Changes to our parks

• 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.