CARAVANNERS and other travellers heading to the Northern Territory's iconic Kakadu National Park will have to dig deeper into their wallets.

It will now cost them $25 to visit the park, one of four Australian sites included on the World Heritage List for both outstanding cultural and natural universal values.

The new fee, introduced at the beginning of this month, will allow a 14-day visit to the area and will apply to all tourists aged 16 and over. Territorians will be exempt. Passes can be extended without further charge.

The fee is being reintroduced after claims the previous Howard Government had created a $4 million "black hole" in Kakadu’s budget when it abolished visitor fees in 2004.

Passes can be obtained from Darwin's Tourism Top End, the Bowali Visitor Centre at Park Headquarters or at the Mary River Roadhouse.

Parks Australia said the passes were being brought in to help manage the 20,000 square kilometre park and improve visitor services.

"It is best to purchase a park pass before entering the park," a spokesperson said. "Park staff may ask to see the pass, so visitors should carry it at all times."

Visitors without a valid pass could be fined.

Nearly 40 per cent of revenue raised will go to the Aboriginal Land Trust to be distributed to Kakadu's traditional owners.

Parks Australia is hoping to have an electronic ticketing system up and running next year.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE