NPWS Concession Pass frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to apply for a NPWS Concession Pass?

• Australian Pensioner Concession Card holders
• Holders of an Australian Veterans Gold DVA Card embossed with ‘EDA’ or ‘TPI’
• Holders of an Australian Veterans Gold DVA Card without ‘EDA’ or ‘TPI’, who can provide a letter from the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirming a disability pension of 70% or higher, or minimum 50 impairment points.

Who isn't eligible for a NPWS Concession Pass?

• War widows or White DVA Health Card holders
• Student concession card holders
• Transport concession entitlement holders
• International pensioner or seniors card holders
• Australian Disability Parking Permit holders or Mobility Parking Scheme permit holders.

How do I apply for an NPWS Concession Pass?

You can now apply for a NPWS Concession Pass online. You'll need:

• A unique (non-shared) email address to receive your digital annual concession pass confirmation and reference number.
• Your eligible Australian Pensioners card number or Australian DVA card number.

You can also call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS), or visit a Service NSW centre and participating NPWS location. Subject to change.

Please read the NPWS Concession Pass conditions of use.

How long will my application take to be processed?

With your approval, NPWS use Service Australia’s Centrelink and DVA Confirmation eServices to check the validity of your card. Eligible applications using this service will be immediately approved and a pass created straight away.

For applications made not using this service, the Concession Pass can only be issued after supporting documents are reviewed. Please allow up to 3 business days to receive your digital pass confirmation and reference number via email.

Does the concession pass cost anything?

No. It’s free.

How many concession passes can I apply for?

You can only apply for 1 NPWS Concession Pass per person.

Once issued, the Concession Pass can be digitally assigned to 1 vehicle at a time, or printed and displayed on the dashboard of any vehicle that you're visiting in.

What does the NPWS Concession Pass entitle me to?

A NPWS Concession Pass entitles the vehicle you're visiting in to enter any NSW national park or reserve, without paying vehicle entry fees.

A NPWS Concession Pass must be used in accordance with the concession pass conditions of use. Other fees may apply.

Do I get free park entry if I'm on a bus tour, in a taxi or commercial vehicle?

No. Your NPWS Concession Pass only provides free entry if you’re travelling in a vehicle with up to 8 seats being used for your private leisure. You’re not exempt from vehicle entry fees if entering the park in a commercial vehicle, such as a taxi, or on a bus tour.

Do I need to pay park entry fee if my application is pending or I don't have it with me?

Yes. Until your application is approved and you receive your digital NPWS Concession Pass confirmation and reference number, vehicle entry fees will apply.

Please note: Fees incurred while waiting for your application to be processed are non-refundable.

Does NPWS offer the Concession Pass to other groups?

No. The NPWS Concession Pass is only available to Australian Pension Card holders and eligible Veterans Card holders. Other concession card holders can’t apply, although you might be able to take advantage of our $15 discount pass or Seniors 20% discount pass.

A Companion Card may be issued to people with significant and permanent disability, so their carer can access tours and attractions operated by NSW National Parks free of charge. A Companion Card does not cover vehicle entry fees to NSW national parks and reserves.

NPWS may offer complementary or discounted entry to other groups, including Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services, or NPWS volunteers. If this sounds like you please contact your Fleet Manager or volunteer program coordinator for more information. Aboriginal people can contact the relevant NPWS park office directly, to assist with exemption requests.