Reintroduction of park use fees

Kakadu National Park will re-introduce a park use fee from April 2010, to help manage the natural and cultural values of the park environment and improve visitor services. Like many World Heritage sites around the world, including Yellowstone National Park, Serengeti National Park, Stonehenge, Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Pyramids of Egypt - a park use fee will help maintain world-best management practices and facilities for the more than 200,000 visitors who experience Kakadu each year.

The $25 fee (which is inclusive of GST) will apply to all interstate and international visitors aged 16 years and over. All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 will be exempt.

Over the next 12 months we will develop an online ticket system for Kakadu, Uluru Kata Tjuta and Booderee National Parks.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Park Pass?

The park use fee is $25 (GST inclusive) and is valid for 14 consecutive days.

Adult pass | $25 Northern Territory resident | Free Child (under 16 years) | Free

Who has to pay the fee?

All adult international and interstate visitors to Kakadu National Park. Northern Territory (NT) residents and children under 16 years of age are free. If you are a Territorian you are asked to produce a current NT driver's licence or other form of identification that includes your residential address.

What is revenue from Park Passes being used for?

Park passes contribute directly to the running costs of the park and help us maintain the fantastic natural environment and tourism services such as roads, boardwalks, visitor centres and free ranger walks and talks.

How can I purchase a Park Pass?

Park Passes can be purchased at any of these locations:

Tourism Top End, cnr Bennett and Smith Streets Darwin
Bowali Visitor Centre, Kakadu National Park
Gagudju Lodge, Cooinda
Goymarr Interpretive Centre, Mary River Roadhouse southern entrance to Kakadu
Aurora, Kakadu South Alligator, Arnhem Highway
Katherine Visitor Information Centre, cnr Lindsay Street and Katherine Terrace, Katherine

Agents are able to support payment by credit card, debit card and cash. It is best that you purchase your pass before visiting the park.

Why have Park Passes been reintroduced?

It is common practice around Australia and internationally for national parks with high visitation and associated high running costs to charge fees. Charging for a Park Pass helps recover some costs and will help ensure there is enough revenue for the park to operate and to maintain the natural and cultural values that visitors enjoy. In 2004, the previous Government removed entry fees and taxpayers have borne the full cost of managing the park for over five years.

Won't the fee discourage visitors?

$25 is a small part of the total travel costs of an international or interstate trip. Kakadu offers many opportunities for visitors on low budgets:

The fantastic Twin Falls Gorge boat cruise, which is subsidised by the park.
Free ranger guided walks and talks, offering an insight into Aboriginal culture and the park's World Heritage values.
Free Aboriginal cultural activities across the park and night time slide-shows at managed campgrounds.

How do Park Passes benefit traditional owners?

Under the park lease, 38.8 per cent of revenue from Park Passes are passed on to the Aboriginal Land Trusts for disbursement to Kakadu's traditional owners.

Are there be fines for non payment?

It is important that you purchase your park pass before you enter the park. Park staff may ask you to show your pass, so carry it with you during your visit. Visitors without a valid pass may be fined. If you are a Northern Territory resident you should carry your driver's licence with you as proof of residency.

What if I want to stay longer than 14 days?

Kakadu National Park is a vast area and we'd like you to explore it at your leisure. If you need additional time, beyond the 14 days validity of your park pass, it can be extended (once only) for an additional 14 days by visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre and presenting your ticket and photo identification.

When will I be able to buy my pass online?

Until 1 April 2011, we are operating a paper-based system. During the next 12 months we will phase in electronic ticketing so that you can buy your passes on line.