Park pass | Information for commercial tour operators
A park use fee applies to visitors entering Kakadu National Park. Park Passes cost $25 (GST inclusive) per person and are valid for 14 consecutive days. Northern Territory residents and children under 16 years of age will be exempt from purchasing a Park Pass.
As a tour operator, it is a condition of your permit that you ensure your clients have paid the park use fee prior to entering Kakadu and are aware of the Park Pass terms and conditions.
How can I purchase bulk Park Passes?
Commercial tour operators can order in bulk (100 passes or more) by phone on (+61) 8 8920 1187 or via email at parkpass@environment.gov.au. The Park Passes can be picked up in person from our Darwin office or mailed out (please allow at least five working days). A five per cent rebate, payable quarterly, is made to tour operators purchasing bulk passes.
Smaller numbers of 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 will be able to support payment by credit card, debit card and cash.
Payment arrangements for bulk passes
Credit card and direct deposit is the default payment option for most operators. Invoicing is offered to a select number of operators with an excellent credit record. We are reviewing the payment history of operators who currently have invoicing arrangements with the Director of National Parks. On the basis of this analysis, invoicing is available to select operators only. Applications from new operators wishing to pay by invoice will be considered on a case by case basis. Details on the invoicing application process will be provided in the coming weeks.
Compliance
Compliance officers are out and about in the park to ensure that all visitors and operators are aware of the need to have a valid Park Pass at all times. Compliance officers also play an important role in providing advice to visitors on how to get the most from their Kakadu experience. These staff can help visitors plan activities, learn about Kakadu's natural and cultural environment, understand joint management and enjoy themselves safely.
Compliance officers conduct random checks of commercial tours to confirm that all clients have a valid park pass.
Other important information
What happens if clients choose to remain in the park after a tour?
If you know a client intends staying in Kakadu after their tour, it will assist compliance officers if you remind them that they should carry their Park Pass with them during their visit.
What if clients have pre-purchased a Park Pass?
When accepting bookings from clients who have already purchased a Park Pass (either independently or through another tour company), you will need to confirm with your client that their park pass will be valid for the dates of your tour. The client should carry the park pass with them during their visit.
What if my tour only passes through the Park?
People travelling along the Kakadu or Arnhem highways, en route to or from Arnhem Land, Katherine, Darwin or Jabiru, who do not stop in the park do not need Park Passes.
What about Territorians or children under 16 years?
Northern Territory residents and children under 16 years of age will need to be able to produce ID for compliance purposes. Park passes are not required.
When will Park Passes be available on line?
We will progressively introduce online bookings for commercial tour operators from May 2011, following training sessions for those who want them.
