Apply for a tour operator permit

Permits are needed for any type of tour, including guided walks, camping tours and boat tours.

The permit covers tour activities in most NT parks. If you  want to operate a tour you will require a permit.

Who can apply

You must hold an Australian business number (ABN) and be undertaking a tour activity.

You must also understand and follow the general park safety and rules and rules for park permits.

You can’t get a permit if you or your employees, agents or contractors have, in the past 5 years, been accused of or found guilty of breaking conservation laws such as:

• Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976
• Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation By-Laws 1984
• any laws or by-laws of the NT, the Commonwealth or a state or territory that relate to protection, conservation or management of native species.

How long it takes

Once all required information is received, standard tour operator permits are usually processed in 2 weeks.

What you need

You will need all of the following for your application:

• names and ABNs for any proposed subcontractors
• copy of your public liability insurance policy certificate of currency with coverage of at least $20 million
• if you have staff, a copy of your workers compensation insurance
• if you're a company, a copy of a company extract from ASIC that:
  • shows the names of the company directors and
  • is no older than 6 months.

Fees

You'll need to pay for your application using a credit or debit card before you submit.

Tour operator permits cost:

• $100 for 4 or fewer park visits per year
• $500 for 5 or more park visits per year
• $1,500 for any number of park visits for up to 3 years
• $2,500 for any number of park visits for up to 5 years.

How to apply

Go to Territory Services

If you can't apply online, contact the Parks and Wildlife permits office at pwpermits@nt.gov.au.

Tour operator information pack

If you have an approved tour operator permit, get the tour operator information pack.

The pack offers advice on how best to promote your product and highlight the NT's beautiful parks and reserves.

Reporting and other responsibilities

As a condition of your permit, you have a number of responsibilities.

Reporting for tour operator permits

You must complete a patron statistics statement. This is a condition of your permit and needs to be completed:

• quarterly - no later than 5 business days after each quarter and
• after your permit has expired.

Incident reporting

You must report all incidents that affect your clients and employees.

You must also report events that could harm the environment or put people at risk.

Reports should be made within 24 hours of the incident. To make a report, contact the Parks and Wildlife Commission permits office.

Camping

You’ll need to book and pay for any camping separately. Read more about camping in parks and reserves.

Marine turtle watching permits

Commercial tourism operators must apply for a permit to take or interfere with wildlife before conducting marine turtle watching activities in the NT.

Watarrka National Park safety induction

All tour guides operating in Watarrka National Park must complete a Watarrka National Park safety induction.

Get help

Contact the Parks and Wildlife permits office by emailing pwpermits@nt.gov.au or calling 08 8999 4795.