Become a junior ranger
Darwin and Katherine programs now full
The first round of 2025 junior ranger applications are now closed for the Darwin and Katherine regions. The next round opens in June 2025.
Your child can become a junior ranger with NT Parks and Wildlife.
Junior rangers get to explore the parks and reserves through fun and hands-on activities.
What junior rangers do
Junior rangers get to learn and participate in group activities for free.
Activities can include:
- identifying wildlife tracks, plants and weeds
- learning to use walking maps
- wildlife spotlighting
- bird watching
- helping to conserve the environment
- exploring Aboriginal culture.
Who can apply
You can apply for your child to become a junior ranger if they:
- are 9 to 12 years old
- have average fitness
- live in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs.
Parents and carers are also welcome to attend the program.
2025 application dates
Darwin and Katherine applications:
- first round closed
- second round opens in June 2025.
Alice Springs applications:
- only round opens in June 2025.
There are limited spots available and places will be filled in the order applications are received.
Program schedule
The meeting location will be provided to parents and carers after their child's registration is confirmed.
Darwin programs - first round
The Darwin programs run for 5 weeks in 2 groups. Both groups do the same activities on either a:
- Tuesday, or
- Thursday.
You are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early.
Tuesday group with one-off Saturday (registrations now full)
The group will meet:
- each Tuesday evening starting 29 April to 27 May from 5:30pm to 7pm
- one-off Saturday on 10 May from 9:30am to 11am.
Program dates:
- Week 1 - Tuesday 29 April
- Week 2 - Tuesday 6 May and Saturday 10 May
- Week 3 - Tuesday 13 May
- Week 4 - Tuesday 20 May
- Week 5 - Tuesday 27 May.
Thursday group with one-off Sunday (registrations now full)
The group will meet:
- each Thursday evening starting 1 May to 29 May from 5:30pm to 7pm
- one-off Sunday on 11 May from 9:30am to 11am.
Program dates:
- Week 1 - Thursday 1 May
- Week 2 - Thursday 8 May and Sunday 11 May
- Week 3 - Thursday 15 May
- Week 4 - Thursday 22 May
- Week 5 - Thursday 29 May.
Katherine program - first round
Tuesday group with one-off Saturday (registrations now full)
The Katherine program runs for 9 weeks. The group will meet:
- each Tuesday evening starting 15 April to 10 June (except 6 May) from 5:30pm to 7pm
- one-off Saturday on 10 May from 9am to 10:30am.
Program dates:
- Week 1 - Tuesday 15 April
- Week 2 - Tuesday 22 April
- Week 3 - Tuesday 29 April
- Week 4 - Saturday 10 May
- Week 5 - Tuesday 13 May
- Week 6 - Tuesday 20 May
- Week 7 - Tuesday 27 May
- Week 8 - Tuesday 3 June
- Week 9 - Tuesday 10 June.
Alice Springs program
Applications for the Alice Springs program will open in June 2025.
Cancellations
If your child gets into the program but can no longer attend, you must cancel within 48 hours. This will allow for another child to participate.
Contact
To find out more, email the Parks and Wildlife team at CommunityEngagementPW@nt.gov.au or call:
- Darwin – 08 8999 4432
- Katherine – 08 8973 8865
- Alice Springs – 08 8951 8247.
Last updated: 25 March 2025
Give feedback about this page.
Share this page:
URL copied!