Tourists will soon be charged to visit some of the Northern Territory’s most picturesque locations as the government plans to introduce fees to visit its national parks.
A new pay-to-visit system will be implemented in April next year to allow tourism providers and the Traditional Owners of joint managed parks to prepare for the changes, the NT government said.
The scheme had originally been planned to come into effect in July.
NT government minister Selena Uibo said the revenue from entry fees would be vital to protect the region’s natural wonders.
“It is imperative that we are able to care for, maintain and improve our parks. 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,” Ms Uibo said.
“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.
“These changes to our parks will protect our spectacular natural landscapes, whilst creating new opportunities to enhance visitor experiences and attract tourists from across the country and the globe.”
NT residents will be exempt from the Parks Pass, which will cost families $25 per day, $75 for two weeks or $150 for an “open pass”.
While Territorians will not have to pay, any visiting families they are bringing to the sites will have to purchase a pass.
The Litchfield, Djukbinj and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Parks are among the 50 sites which will require an entry fee.
The NT Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security said “options are still being explored” as to how locals could easily prove they were Territorians and gain free entry.
Park passes were already in place at Uluru and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which are both managed by the federal government.
Travellers will be able to book passes online in advance via the NT government’s online booking system.
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