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NT park passes for a road trip

A Northern Territory road trip can require more than one park pass. The NT Parks Visitor Pass covers most NT Government parks, including Litchfield and Watarrka, but not Kakadu or Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, which each need a separate Parks Australia pass. Buy the NT pass online before you go; a Kakadu pass is valid for seven days.

Updated

Map for NT park passes for a road tripAyers Rock AirportAlice Springs AirportDarwin Airport
Map for NT park passes for a road trip
NT park passes for a road trip illustration showing blank entry paperwork, a car key and a waterfall in rocky parkland.

Key facts

NT day pass
$10 per adult
NT two-week pass
$30 per adult
NT annual pass
$60 per adult
NT pass purchase
Online only, before you go
Kakadu
Separate seven-day park pass
Uluṟu
Separate three-day or annual park pass
Kakadu 1 July to 31 October 2026
Adult seven-day pass $25 (tropical summer rate) instead of the $40 dry-season rate

Which pass covers Litchfield and Watarrka?

Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass for both parks; NT residents do not. The adult pass costs $10 for a day, $30 for two weeks or $60 annually. It can only be bought online, and camping and walking fees are charged separately.

What does the Kakadu pass cost and where do you buy it?

A Kakadu pass is separate, valid for seven days, and costs an adult $40 in the dry season (15 May to 31 October) and $25 in tropical summer (1 November to 14 May). Passes for visits between 1 July and 31 October 2026 are charged at the $25 tropical summer rate. Check your visit date before paying. Buy online, which is the quickest way, or in person at Bowali Visitor Centre, Cooinda Lodge, Corroboree Park Tavern, Humpty Doo Post Office or Katherine Visitor Centre.

Does the NT pass cover Uluṟu?

No. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa also has a separate Parks Australia pass. Adults pay $38 for three days or $50 annually, with under-18s free. An NT pass bought for Watarrka does not give entry to Uluṟu.

How do passes affect car hire planning?

Choose the parks first, then buy the passes that match your days of travel. A hire car booking is not an entry ticket. Darwin pickups work for Litchfield and Kakadu, and Alice Springs or Ayers Rock pickups suit Watarrka and Uluṟu, provided the rental company allows the roads you plan to use.

Questions people ask

Do I need an NT Parks Visitor Pass for Litchfield?

Yes, if you are a visitor to the NT; NT residents do not need one. Buy it online before you go.

Does an NT Parks Pass cover Kakadu?

No. Kakadu requires its own Parks Australia pass.

What does a Kakadu park pass cost and where can I buy it?

It lasts seven days. The adult price is $40 in the dry season and $25 in tropical summer, and visits from 1 July to 31 October 2026 are charged $25. Buy online or at places such as Bowali Visitor Centre. Check the price for your dates.

Does the NT visitor pass cover Uluṟu?

No. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa has a separate park pass.