Permits
Activities requiring permits | Application forms | Sending applications | Processing applications
If you wish to conduct research or any commercial activity, or carry out certain recreational or other activities within Kakadu National Park, you will require a permit to do so. Activities must be consistent with the Kakadu National Park Management Plan.
Activities Requiring Permits
Activities within the park that require a permit under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) include:
Commercial Activities for example:
- Commercial tours;
- Commercial filming and photography;
- Other commercial activities;
Research Activities
Camping outside of designated camping areas
Bushwalking (walking off a marked trail)
Other Activities listed under Part 12 of the Regulations.
Visitors on commercial tours will not normally need to arrange their own permits for tour activities, as the tour organiser should make suitable arrangements for their tour group members. Check with your commercial tour organiser to ensure that you are adequately covered.
Application Forms for Permits
Application forms for permits and a more detailed list of activities requiring a permit under Part 12 of the EPBC Regulations are available from the Parks and Reserves Permits page.
Parks permits page >>
Where to Send the Permit Application
Permits Officer
Kakadu National Park
PO Box 71
JABIRU NT 0886
Phone: +61 (08) 8938 1140
Fax: +61 (08) 8938 1117
Email: kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au
If you are uncertain as to whether you will require a permit during your visit, contact staff at the park headquarters.
Processing of Permit Applications
When submitting an application for a permit, you will need to allow a minimum of 7 to 14 working days (depending on the type of permit) for processing of your application from the date that the Permits Officer receives the permit application. Applications should be faxed to the Permits Officer to reduce delays in processing. Contact details are provided on the application form.
Notification of activities affecting listed species or ecological communities
If you undertake an activity in or on a Commonwealth park or reserve that results in the unintentional death, injury, trading, taking, keeping or moving of:
- a member of a listed threatened species (except a conservation dependent species),
- a member of a listed threatened ecological community,
- a member of a listed migratory species, or
- a member of a listed marine species
and your activity was not authorised by a permit, then you must notify the Secretary of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts within 7 days of becoming aware of the incident. This includes accidental injury to wildlife whilst driving within the park. Failure to notify is an offence punishable by a fine.

