Park passes
Kakadu National Park passes contribute directly to the running costs of the park and help us maintain the fantastic natural environment and tourism services.
All international and interstate visitors aged 16 years and over need to buy a park pass before they arrive at Kakadu National Park. All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are free.
Your park pass costs $25 for 14 consecutive days. The easiest way to purchase your Kakadu park pass is online. Just print off your pass or passes before you travel.
Register to buy and review your park passes here >>
Park pass exemptions
Kakadu National Park offers park use fee and camping fee exemptions to certain groups to ensure that the park serves as an educational resource, as outlined in the Kakadu National Park Management Plan 2007-2014.
Who is required to complete the fee exemption form?
- School groups comprising students and their supervisors (teachers, carers or guardians) on organised educational excursions seeking park use fee and/or camping fee exemptions. Note that parents are not exempt unless they are acting as supervisors.
- Sponsored guests of Tourism Australia or Tourism NT travelling on familiarisation tours seeking park use fee exemptions. Note that camping fee exemptions do not apply.
Application process
Upon receipt, your fee exemption application be assessed by the Park Manager before authorisation. Once it has been approved, you are required to carry a copy of the signed exemption with you and present it to park staff and campground managers upon request.
Apply well in advance
Please allow at least 14 working days for your application to be processed. Please make sure you complete all sections of the form, included all supporting documentation, and have signed the Terms of Exemption.
Download the fee exemption form (Word doc 166KB)
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a park pass?
All international and interstate visitors 16 years and over. Northern Territory (NT) residents and children under 16 years of age are free. If you are a Territorian you will be asked to produce a current NT driver's licence or other form of identification that includes your residential address.
How much is the park pass?
The park use fee is $25 (GST inclusive) and is valid for 14 consecutive days.
Adult pass | $25
Northern Territory resident | Free
Child (under 16 years) | Free
How can I purchase a park pass?
Buy your park pass before you enter the park. The easiest way is online here >>
It will be sent to your email address so that you can access it at anytime. Just print it off before you travel and remember to carry it with you at all times during your visit.
Our online system accepts payment by major credit cards:
- VISA
- Mastercard
I can't get to a computer - how do I pay for my park pass?
Park passes can also be purchased at any of these locations:
- Tourism Top End, corner of 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, corner of Lindsay Street and Katherine Terrace, Katherine
Agents are able to support payment by credit card, debit card and cash.
How will my park pass be checked?
During your visit to Kakadu a park compliance ranger may ask to see your pass. If your pass was bought online it will be scanned to check that it is valid. Visitors without a valid pass may be fined so it is important that you carry your pass with you at all times.
Please note that passes cannot be copied or used by more than one person. Each pass has a unique bar code. Our scanning technology will detect duplicate or fraudulent passes.
If you are a Northern Territory resident you should carry your driver's licence with you as proof of residency.
What is revenue from park passes being used for?
Park passes contribute directly to the running costs of the park and help us maintain the fantastic natural environment and tourism services such as roads, boardwalks, visitor centres and free ranger walks and talks.
In the 2009-10 financial year park pass revenue contributed about $1.3 million to the $22 million operating costs of Kakadu National Park.
Under the park lease, 38.8 per cent of revenue from park passes is provided to the Aboriginal Lands Trust for disbursement to Kakadu’s traditional owners.
What if I want to stay longer than 14 days?
Kakadu National Park is a vast area and we'd like you to explore it at your leisure. If you need additional time, beyond the 14 days validity of your park pass, it can be extended (once only) for an additional 14 days by visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre and presenting your ticket and photo identification.
Can I change my park pass entry date?
If your travel plans change you can apply for a re-issued pass with a new entry date. Please contact us so that we can cancel your existing pass and issue you a new one:
- By email: ParkPass@environment.gov.au
- By phone (08) 8920 1187 or fax: (08) 8920 1315
Only the original purchaser can request a re-issued pass. You will need to supply your full name, park pass number and credit card details and may be asked to pay a re-issue fee. Please note all re-issues must be finalised at least two days prior to the date of entry on your park pass.
Can I get a refund?
In exceptional circumstances, the park manager may authorise a refund. You will need to send a copy of your pass (including the bar code) with the reason for your requested refund to:
What does the park pass entitle me to?
Your pass park gives you access to:
- all visitor sites (weather dependent), including Bowali Visitor Centre and Warradjan Aboriginal Cutlural Centre and a copy of our visitor guide
- guided walks, talks, slideshows and cultural activities in the dry season
