The do's and don'ts of visiting a national park

Australia is all about the outdoors, and national parks are a great way to discover our natural environment. Whether you want to dive at the Great Barrier Reef, observe the wildlife on Kangaroo Island or immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Uluru, protecting yourself and the environment is important.

Kakadu National Park Source: Wikimedia Commons/Dietmar Rabich/CC BY-SA 4.0

First research your destination online

Before heading out, plan your visit online with the government managed websites (see list below).

You can learn about the natural environment, amenities in the area and information about entry fees, activities and weather updates.

Do not touch or walk on historic sites or Aboriginal sites

National parks are usually areas of wilderness or areas of important cultural significance for the Australia’s Indigenous peoples.

These sites may include rock art, meeting places, ceremonial practices and areas of cultural significance.

The Australian Government manages six national parks and 13 marine reserves, often in partnership with Indigenous traditional owners.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Source: Flickr/nosha/CC BY-SA 2.0

Do I need to pay?

Many national parks charge fees if you enter with a car, but are free if you enter on foot or bicycle.

If you visit a national park often, purchasing passes which can cover holidays, several days or a full year, can help you to save money.

Most states offer multi-parks passes, however they can’t be used in different states.

How do I stay safe?

If you decide to visit a national park in a remote location tell someone beforehand.

It’s recommended to take food, water and warm clothing with you. Never walk off the marked track and always stay behind the safety fences.

Great Australian Bight Source: Wikimedia Commons/Nachoman-au/CC BY-SA 3.0

Be sun and swim smart

The sun smart message applies for national parks as well. Put on your sunscreen and wear a hat!

If you decide to go for a swim, always check the depth, temperature and current. Be careful when you are walking on rocks along the sea edge, and of course don’t get close to water where there are crocodiles.

Take your rubbish with you

Covering almost four per cent of Australia’s land, national parks are protected areas which often have unspoilt landscapes, and diverse plants and animals.

Leaving rubbish behind causes serious damage to the environment. So, after you’ve enjoyed your BBQ or picnic in your favourite national park, take all your rubbish home!

For more information visit

Parks Australia

Hyams Beach Source: Wikimedia Commons/Charliekay/CC BY-SA 4.0