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) from Tourism Top End (Darwin Visitor Centre) by phone on 1300 138 886 or (08) 8980 6000 between the hours of:
- Monday to Friday - 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday - 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
- Public holidays - 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
A five per cent rebate is made to all tour operators purchasing bulk passes. Please contact Tourism Top End for more details.
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
Payment of bulk passes may be arranged via a credit / invoice system. To take advantage of this, operators must be a Tourism Top End member and have an account set up. If you’re not a member, then payment can be made by credit card or cash. Please contact Tourism Top End on 1300 138 886 or (08) 8980 6000 for more details.
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. For any concerns, please report to our Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 8938 1120.
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 are free. Visitors must carry proof of residency or under 16 years of age such as drivers licence, payslip, student card or birth certificate.
