Kakadu National Park | Special permits - commercial tours

If you are unable to access any of the documents below please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format. The phone number and email address are above.

Special permits

Applications are now open for one year special permits to conduct the following activities in Kakadu National Park: guided sports fishing tours, safari camps, commercial bushwalking tours, and tours to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and Ikoymarrwa (lower Moline Rockhole).

Special permits will be valid for a period of one year from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.

Applications close on 16 May 2012. There will be a second round in October 2012 for any unallocated or unlimited special permits.

Over the coming year, Parks Australia will work with the tourism industry on new more flexible licensing arrangements, which will eventually replace special permits. For more information see the Questions and Answers for tour operators.

Special permit fees

The fee for a special permit is up to $500 a year. Details are in the application form.
Permit application fees are prescribed by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000.

How to apply

To apply for a special tourism permit in Kakadu National Park:

Complete the application form for the relevant type of tour (eg sportsfishing, safari camp).
Please note, if you have already applied for a commercial land based permit for 2012/13, only the details specific to special permits needs to be filled in
Provide written responses to the selection criteria (these are to be provided in a separate document)
Provide copies of the documents specified in the application form
Send all documents to:

The Tourism and Visitor Services Manager
Kakadu National Park
PO Box 71
Jabiru NT 0866
E-mail: kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au
Fax:+61 8 8938 1117

Applications must be received by close of business 16 May 2012 by mail, fax or email. Successful applicants will be notified by 31 May 2012.

If you are applying to run tours at Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) or Ikoymarrwa (lower Moline Rockhole) there are information sheets available below to assist you.

Remember:

You will require public liability insurance to the value of $20 million to obtain a special permit.
You will need to ensure that all your tour guides who work in Kakadu have successfully completed the Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides program.

Guided sportfishing tours

There is no limit on the number of permits that may be issued but minimum standards apply based on the selection criteria.
There is no limit on the number of days on which tours may be conducted.
Download the selection criteria (DOC - 52 KB)
Download the application form (DOCX - 103 KB or PDF - 503 KB)

Safari camps in managed campgrounds (Merl, Muirella Park, Mardugal, Garnamarr and Gunlom)

Minimum standards apply based on the selection criteria.
There is a limit of two safari camps in a managed campground.
There is a limit of up to 25 guests in a safari camp.
Download the selection criteria (DOC - 53 KB)
Download the application form (DOCX 134 KB or PDF - 848 KB)

Guided bushwalking tours

These tours involve guided bushwalking tours of duration longer than one day - i.e. tours that involve camping overnight.
There is no limit on the number of permits that may be issued but minimum standards apply based on the selection criteria*.
There is no limit on the number of tours that may be conducted by permit holders.
Each approved bushwalking route has its own limit on group size - the maximum for most walks is 15, while some routes only allow up to 9 or up to 12 people.
Download the selection criteria (DOC - 74 KB)
Download the application form (DOC 581 KB or PDF - 864 KB)

*Note: There are limits imposed on the number of permits which may be issued for each approved bushwalking route in Kakadu. These limits apply in order to manage the level of cultural and environmental impact and visitor safety.

Access to a commercial bushwalking permit does not grant the holder exclusive access to those routes, nor does it give rise to preference above independent bushwalkers. Permits will be issued on a first in first served basis, in accordance with the current management structure.

Guided tours to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)

Minimum standards apply based on the selection criteria.
There is a limit of 12 clients on any tour.
There is a limit of two tour groups being present in the area at one time.
There is a limit of 40 persons (tour clients and other visitors) in the area at one time.
Tours may only commence between Sunday and Thursday. If a public holiday falls on a Monday, tours may not operate on the preceding Sunday.
There are two categories of Special Permit for this area. They are:
- Regular Access Permit. Up to three permits may be issued for scheduled tour operations into the area.
  - There is a limit of two days (24 hour periods) per week for each permit holder being either 2 x 1 day tours or 1 x 2 day tour per week.
  - Schedules will be agreed upon at least one year prior to the commencement of each season.
- Casual Access Permit. There is no limit on the number of permits that may be issued for irregular tours to the area when not being used by Regular Access Permit Holders.
  - Permit holders may have access on days remaining available after the Scheduled Tour Days for Regular Access Permits have been determined.
  - Where demand for available dates exceeds availability, a ballot system may be used to determine the allocation to each casual access permit holder.
Download the selection criteria (DOC - 52 KB)
Download the Jarrangbarnmi information for tour operators (DOCX - 84 KB)
Download the application form (DOCX - 134 KB or PDF - 848 KB)

Guided tours to Ikoymarrwa (lower Moline Rockhole)

Regular Access Permit. Five permits may be issued for regular access tour operations into the area.
- There is a limit of 10 visits per week for each regular access permit holder.
Casual Access Permit. Up to five permits may be issued for scheduled tour operations into the area.
- There is a limit of 12 visits per year for each casual access permit holder.
All visits should be limited to one hour to reduce overcrowding.
- There will be a limit of 20 clients on any tour.
- There is a limit of one tour group being present in the area at one time. Tour guides do not contribute to your client limit.
- Vehicles using the access track must be 4WD and have a weight limit of six tonnes.
- There is a total limit of 20 tour clients in a vehicle at one time.
- Only one tour operator group vehicle is permitted in the carpark area at any one time.
Download the selection criteria (DOC - 48 KB)
Download the Ikoymarrwa information for tour operators (DOCX - 80 KB)
Download the application form (DOCX - 134 KB or PDF - 848 KB)

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