Interstate and international tourists are now required to buy a Parks Pass to visit the NT’s more than a dozen swimming spots and famous parks.

Effective from Monday, April 3, Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Sally Egan said the Parks Pass fees will help protect, modernise and improve parks and reserves by providing information about visitation and by generating new revenue to be used for caring, managing and developing the parks.

Non-Territory residents will now be set back $25 when visiting the NT’s national parks, and some popular swimming spots, including Edith Falls, Litchfield and Mataranka Hot Springs. Territorians will be exempt from requiring a pass.

Visitors are also required to pay camping and walking fees, in addition to a Parks Pass. This means that hiking the Jatbula and the Larapinta trails is now more expensive.

Tourism operators had previously voiced concerns that the new park fees might discourage interstate travellers from coming to the NT, due to current high cost of living increases.

The Fyles Government nevertheless is expecting to generate around $7 million from the implementation of the Parks Pass when combined with the hiking and camping fees.

However, a small percentage of fees on jointly managed parks would be paid to governing land councils on behalf of Traditional Owners.

The government manages 85 parks, reserves, and protected in the NT. Only 33 of these tourist spots are jointly managed with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.

“All Territorians will continue to have free day access to Territory parks,” Ms Egan said.

“Revenue from the passes, camping and walking fees will all be invested back into the protection, maintenance and safety of our parks, and the creation of new visitor experiences. It’s a game changer for the management of our parks and reserves.”

Visitors can still enjoy and have fun at Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Alice Springs Telegraph Station since urban parks are not included in the Parks Pass scheme.

“Improving the revenue that we get from our parks is an investment in the future of your parks and reserves,” she said.

The Parks Pass offers day passes, two-week passes and an open pass with different prices for individuals and families.

For full details on the availability, types and cost of Parks Pass, visit https://depws.nt.gov.au/parks-and-wildlife-commission/changes-to-our-parks/parks-pass.