The NT government has announced that from July, weekend campers and multi-day trekkers visiting the Top End will pay increasingly higher park fees.
From July 1 this year, outdoorsy travellers eager to get into nature while camping or hiking, will have to be prepared to pay a little extra for the experience.
To ensure that Territorians and visitors can continue to enjoy the amazing landscapes of the NT a raft of changes will be introduced:
- increase camping fees in three stages from July 2021 to July 2023
- introduce walking fees on some iconic walks in Northern Territory parks and reserves in July 2021
- introduce a Parks Pass in 2022-23 financial year.
“Camping and walking fees for Territory parks have not been increased in over 20 years, and increasing fees will help to generate some of the funds required to support our parks,” said Minister for Parks and Rangers, Selena Uibo
“It is imperative that we are able to care for, maintain and improve our parks.”
Selena Uibo, Minister for Parks and Rangers
Camping fees
For campers, the fees will increase up to $3.40 per night at all NT campsites, however the fee will depend on where you want to stay.
‘Category A’ campsites – at spots such as Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Finke Gorge – with shower and toilet facilities will increase by $3.40 for adults and $1.70 for children.
At more basic ‘Category B’ campsites – at spots such as Walker Creek, Karlu Karlu and Trephina Gorge – with fewer facilities, the fee will slightly increase by $0.70 for adults and $0.35 for children.
There will also be a family rate on offer, to ensure young families can afford to continue to enjoy NT parks.
Hiking fees
A new multi-day walking fee will be introduced for trails across NT parks from 1 July 2021.
If you’re planning to hike the Jatbula Trail, Larapinta Trail or Litchfield’s Tabletop Track from July 1, the new fees will be $25 a night for both adults and children.
Hikers will also need to pay camping fees on these trails, with the government classifying all trail campsites as ‘Category B’.
So with the hiking and camping fees combined, the total fee jumps to $29 a night, meaning longer adventures could get exy.
However, the fees will provide much-needed revenue to effectively manage the cultural and biodiversity values of NT Parks.
“The revenue from fees that will flow to Traditional Owners in 33 of our parks will provide the opportunity to create jobs on-country and develop Aboriginal tourism opportunities,”
Selena Uibo, Minister for Parks and Rangers
Gotta keep that land beautiful and cared for.
Seek Different
Earlier this week the Northern Territory has rolled out an inspiring new tourism advertising campaign to entice Aussie travellers back to the Top End.
The campaign, titled ‘Seek Different’ highlights the uniqueness of the destination and encourages travellers to step outside of their comfort zones in the pursuit of authentic experiences.
The Northern Territory isn’t trying to be different. It just is.
NT ‘Seek Different’ Campaign
The national campaign is a lifeline for the NT; calling for Aussies to Holiday Here This Year.
NT visitor numbers from other states plummeted by 62 per cent in 2020 amid COVID-19 lockdowns, travel restrictions and border closures.
Click here for more information.