Park passes were already in place at Uluru and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which are both managed by the federal government. As part of the new system launched in April 2023, all interstate and international tourists must fork out also now for a Parks Pass to enter 50 of the Northern Territory’s most popular parks and reserves like Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, Litchfield National Park, Mary River National Park, Elsey National Park Katherine region Finke Gorge National Park Central Australia Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve , Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, and Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon).
The pass cost a family $25, while a two-week admission for them would be $75 and a family open pass - without a time limit - is $150. Note that the NT Parks Pass does NOT cover an entry fee to Kakadu NP and Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP, and that those camping and hiking still need to pay the usual fees on top of this charge.
Passes can be booked in advance via the NT government’s online booking system (https://depws.nt.gov.au/parks-and-wildlife-commission/changes-to-our-parks/online-booking-system)
While Territorians will not have to pay, any visiting families they are bringing to the sites will also have to purchase a pass.
Of the 85 parks and reserves the state government manages, the pass is only needed to visit 50 of them, and 33 of them are joint-managed with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.
Revenue from fees will be invested back into the protection, maintenance and safety of te parks, and the creation of new visitor experiences.
