Rules And Regulations For Park Visitors

Aboriginal Land

Aboriginal Land can only be visited with a permit, granted before your visit by the relevant Land Council for the area. In the Top End, contact the Northern Land Council, PO Box 34843, Winnellie NT 0821, phone 08 8981 7011. In Central Australia, contact the Central Land Council, PO Box 3321, Alice Springs NT 0871, phone 08 8951 6211

Domestic Animals

Dogs and cats are generally not allowed in Territory parks. Where dogs are allowed, it is only with an approved permit or in designated areas. Permits only allow dogs to be kept within, or secured to, your vehicle.

Firearms

Firearms and shooting are not permitted in Territory parks, the exceptions being the Top End hunting reserves Howard Swamp, Lambell's Lagoon, Harrison Dam and Marrakai. For further information about these reserves, and the necessary permits must be obtained prior to your visit, contact the Conservation Commission office at Palmerston on 08 8989 4411.

All shooters and firearms must be licensed as explained in the booklet 'Before you Shoot' available from any NT Police Station. A shooter's licence may be obtained from the Northern Territory Police. Firearm registration fee is $5, and visitors can obtain a 3 month temporary permit from the NT Police for $10. Call 08 8922 3543 for full details.

Hunting and Fishing

The Northern Territory offers the keen outdoor sports enthusiast a variety of hunting and fishing activities, however some conditions do apply:

Protected Animals: As a rule, all vertebrate animals are protected under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Those species which may be hunted in the NT are feral animals including pigs, rabbits, goats and donkeys. Some larger game species such as buffalo, deer and banteng cattle may be hunted with recognised safari hunting operators. Cattle, donkeys, buffalo, horses and goats are usually the property of the land owner and must not be shot. Penalties are heavy. Firearms may not be carried in parks or reserves except for designated Hunting Reserves. No shooting is allowed in national parks and reserves.

Hunting Reserves: You can apply to the Conservation Commission for a permit to hunt feral pigs and buffalo on Marrakai Conservation Reserve and feral pigs on Harrison Dam Hunting Reserve. Strict conditions apply and a fee is charged.

The Waterfowl Season: The Conservation Commission controls the hunting of ducks and geese. You must check with the Conservation Commission about the species that you may shoot, the dates of the season, the bag limits that apply and areas in which you are allowed to shoot. A permit is required, strict conditions apply and a fee is charged. To shoot on private land, you must first get the permission of the owner or occupier.

Fishing: The top End waters offer some of the most exciting sport angling in Australia. Fishing with rods, hand lines, or spears is generally permitted in rivers and billabongs throughout the year without a licence.

Specific regulations for Barramundi, Mub Crabs and Spanish Mackerel apply:

• Barramundi personal limit is 5 in possession
• Mary River personal limit is 2 in possession
• In the NT, minimum size of a barramundi in possession is 55cm
• Spanish mackerel personal limit of 5 in possession
• Mud crabs personal limit of 5 pots per person with a maximum of 10 pots per boat with 3 or more people abroad.
• Minimum mud crab in possession size limit is 13cm

For additional information on regulations applying to barramundi, mud crabs, seasonal amateur closures, cast nets and amateur drag nets (Beach Seine nets) contact the Recreational Fishing Officer, Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, GPO Box 990, Darwin NT. 0801. Tel: 08 8989 4395 or Fax: 08 8981 1475.

Spear Fishing: Licences are not necessary for hand spears and spearguns. However, spearguns may only be used in the open sea and more than 150 metres from another group. It is illegal to use a speargun while using scuba equipment. Northern Territory waters offer excellent diving and fishing, but care should be taken as crocodiles, sharks and some species of fish can be dangerous. Box jellyfish are prevalent in NT waters, particularly during October to May. They are lethal and deaths have occurred from stings.