The NT parks pass for Katherine Gorge

Do you need a parks pass to visit Katherine Gorge?

Yes, unless you live in the Northern Territory. Nitmiluk National Park, including the gorge and Leliyn (Edith Falls), is covered by the NT parks pass.

The rule on the NT Government's parks pass page is short: "If you're a visitor to the NT, you need a parks pass" for most national parks and reserves. The pass came in April 2023, with sales opening on 3 April (NT Government announcement).

It applies whatever you do in the park. The cruise jetty, the Nitmiluk Centre, the helipad and the Baruwei Lookout walk are all inside Nitmiluk. On jointly managed parks a share of the fees goes to the land councils on behalf of Traditional Owners, here the Jawoyn.

How much is the NT parks pass in 2026?

A$10 per adult for a day, A$30 for two weeks and A$60 for a year. Children aged 5 to 17 pay half. For three or more park days, the 2-week pass wins.

Prices from the NT parks pass page, in Australian dollars, are in the table below. The child rate starts at 5, and the table has no fee for younger children.

Three day passes cost the same as one 2-week pass, so the maths is easy. A day trip from Darwin to the gorge and Edith Falls needs one day pass: both sit in Nitmiluk. A road trip south with Litchfield, a night at the gorge and Edith Falls on the way back is three park days. Buy the 2-week pass.

The pass covers entry only. Camping and walking fees are separate, and pass holders still pay them. The Jatbula Trail ferry (A$25 per person) and every cruise or flight are paid to the operator on top.

Who is exempt from the NT parks pass?

NT residents. They may be asked to prove it, for example with a valid NT driver licence.

The exemption is for Territorians only. Visitors from other states pay the same as overseas visitors, and the government's 2022 announcement put it simply: "All Territorians will continue to have free day access to Territory parks."

Moved to Darwin recently and still on an interstate licence? Carry something that shows an NT address.

How do you buy the NT parks pass?

Online only, through the NT parks booking system, before you go. You need to create an account and log in.

The official page says passes are sold only online and must be bought before your visit. There is no desk sale at the gorge. Mobile coverage in the park is unreliable, so buy it in Darwin or Katherine and keep a screenshot of the confirmation.

On a group tour, buy one pass per person unless the operator says it has bought them for you. The tour operator pack says tour companies can buy passes for guests, and that it is the operator's job to tell you whether the pass is in the price (NT tour operator information pack). Rangers check tour vehicles for the operator's pass display.

Is the parks pass included in Katherine Gorge tours from Darwin?

Not yet. The Darwin day trips on this site all say the pass is not included. AAT Kings says it will be included in its tour price from 1 April 2027.

Both the two-gorge day trip and the Autopia day tour list the same line under exclusions: "NT Parks Day Pass Required: Entry to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park is not included in the tour price. Purchase in advance to avoid issues on the day." AAT Kings asks guests to pre-purchase the A$10 day pass online, and adds that "From 1 April 2027, the NT Parks Pass is included in the tour price."

Flying from the gorge helipad? The helicopter flight is inside the park too, so the pass rule applies whichever way you arrive.

The lowest price from Darwin for the 2-hour cruise and Edith Falls. Add an A$10 day pass.

★ 4.7 · 13.5 hours · from $223

Explore the two-gorge day trip → Tour details

Does the NT parks pass cover Kakadu?

No. Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta are run by Parks Australia and need their own pass. Litchfield and Nitmiluk are NT parks and share the NT pass.

The Kakadu pass is a 7-day pass bought from Parks Australia. The usual price is A$40 per adult, A$20 per child and A$100 per family. From 1 July to 31 October 2026 Parks Australia cut it to A$25, A$12.50 and A$65, after Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls Gorge and other sites stayed shut through the dry season (Parks Australia).

A Top End loop through Litchfield, Kakadu and Katherine needs two passes: the NT pass and the Kakadu pass. Our drive guide has the route.

Frequently asked questions