Australia’s Commonwealth national parks now welcome guests without an entry fee

Some of Australia’s most iconic Commonwealth National Parks have now opened their gates for free. The entry fee was waived off for Kakadu Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and Booderee National Parks. This free entry benefit will be available from 16^th March to 31^st December 2020. Australia’sspectacular wildlife and vast stunning landscapes ranging from wetlands to the white sand beaches can be witnessed through these national parks. 

According to the Federal Tourism Minister, Simon Birmingham, the initiative was aimed at getting more tourists into the region and supporting local tourism operators. This initiative is a part of the government’s $1 billion Coronavirus Regional and Community Fund. He pointed to the importance of tourism for the communities surrounding these national parks, and that it’s vital to get back more tourists to these regions. Many tourism businesses have been hit strongly due to the pandemic outbreak and this is one of the many steps targeted towards the Regional and Community Fund to support tourism businesses. The visitor economy in the surrounding towns and communities are supported by the more than 820,000 visitors annually by providing accommodation, hospitality and tourism sectors.

The Australian Government has also encouraged the residents of the country to holiday domestically. This is a part of the Government’s Holiday Here this Year campaign.