Whether or not you need a permit to camp in a National Park will depend on the state or territory you are in and the park in which you want to camp.

Always check before heading out, the fines can be a lot more expensive than the permit.

How do I know?

Although most national parks and state forests are managed by the state they are in, there are six that are managed by the Federal Government. These are: Kakadu, Uluru, Booderee, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and Keeling Islands. Each park has different permit requirements. Whether a park is state or federally managed its requirements for permits will vary from other parks. Some require permits for commercial tours only, other require permits for walking or camping in the park. Each state and territory Park service has a website and each of these outlines what is required for each different activity.

How do I get it?

Each state and each park will have its own process on how to gain a permit. Some states have more co-ordinated systems while others look at each park as a separate entity. Some park services allow you to purchase tickets online but for some you will have to purchase when you arrive. Most states have a multi-park permit system where one permit may be valid for a number of locations but being able to use one permit in numerous states isn’t available at this stage.

Websites

• South Australia – www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Park_Entry_Fees/Parks_Passes
• Western Australia – www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/214/549/
• Northern Territory – www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/parkfees.html
• Queensland – www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/index.html
• New South Wales – www.environment.nsw.gov.au/annualpass/
• Victoria – www.parkstay.vic.gov.au/
• ACT – www.npaact.org.au/
• Tasmania – www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=914/

Top 10 Australian National Parks and estimate only of fees:

• Uluru National Park – no camping is allowed within Uluru National Park. There are commercial camping grounds nearby
• Great Sandy National Park – there are various camping grounds on Fraser Island. Costs begin from $5.45 per person per night
• Kakadu National Park – no permit is required for camping within designated areas. First come first served basis. Costs range from $5 per person per night to $10 per person per night.
• Port Campbell National Park – no camping is allowed within this national park although accommodation and camping facilities are located in nearby towns.
• Cradle Mountain National Park – no camping is allowed within the park but there are cabins available at a cost. Camping and other accommodation is available nearby
• Purnululu National Park – better known as the Bungle Bungles, there is camping at two locations within the park. Fee not available.
• Daintree National Park – camping is available at selected sites within the park for fees beginning at $5.45 per person per night
• Freycinet National Park – powered and unpowered sites available in designated areas from $6.50 per person per night.
• Kosciuszko National Park – has numerous camping sites, some of which are only accessible via 4WD. Facilities vary dramatically and fees are unavailable.
• Nambung National Park – day access only to the park, no camping is allowed.

One of the most popular camping areas in Australia is the Overland Walk in Tasmania. Although individual camping permits aren’t required you do need to book and register your walk.