (Mt Nancar) Conservation Area, Katherine region

Djukbinj National Park, Darwin region

Douglas River / Daly River Esplanade Conservation Area, Darwin region

Dulcie Range National Park, Central Australia

Elsey National Park, Katherine region

Finke Gorge National Park, Central Australia

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Darwin region

Giwining / Flora River Nature Park, Katherine region

Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve, Darwin region

Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

Howard Springs Hunting Reserve, Darwin region

Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park, Barkly and Tennant Creek region

Judbarra / Gregory National Park, Katherine region

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Barkly and Tennant Creek region

Keep River National Park, Katherine region

Limmen Bight Marine Park, Katherine region

Limmen National Park, Katherine region

Litchfield National Park, Darwin region

Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

Manton Dam Recreation Area, Darwin region

Mary River National Park, Darwin region

Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

N’dhala Gorge Nature Park, Central Australia

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, Katherine region

Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area, Darwin region

Owen Springs Reserve, Central Australia

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

Ruby Gap Nature Park, Central Australia

Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve, Darwin region

Stray Creek Conservation Area, Darwin region

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Central Australia

Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve, Central Australia

Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Central Australia

Tree Point Conservation Area, Darwin region

Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, Darwin region

Victoria River Depot Historical Reserve, Katherine region

Watarrka National Park, Central Australia