Central Land Council

Permits

Aboriginal land is privately owned

Like other landowners in Australia, Aboriginal people have the legal right to grant or refuse permission to people wishing to enter or travel through their land. The permit system is also designed to help protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, preserve Aboriginal culture, safeguard the natural environment and promote visitor safety.

Are permits legally required?

Yes. Commonwealth and Northern Territory law says that entry to Aboriginal land requires a written permit. Unauthorised entry to Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory can result in a fine of up to $1000.

What is Aboriginal land?

Aboriginal land is land for which Aboriginal people hold inalienable freehold title under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976. Aboriginal Land Councils have the statutory responsibility to consult with Aboriginal landowners in relation to issuing of permits to travel across or enter Aboriginal land.

Which areas of the Northern Territory are Aboriginal freehold land? A considerable part of the Northern Territory is Aboriginal freehold land and requires a permit to enter.

To find out if you will need a permit for your planned trip please consult this site. If you are not sure please contact the Permits Officer at the Central Land Council.

When will I need a permit?

If you wish to undertake any of the following activities on Aboriginal land in the Central Land Council region then you will need to apply to the Central Land Council for a permit:

• Enter Aboriginal land for any purpose
• Travel by road through Aboriginal land (Note: this does not apply to public roads)
• Enter or visit an Aboriginal community (Note: some exceptions apply)

Please note that permit requirements apply to all persons visiting Aboriginal communities for work or other purposes on a short or long term basis.

This includes travellers, tourists, contractors, hawkers and representatives of any group, company, agency or government department not covered by a statutory permit arrangement.

Applying for a Permit

How do I apply for a permit?

The CLC Permit Officer will provide you with a permit application form upon request. Please fill in the necessary details. Application forms and permit documents can be found on this site and returned by fax or post.

What type of permit do I need?

There are three types of permits for Aboriginal land:

Transit permit

This allows you to travel through Aboriginal land on designated roads. Camping and off road access are prohibited.

Entry permit

This allows entry to a designated area of Aboriginal land or an Aboriginal community for a specific purpose and period of time.

Extended entry permit

For an extended entry permit (up to one year) contact the CLC.

Research and media permit

For conducting research and media work on Aboriginal land. The Protocols page has downloadable forms for different types of research and gives details of special requirements for these permits.

Do people travelling with me in the same vehicle all require separate permits?

No. People travelling together in the same vehicle are included on a single permit. This is issued to the nominated driver of the vehicle. The names of all passengers must be listed on your permit application.

How long does it take for a permit to be processed?

Applications for routine transit permits are usually processed within one working day. Applications for entry permits can take longer to process because they may require detailed consultations with Aboriginal landowners. You should allow at least three to four weeks for a reply to your request.

Is there a charge?

No. All permits are issued free of charge. Please note: A charge of $2.20 applies for the Mereenie Tour Pass booklet to recover printing costs.

Transit roads on Aboriginal land

Permits are required for the following roads

Docker River Road (between Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Boundary and WA border)

Your transit permit allows access to Docker River Community to purchase fuel & supplies.

Access to Tjunti (Lasseter's Cave) is permitted for sightseeing during the day. However camping is no longer permitted at this location.

Mereenie Loop Road (between Kata Pata Pass and Watarrka National Park boundary) Note: The Mereenie Tour Pass combines your transit permit with a full colour tourist information booklet and map for a cost of $2.20. Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Access (from Hermannsburg/Papunya road to Tnorala Conservation Reserve boundary)

Papunya to Western Australia Road (between Papunya and WA border) Your transit permit also allows access to Papunya and Kintore to purchase fuel & supplies. Click here for a transit permit application form.

No permit is required for the following roads

Public Roads

• Barkly Hwy
• Buchanan Hwy (Dunmarra to WA Border)
• Finke Road (Kulgera to Aputula)
• Larapinta Drive to Papunya Road
• Larapinta Drive (Alice Springs to Areyonga* )
• Lasseter Hwy (Stuart Highway to Yulara)
• Namatjira Drive
• Old Andado Road (Alice Springs to Old Andado via Santa Teresa)
• Old South Stuart Highway Palm Valley Road (Hermannsburg to Palm Valley)
• Alice Springs to Aputula
• Papunya Road (Tanami Road to Papunya via Narwietooma)
• Plenty Highway (Stuart Highway to Queensland border)
• Sandover Highway (Plenty Highway to Queensland border)
• Simpsons Gap National Park Access Road
• Standley Chasm Access Road
• Stuart Highway
• Tanami Road (Stuart Highway to WA border, via Yuendumu)
• Tanami Mine Lajamanu Road

Other roads not requiring permits

• Kata Tju ta Road (within Uluru – Kata Tju ta National Park)
• Boggy Hole (via Hermannsburg and Ellery Creek)
• In the event of accident or breakdown stay with your vehicle and stay in the shade.
• Please note that permits are required to visit Areyonga and Papunya communities.