Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS) (NT), Media Release, 3 April 2023

From 3 April 2023, all interstate and international visitors will need to purchase a Parks Pass to visit most Territory parks and reserves. Territorians are exempt from requiring a Parks Pass.

The Parks Pass will help protect, modernise and improve our parks and reserves by providing valuable information about visitation and through the generation of new revenue for their care, management and development.

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 walk, run and picnic at Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Further details about the Parks Pass, including the types of pass that are available and how much they cost can be found at Parks Pass | Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security https://depws.nt.gov.au/parks-and-wildlife-commission/changes-to-our-parks/parks-pass

Quotes by Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Sally Egan

“Territorians do not need to purchase a Parks Pass. This only applies to interstate and international visitors.”

“All Territorians will continue to have free day access to Territory parks.

“Revenue from the passes, 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.

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