Those who have served in the military will soon be eligible for free vehicle entry into New South Wales national parks.
The State Government says the 2025-26 NSW Budget measure will enable more veterans from around Australia to apply for a free pass to enter the 45 national parks in the state where a vehicle entry fee applies.
The pass is currently available for some categories of Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders, and this decision by the Minns Labor Government will ensure all DVA Veteran Card holders are able to apply, including those with a White Card or Orange Card.
The move is intended to increase veteran access to national parks and have the added benefit of boosting veterans’ physical and mental health.
NSW has 895 national parks and reserves, with about 5% of them having vehicle entry fees. PIC: NSW Government
Premier Chris Minns said veterans have given so much to Australia, this initiative was about giving something small but meaningful back.
“Access to nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re proud to reward more veterans with free vehicle entry to enjoy these incredible places,” he said. “The invite to visit the best national parks in the country extends to all those who’ve served our nation – whether you’re from NSW or interstate.”
NSW has 895 national parks and reserves, with about 5% of them having vehicle entry fees. They range from $4 to $12 a day, and up to $29 a day for Kosciuszko National Park in winter.
Minister for Veterans, David Harris, said it was a positive move.
“Veterans served in defence of this great land, so it makes sense that they have earnt free access to our beautiful national parks,” he said. “We know that many NSW servicemen and servicewomen carry injuries or mental and emotional impacts from their service, so it is important to make it easier for them to access the restorative powers of our state’s great outdoors.”
Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders will be able to apply for the pass from July 7, 2025, by visiting here.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers discount or concession annual passes for eligible seniors, pensioners and visitors who renew their NSW vehicle registration.
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A great move every state should get on board.
Need to make it Aust wide.
Recognition of service has come along way from the 1960s when our Vietnam vets came home. Well done to the NSW Government. All the remaining states should follow their lead.
About time we looked after our vets.
Shame dept. of veteran affairs is always in slow motion due to too many bureaucrats running the dept.
Australian National Parks should be FREE to all Australian Citizens, after all they are paid for and maintained with taxpayer money. So we all serve our country in one way or the other.
I agree all service men/women should have free access to national owned properties including busses trains ferries and sizable discountes on domestic & international flights.
Excellent idea. Yes Australia wide would be a logical extension
As a veteran of 22years service as a Nasho 1969 to 1971 and Army Reservist for 20 years I think this a start and should be national access. My Comment on DVA is similar to others in that taking an average of over 400 days to give a decision on a veteran’s claim is ridiculous. Politicians talk a lot about reducing veteran suicide, yet the DVA put more mental pressure on veterans with this ridiculous length of time to make a decision of yes or no. Us veterans get taxed too, but not all taxpayers were conscripted and taken from their family and employment and treated like we were in training.
Should be for all Australians after the taxation bashes us
Every veteran should be given free access and site fees by the Federal Government Australia wide. That’s the least this government can do for those who put their lives on the line.
This is the most positive and inspiring thing that has come from our Government. It is great to see our veterans get some recognition for their sevice to this Country, this, coming from such an incapable government who is letting it’s citizens down on every dicission it has made so far.
If these clowns in Canberra were to serve in the military our tanks would have three reverse gears and one forward gear. Look after our service personnel. They have my respect more than a dodgy lying politician which we are currently witnessing
It’s terrific that our military folk are given this deserved token of appreciation.
Should first responders such as retired police, paramedics, nurses, SES and fire officers also be given free entry to National parks.??