Safety and rules in parks and reserves

Parks and reserves in the Northern Territory (NT) may close at short notice due to seasonal conditions, such as flooding or bushfires.

When visiting a park or reserve, you are responsible for your safety.

Make sure you:

  • plan ahead for your trip
  • research where you’re going
  • pay attention to all warnings, park signage and rules
  • listen to instructions from rangers.

Emergencies

Consider taking a satellite phone or personal locator beacon as mobile phone signal isn’t available in many areas.

In an emergency, always call 000.

Before you visit

You should:

Read below to find out how to stay safe in parks.

Safety and comfort

When you visit parks, you should:

  • drive only on marked roads or in parking and camping areas, and observe all park signs
  • follow the directions of park staff or authorities
  • protect yourself against mosquitoes
  • bring and drink plenty of water
  • bring enough food and fuel
  • wear suitable clothing, footwear, a shady hat and sunscreen
  • pack a first-aid kit and take it with you when doing activities such as walks and bike rides
  • not bring anything that is a fire or health hazard or a danger to people, plants or animals
  • remember that you are in a conservation area and all flora and fauna are protected.

Protect yourself from the heat

Walking in hot weather can be dangerous and sometimes even deadly.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure you’re prepared.

Find out how to stay safe in the heat.

Activities

If you’re planning to 4WD in NT parks, make sure you’re capable of 4WD handling and recovery.

  • Check your vehicle is in good working order and designed for off-road travel.
  • Consider what you will do if your car breaks down.
  • If your car breaks down, never leave your vehicle. A vehicle is easier to spot by search and rescue.
  • Travel in groups of 2 or more vehicles where possible.
  • Make sure you have the right recovery equipment to get yourself out and know how to use it.
  • Consider taking a 4WD training course.
  • Take reliable communication equipment and plan for no mobile coverage.
  • Take extra water, food and fuel in case you get stuck – it can save your life.
  • Carry first aid and know how to use it.

When you plan to go bushwalking or hiking, only choose walks that suit your fitness level and ability.

You should also take essential items with you like food and water.

Find out how to stay safe while bushwalking or hiking.

If you’re camping in a park and plan to have a campfire, make sure you do it in a permitted area and don’t leave it unattended.

Read about camping safety and rules.

Camping outside designated areas

To hike and camp overnight outside a designated camping area, you need to apply for a permit.

This provides information to Parks and Wildlife to help keep you safe.

Learn more and apply for permits for camping overnight outside a designated area.

When launching or landing your boat:

In the Top End, you can swim in parks in areas managed for swimming.

Make sure you only swim in areas marked safe to swim and read all safety and warning signs before entry.

Find out more about swimming in parks.

Some NT Parks and reserves offer mountain bike trails.

Always prepare and ride to the conditions and your skill level.

Cyclists and walkers share some paths. Cyclists should give way to walkers and alert them when approaching.

Read more information about where you can ride and mountain bike safely.

Before rock climbing, contact the Parks and Wildlife permit office for information.

Not all parks are suitable or allow rock climbing.

Cliff safety

If you're near a cliff and not rock-climbing:
  • stay at least 2m away from cliff edges
  • don’t take selfies near cliff edges
  • don’t walk backwards towards a cliff or edge.

There are rules you must follow if you want to take photos, film or operate a drone.

Photography and filming

You can take a photo or record a video for your personal use only.

When you capture an image:

  • keep a firm grip on your device - dropped items can't be retrieved
  • don't take a selfie with an animal or near a cliff edge as it can be dangerous and sometimes fatal
  • be considerate to other park users - they might not want to be in your photo.

If you're a commercial photographer or videographer, you must apply for a permit for commercial  photos and filming in parks.

If you’re a wedding photographer or event organiser, you must apply for a permit.

Drones

There are rules around drones and their use in parks. Drones are not permitted in some parks.

All drone use in parks (personal and commercial) requires a permit.

You can read more about the rules for flying drones in parks or apply for a permit to fly a drone in parks.

Hunting is only allowed during certain times of year and on a limited number of hunting reserves. Hunting requires a permit.

Firearms, traps, nets, crossbows or other weapons are not allowed on parks without a permit.

Read more information about hunting in the NT.

Animals

Saltwater crocodiles can be in any Top End waterway.

It is never completely safe to enter the water. You should take care when swimming and relaxing near water holes.

Find out how to be crocwise.

Respect local wildlife by doing the following:

  • take a photo but respect their space
  • don’t take a selfie – it might not be safe
  • don’t feed animals or leave your rubbish out where they can get into it and spread it around
  • don’t interfere with an animal, their home or nest. You might scare them away from their young.

Pets are generally not allowed on parks and reserves. This is to protect our native plants and animals.

You can take your assistance animal into all parks.

There are some parks and reserves and carparks where you can take your pet.

You can read more about pets in parks.

Your responsibilities

Only a small number of parks have rubbish bins.

Help keep the environment clean by taking rubbish with you.

If there are bins, still consider taking your rubbish and recycle what you can.

Pests and weeds can enter parks on your vehicle and in camping and hiking gear.

To help reduce the risk of spread, do the following:

  • Check your vehicle for seeds if you have been off road and clean them off before you go to a new area.
  • Check cars, trailers and other items for pests that could be hiding.
  • Stay on marked roads and don’t go off designated tracks.
  • If you find weed seeds or burrs, leave them in the weed-infested area or burn them in your campfire.
  • Check your camping and hiking gear for anything that has crawled into your tent and can travel to your next destination.

When you visit a park, make sure you leave things where you find them.

Never:

  • take plants, rocks, shells, feathers, fossils or other interesting objects
    • rocks provide important hiding places for animals or protect from erosion in a dry river bed
  • take or interfere with native animals-  it is a criminal offence
  • touch Aboriginal rock art or disturb a significant site
  • pick flowers or damage plants - stay on designated roads and walking tracks
  • disturb a nest or living place of a native animal.

Mobile phone coverage

Mobile coverage is available in some parks and reserves.

Most remote parks and camping areas don’t have mobile reception. Some areas have limited coverage and sometimes signage will show these locations.

For more information about your mobile phone provider’s coverage in the NT, go to the relevant service provider website:

You can buy or hire a satellite phone or a personal safety beacon for emergencies.

Smoking in parks

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in some parks and zones.

Obey all no smoking signs and rules. If you do smoke in other areas, be considerate of others and the environment.

Smoke-free zones include waterholes, around children’s play equipment and where people gather.

Smoke-free zones apply in:

  • Berry Springs and Howard Springs nature parks
  • Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls.

Prevent accidental fires - always extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them in a bin or take them with you. Don’t litter or throw butts on the ground.


Last updated: 20 June 2023

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