Permits for concession businesses in parks

To operate a commercial business in a park or reserve in the Northern Territory (NT), you must apply for a permit.

A concession permit allows a business to operate when a tour operator permit doesn’t apply.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT grant these permits.

This does not include Kakadu or Uluru Kata Tjuta national parks as they are managed by the Australian Government.

For information about these parks, go to the Australian Government's Parks Australia website.

When you must apply

A concession permit can include the following:

commercial activities within a park
refreshment kiosk or cafe
souvenir and craft shops
instillation of new facilities
small hire operations
tented (safari) camps
tours in non-public areas
guided tours with special vehicles, including:
- ballooning
- helicopter
- boat and cruise tours
guided leisure activities, including:
- abseiling or rock climbing
- animals such as horse and camel rides.

Permits only cover the specific businesses or activities approved in your application.

If you want to start any new business or activity, you must apply for a new permit.

You should apply at least 3 months before you want to start doing business.

Application processing time depends on the time it takes for the following:

submission of a business proposal – parks staff will provide context and site specific advice on this requirement after reviewing your application
assessment of your application by a relevant board if applicable – this may include consultation with Traditional Owners
your review and agreement to any recommendations or conditions required for your permit to be issued.

It can take up to 3 months to receive a decision on your application if your commercial tour involves:

It may take longer than 3 months if you are proposing to conduct business on a jointly managed park.

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.

If your commercial tour involves off-park activities, no-public facilities, animals or special vehicles, you may also need:

If Parks and Wildlife need more information, they will contact you.

New applications cost $300. You must also pay an annual fee and a security deposit.

It is free to renew your permit.

If your application is not successful, you will get your $300 back.

To apply for a concession permit, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the concession application.

Step 2. Email your application to pwpermits@nt.gov.au.

Not all permit applications are successful.

If you permit is denied, you will be given feedback and your application fee will be refunded.

You may be allowed to renew your permit.

See the conditions of your permit and the terms of its renewal.

The required reporting details and intervals will be specified when you sign off on your permit.

Contact the Parks and Wildlife permits office by emailing pwpermits@nt.gov.au or calling 08 8999 3638.

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