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Camping tips & planning27 August 20265 min read

Tasmania national parks pass: prices, types and which to buy in 2026

Compare Tasmania parks passes at the rates effective from 1 July 2026, including Cradle Mountain entry and current shuttle-bus charges.

Campbell Duncan — Founder, CampWatchBy Campbell Duncan · Founder, CampWatch

A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks. The right pass depends on how many days you will visit, whether you are travelling in a vehicle, and whether Cradle Mountain is on your itinerary.

The prices below are the official rates effective from 1 July 2026. Parks Tasmania reviews fees annually, so use the live parks-pass page before buying.

Current pass types and prices#

Pass typeCurrent priceWho it coversValid for
Daily$49.15 per vehicleUp to 8 people; excludes Cradle MountainUp to 24 hours
Daily per person$24.55Bus, cycle or walk-in visitor; excludes Cradle MountainUp to 24 hours
Cradle Mountain Icon Daily$30.70 adult; $12.30 child; $73.75 familyCradle Mountain entry and 24-hour shuttle ticket24 hours
Holiday$98.35 per vehicleUp to 8 people; all national parksUp to 2 months
Holiday per person$49.20Bus, cycle or walk-in visitorUp to 2 months
Annual All Parks$104.75 general; $83.85 concessionUp to 2 registered household vehicles12 months
Annual One Park$53.50 general; $42.80 concessionOne park; excludes Cradle Mountain12 months
Two-Year All Parks$133.80 general; $107.05 concessionUp to 2 registered household vehicles2 years

The standard Daily Pass excludes Cradle Mountain entry. Holiday, Annual and Two-Year passes cover Cradle Mountain entry but do not include the shuttle bus.

Children under 5 are free. The current concession reduction is 20% for eligible Australian concession cards, including qualifying Seniors Cards.

Which pass fits your trip?#

One non-Cradle park for up to 24 hours: compare the Daily vehicle or per-person pass.

One day at Cradle Mountain: use the Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass. It is sold at the visitor centre and includes a 24-hour shuttle ticket.

Several park days within two months: compare the Holiday pass. Two vehicle Daily passes cost $98.30, five cents less than the $98.35 Holiday pass, so the Holiday pass becomes cheaper on price from a third daily visit and also offers a longer validity window.

Returning within 12 months: the Annual All Parks Pass costs $6.40 more than the Holiday vehicle pass, lasts a year and can register up to two vehicles at the pass holder's address.

Regular visits to one park other than Cradle Mountain: compare the Annual One Park Pass.

Passes are non-transferable. Annual and Two-Year passes may be used by people living at the pass holder's address while travelling in a registered vehicle.

Cradle Mountain entry and shuttle#

Private-vehicle access on the road between the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Dove Lake is restricted during shuttle operating hours. The restriction begins 15 minutes before the first shuttle leaves the visitor centre and ends 30 minutes after the last shuttle leaves Dove Lake.

Shuttle operating hours change seasonally and can change with weather or road conditions. Check the official shuttle page and confirm the day's arrangements at the visitor centre.

Current shuttle prices#

TicketCurrent price
24-hour shuttleIncluded with a Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass
72-hour shuttle$15.50 per adult
Annual shuttle$46.50 per adult

Children under 18 travel free on the shuttle but still need a ticket from the visitor centre. Adults holding a Holiday, Annual or Two-Year parks pass need a separate shuttle ticket.

Multi-day walks#

For the Overland Track during the booking season from 1 October to 31 May, the booking fee covers park entry for the walk and shuttle access from the visitor centre to the track start. Outside that season, walkers need a valid parks pass and a shuttle ticket if using the service.

The Three Capes Track booking fee includes a parks pass for the duration of that walk. Check the exact walk page for current inclusions before paying separately.

Where to buy#

Buy passes through the official Tasmania Parks Pass portal. The Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass and shuttle tickets are available from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.

If you are using a hire car, follow the current hire-vehicle instructions in the official purchase flow. Do not assume a small or remote park will have an on-site sales point.

What the pass does not cover#

A parks pass covers park entry. Separate charges may apply for:

  • campground stays
  • guided cave tours or other activities
  • multi-day walks
  • the Cradle Mountain shuttle unless included with the Icon Daily or Overland Track pass

Check the official park, campground or activity page for the exact booking and fee.

Concession changes#

From 1 December 2025, eligible Seniors Parks Pass discounts were aligned with the existing 20% concession discount. Existing passes remained valid until expiry. Current concession rates are listed on the official pass page.

Practical checks before buying#

  • Confirm whether the itinerary includes Cradle Mountain, because the standard Daily Pass excludes it.
  • Compare vehicle and per-person pricing for the actual group.
  • Check the validity window and household/vehicle restrictions.
  • Budget separately for camping and any shuttle or activity fees.
  • Keep the pass details available while visiting and follow current display instructions.

Choose from the live itinerary#

Use the live official prices and rules, then choose the shortest pass that covers the actual trip. For multiple park days, compare the Holiday and Annual options rather than assuming two Daily passes are always dearer.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a parks pass for every national park in Tasmania?

A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks. Camping, guided activities, multi-day walks and shuttle services can have separate charges.

Can I use one vehicle pass for multiple cars?

Daily and Holiday vehicle passes cover the vehicle attached to that pass. Annual and Two-Year passes can register up to two vehicles at the pass holder's address, and the pass is not transferable outside the household.

Is the Cradle Mountain shuttle included in my parks pass?

The Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass includes a 24-hour shuttle ticket. Holiday, Annual and Two-Year passes do not include the shuttle; adults need a separate shuttle ticket, while children under 18 travel free but still require a ticket from the visitor centre.

Can I buy a pass at the park entrance?

The Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass and shuttle tickets are sold at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Other passes can be bought through the official Parks Tasmania pass website; check the official page before relying on purchase facilities at a remote park.

Are children free?

Children under 5 are free. Children aged 5 to 17 can enter with an adult vehicle pass; separate child pricing applies to the Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass.

Is it worth buying an annual pass as a tourist?

At current prices an Annual All Parks Pass is $6.40 more than a two-month Holiday vehicle pass. It lasts 12 months and can register up to two vehicles at the pass holder's address, so compare those benefits with your itinerary.

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