Changes to our parks

Introduction

A series of fee changes apply to users of Northern Territory (NT) parks.

These changes will ensure:

  • Territorians and visitors can continue to enjoy the amazing landscapes and flora and fauna
  • parks and reserves are managed to a high standard.

Changes include:

  • camping fees increased on 1 July 2021, with 2 more annual increases scheduled until July 2023
  • walking fees now apply on some iconic walks
  • online booking system is now in place
    • you can book and pay online for campsites and some multi-day walking trails in NT parks and reserves
  • a Parks Pass will be introduced in the 2023 financial year.

Find out how to use the parks booking system on the Northern Territory Government's website.

If you are ready to book, go to the Northern Territory Park Booking System.

Background

The department manages 85 parks, reserves and protected areas across the Northern Territory with 33 of the areas managed being subject to formal joint management agreements with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park are managed by Parks Australia.

There are some changes that will be implemented to the Parks and Wildlife estate and how we do business as initially identified in the Fiscal Strategy Panel’s A plan for budget repair: Final Report, which highlighted unrealised revenue opportunities. Read the report on the Department of Treasury and Finance website.

The government's Root and Branch review, identified opportunities to introduce and increase park and camping fees.

From 1 March 2022, you can book and pay online for campsites and some multi-day walking trails in NT parks and reserves.

Starting 1 July 2021, camping fees will increase in a staged approach over a 3 year period. The increase brings Territory parks and reserves in line with the rest of Australia.

A percentage of the fees that are collected on parks that are jointly managed with Traditional Owners will continue to be distributed to governing land councils for distribution to Traditional Owners.

Extra revenue for parks will therefore present an exciting opportunity to grow jobs on country for Aboriginal rangers or growth for Aboriginal tourism.


Online booking system

Use the booking system to book:

  • all designated campsites
  • Jatbula Trail
  • Larapinta Trail
  • Tabletop Track.

The type of campground you choose determines the fee you will pay.

Camping areas with more facilities are usually more expensive. Read about camping fees.

Before you book

Choose a park to visit.

When you are ready to book, you will need:

  • a booking system account using a valid email address
  • a credit card or Parks and Wildlife gift card.

If you already have an account, you can log in and make bookings.

Create your account

If it’s your first time, you will need to create an account.

Complete all form fields.

Create password

Password must contain no less than 14 characters, with:

  • at least one number and
  • a mix of upper and lower case letters.

You can’t create 2 accounts with the same email address.

How to book

Book campsites and walking trails using the parks booking system.

Follow the below steps to book a campsite:

Step 1. Enter a region or park name in the place name field.

For example Darwin region or Litchfield National Park.

Step 2. Select park.

When you have selected the park, you will see a campground list.

Step 3. Reserve campground.

Select reserve on your chosen campground to view available sites and a map.

Step 4. Select your check-in day and reserve.

Rules for multi-day walks vary.

Read the rules in the description between the reserve table and map.

Follow the below steps to book a multi-day walking trail:

Step 1. Choose your walk and include:

  • start date
  • number of nights and people on walk.

Step 2. Choose a campground for each night of your walk.

Step 3. Select reserve and complete the occupant details.

Reservation details

  • Check reservation details including dates and occupants.
  • For bookings longer that one night, you can change the amount of people at each campsite.
  • Add all the mandatory information required in the extra information section.
  • Agree to terms.
  • Select book or reserve unit.
  • You can continue shopping and add more items to your cart and/or go to checkout.
  • Enter your payment details and complete your order.

What happens next

When your booking is complete we will email:

  • booking confirmation
  • park information
  • camping tag.

When camping, you must have your camping tag displayed, ready to show a ranger if requested.

You can choose to display the tag on your:

  • vehicle or
  • tent.

You can also save to your mobile device.

Arriving at a campsite without a booking

If there is an internet connection and a spare campsite is available, you must book and pay online.

If there is no internet connection and the ranger station is open, you can ask for assistance. Rangers can't take payment onsite.

All bookings should be made online or through an authorised booking agent.

Get help

To get help with your booking or creating an account, call the Customer Service Team on 1300 281 121.

When you call, have your email address used to make your booking handy.

The team is available 7 days a week between 8.30am and 4pm, Australian Central Standard Time.

All camping in Territory parks and reserves and some multi-day walks must be booked and paid for online using the Northern Territory Park Bookings system.

Go to the Northern Territory Government's website to find out how to use the park booking system.

How to access the booking system without internet

We are working on partnering with regional tourism operators and visitor information centres throughout the Territory.

These authorised booking agents can help book and pay for a campsite or some multi-day walks if you can’t access the internet.

You can also call the Parks and Wildlife customer service team on 1300 281 121. They can help you to book.

The team is available 7 days a week between 8.30am and 4pm, Australian Central Standard Time.


Changes to camping fees

Camping fees have not increased in the Northern Territory (NT) for over 20 years. The last camping fee increase was in 2000.

From 1 July 2021, increases will be phased in over 3 years.

Go to the Northern Territory Government website to:

Campsite fees

The fee changes cover campsite categories A and B.

Category C campsites are operated by commercial operators and pricing is at their discretion.

Category D campsites are considered a premium product. Access is very limited with high level of servicing. Rates are:

  • $20 per adult
  • $10 per child (5 to 17 years)
  • $50 per family (2 adults and 4 children).

Campground fees for category D fees are not part of the annual increases.

Classifications

  • Adult is 18 years of age or over.
  • Child is aged 5 to 17, a child 4 or under is free.
  • Family is 2 adults and 4 children.

Territorians can continue to access parks and reserves for day use completely free.

Family camping rate

A family rate will ensure a young family can afford to continue to enjoy our parks.

The family classification is 2 adults having reached the aged of 18 years or over and 4 children. Most other jurisdictions only account for 3 children.

The child classification will apply to a child aged 5 years to 17 years old inclusive, with children 4 years of age or younger free.

Booking a site provides certainty

You must book and pay for your campsite before you go and ensure you set up camp in the right spot.

If you accidentally set up camp in the wrong spot, you will need to move:

  • when the person who booked that site arrives, or
  • if a ranger directs you to.

It’s just like booking a seat on a plane.

Fee increases 2021 to 2023

Read below for the 3 years phased fee increase for camping.

Category A

Classification

Current fee

Fee from

1 July 2021

Fee from

1 July 2022

Fee from

1 July 2023

Adult

$6.60

$10.00

$12.00

$15.00

Child

$3.30

$5.00

$6.00

$8.00

Family

$15.40

$25.00

$30.00

$38.00

Category B (formerly category B and C)

Classification

Current fee

Fee from

1 July 2021

Fee from

1 July 2022

Fee from

1 July 2023

Adult

$3.30

$4.00

$6.00

$10.00

Child

$1.65

$2.00

$3.00

$5.00

Family

$7.70

$10.00

$15.00

$25.00

Read more about comparison of fees with other jurisdictions.


Walking trail fees

A new multi-day walking fee now applies for trails across Northern Territory (NT) parks.

The new fee will apply to:

  • Jatbula Trail
  • Tabletop Track
  • Larapinta Trail.

The fee will provide much needed revenue to effectively manage the cultural and biodiversity values of our NT parks. It will also help with:

  • maintaining infrastructure and servicing to trails including cleaning facilities and
  • providing reliable water supplies to trail users.

Multi-day walking fees

Read below for multi-day walking trail fees.

DaysNightsTrail fee
2 1 $25
3 2 $50
4 3 $75
5 4 $100
6+ 5+ $125

The overnight trail fee is for any person adult or child.

Camping fees will need to be paid in addition to the walking fee.

Trails with camping facilities managed by Parks and Wildlife will be charged at a category B camping rate.

Commercial operators set their own camping fees. Standley Chasm along the Larapinta Trail is a commercial campground.

See below for fees payable for walking trails when staying in a Parks and Wildlife managed campground.

Trail days / nightsTrail feeCategory B camp feeTotal fee payable
2 days / 1 night $25 $10 $35 per person
3 days / 2 nights $50 $20 $70 per person
4 days / 3 nights $75 $30 $105 per person
5 days / 4 nights $100 $40 $140 per person
6 days / 5 nights $125 $50+ $175 per person + $10 for additional nights

A normal day trip is still free

You can still take a stroll on any of our short walks.

The fees only apply to walks where you overnight on the walking trail.

It’s all the same price

The walking fees for adults or a child are one set price.

The classifications for a child are the same as the camping fees with a child classified as being from 5 years old to 17 years old.

Read about the comparison of walking fees with other jurisdictions.


Parks pass

Parks pass in 2023

Parks pass will apply to interstate and international visitors from 3 April 2023.

If you're a Northern Territory resident, you do not require a pass. However, rangers may ask for proof of residency.

Parks that require a pass

Learn more about what parks will require a parks pass on the Northern Territory Government website.

Fees

All visitors will still need to pay for camping and walking fees.

Revenue will be shared with Traditional Owners.

Pass typeAdultChildFamily
Day pass$10.00$5.00$25.00
2 week pass$30.00$15.00$75.00
Open pass - valid for 12 months$60.00$30.00$150.00

Get a parks pass

From 3 April 2023, the pass can be purchased from the parks online booking system.

If you're in a park on this date and you need a pass, you can get a pass when you have mobile service or call customer service 1300 281 121.

If you're a Territorian

If you live in the Territory:

  • you are exempt from purchasing and displaying a parks pass
  • you may be requested to show proof of residency by a ranger, such as a valid NT driver licence
  • if you're taking interstate or international visitors to a park, they will need to purchase a pass.