The backlash against massive hikes in the fee to visit Kakadu National Park is growing with Northern Territory Chief Minister, Adam Giles, now joining the chorus of condemnation.
He has written to the federal Tourism Minister urging him to reverse the controversial decision to increase entry fees to Kakadu by up to 60% from April 1 next year.
The NT News reports that there is growing concern that the hikes will further hit park visitor numbers, which have slowly declined since the reintroduction of a fee in 2010. Budget-conscious travellers like backpackers and many grey nomads are among those who might think again about a trip into the iconic park.
An adult visiting Kakadu in the dry season will now pay $40 while a wet season pass will cost $25.
Mr Giles, in his letter to federal Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck, said the decision was a ‘disincentive’ in a competitive tourism market.
“The issue of the impending fee increases at Kakadu National Park is causing nervousness, confusion and anger among operators at arguably the jewel of Australia’s tourism crown,” Mr Giles wrote. “On numerous occasions, I have publicly stated my opposition to fees in our national parks, particularly at a time when Federally-managed parks such as Kakadu have been struggling to turn tourism numbers around.
According to statistics quoted in the NT News, Kakadu visitor numbers were at 202,000 in 2005 when the gate fee was removed and, since the reintroduction of the fee in 2010, visitor numbers dropped to 190,000.
The Federal Department of the Environment says there has been widespread consultation about the increased fees, and insists any extra revenue will be reinvested directly back into the park.
We as a nomad couple have not been to Kakado and chosen other wonderful and free areas BECAUSE of the fee involved.
We cannot see why we have to pay for entry into N. Ps when they are owned by the tax payers. We were and still are, tax payers!!
Your right there Duky, taxes we have all paid and still played for our National Parks. We steer away from most National Parks with Ridiculous Fees for a Public Asset.
Cheers Kev.
we spent 9 days in Kakadu in 2014 saw heaps but to increase the fee to $40.00 is way far to much. If we had to pay that we just wouldn’t go. People that travell around r not millionaire. When we were there NOT once was we asked for our permit. So really why would u even bother getting a permit cause if u don’t bother to check well really its wasting our precious hard earned money.
I would be unlikely to visit Kakadu at $40 x2 plus having to pay for access and tours within the park. Continued price rises to access so called public sites are killing the tourism trade as the average person, especially low income, cannot afford the impost.
We went there in 2013 and paid $25 each. Would not have returned at that price and certainly will not at $40. The tourist dollar will only go so far and they will miss so much.
@ FAYE, We did the same in the same year, and agree with you 100% also when we were there because of some ongoing argument with native sacred sites many of the sites were closed to the general public. We have gone past Kakadont a couple of times since but because of the high entry fee never gone back and will not at those prices because for all we know they beautiful places may again be closed because of the whim of a few. Jules mentions helicopter rides for $300 I gather for 2 but back in 2009 We did a fixed wing over the bungles for $400. with Crocodile flights What a waste of money that was.
I as a grey nomad think it is ridiculous increasing fees or even having fees to visit an atraction, particularly if it is in a area that is struggling to survive
Economically. I am a grey nomad and if a atraction like kakadu is priced out of our budget the whole area suffers.
Wally M
visited in 2009 when there was no fee. didn’t agree with paying entry so did not go earlier BUT we spent $300 on helicopter ride at Jabiru which was worth every cent. would not have done flight if we had to pay entry fees.
Definitely would not consider going to jakadu at $40, Won’t even go now at $25. I gave geard a lit of people referring to it as Kaka don’t.
Where do these polis come up with these rediculous ideas. They travel at our expense and don’t paid fees to go in. Time to get rid of these leaches on society. Make all polis pay and then see if they want price increases.
Not everything in life is free because we pay tax does not mean we do not have to pay to upkeep National parks, like everyone else I think $40 is way to high more like the $25 we are paying now is fair enough.
No I would not pay $40 per person to visit Kakadu. My view, and I could be wrong mind you, is that my sweat, work and subsequent taxes probably paid for every road, house and service in the whole region so I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for it again. We recently visited Dampier Peninsular in WA (including Cape Leveque) and I felt like everyone (locals) wanted us to pay entry fees/visiting fees/beach fees and every other fee they could think of just to “see” “their” region. We left quickly and won’t return. Again I’d bet my taxes paid for every one of “their” houses, roads and remote power stations.
“Kaka-don’t” that sums it up pretty well. National Parks are supposed to be for all the people, not just the privileged cashed up members of our society. I hope their tourist numbers continue to plummet, greedy buggers! Boycott the place, starve them out is what I say!
Just leave Kakadu with dirt roads and standing as a bl…dy Rock, we don’t need all the crap with flash buildings and sealed roads, guides to show us around the rock,we want it natural ? and the gold diggers can go somwhere else.
We thought $25 back in 2011 was a bit extreme as many “attractions” were closed due to heavy rain. Also, there is quite an eyesore in the middle of the park which of course is the uranium mine and clearly visible from the air.
Taxed to pay for them and then taxed on entry ! Double taxed and wont go there again. Vote with your dollars and don’t go there.
We didn’t bother calling in as we went past when it was free so at $40 unlikely to bother next time we pass. Plenty of other things to do and see.