Submit Applications for Experience Nature Tourism Fund (Australia)

The purpose of the ENTF is to support the creation of new nature-based tourism projects that enhance the visitor experience and encourage visitors to enjoy and learn more about South Australian national parks.

Funding Information

• Stream 1 – Quick Activation Projects
  • Grants available from $10,000 to $20,000 (excluding GST)
    • Small grants for projects that are ready for activation
    • Upfront funding upon execution of a grant agreement
    • Project completion by 30 June 2026
    • Unused funds to be returned post-project completion.
• Stream 2 – Innovative Development Projects
  • Grants available from $20,001 to $50,000 (excluding GST)
    • Larger grants for larger projects which may have a higher cost, be delivered with longer durations and/or multiple components
    • Funding disbursed after completion (i.e. as a reimbursement of eligible expenditure)
    • Project completion by 31 December 2026.

Eligible Expenditure

• Eligible expenditure considered for ENTF funding support MUST:
  • Directly contribute to delivering the project.
  • Be incurred within the project period.

Ineligible Expenses

• Certain expenses cannot be included in the total project value evaluated by the panel. These may include costs and fees associated with:
  • Salaries and wages
  • General business administration or operational expenses
  • Preparation of the funding application and reporting requirements
  • Application for approvals, permits and licences (e.g. building approvals, Commercial Tour Operator (CTO) fees or other licences)
  • Development of plans including feasibility studies, business cases, reports, and building development plans
  • Obtaining planning, environment, or other regulatory approvals through all tiers of governments and their referral partners
  • Purchase of land, property, or a business
  • Development of mobile applications (apps) unless solely for the purpose of supporting the tourism product or experience
  • Purchase of cameras, drones or other IT equipment to create marketing content
  • Insurance premiums, registration fees, Compulsory Third-Party insurance, and on-road costs
  • Expenses incurred from a related entity
  • Any project-specific works undertaken directly by the applicant (including provision of any labour and/or materials) will be deemed in-kind contributions and are ineligible to be included.

Eligible Projects

• The ENTF supports:
  • The creation of new tourism products and experiences
  • The development of new tourism infrastructure* that will attract domestic and international visitors to national parks.
• Eligible projects are restricted to the following initiatives:
  • Purchase of equipment required to operate a new tour or experience (e.g. diving/ snorkelling equipment).
  • Purchase of vehicles/transportation to operate new tours or experiences. This could include a new tour vehicle or a vehicle to transport people/equipment to and within national parks (e.g. bikes, e-bikes, coaches, kayaks, boats and aircraft).
  • Development of tourism product located on private property, that connects visitors to national parks, including new accommodation, glamping, and tiny homes. Applicants for accommodation development projects that are not located immediately adjacent to or within walking distance of a national park, must clearly demonstrate how their accommodation will facilitate visitors’ connection with the park.
  • Professional services for product and experience development assistance.
  • Staff training programs to support the development of appealing nature-based experiences (e.g. mentoring, coaching, tour guide training, Aboriginal cultural education, flora and fauna education, storytelling or interpretation expertise, responsible/ sustainable travel best practice awareness).
  • Marketing activities (e.g. website, content creation).

Eligible Project Locations

• Projects must:
  • Deliver an experience that enters a national park or
  • Be located within 20 kilometres of a national park, and clearly demonstrates visitation to a specified national park(s).

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must:
  • Operate a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN) for at least 12 months
  • Demonstrate financial viability
  • Be legal entities (capable of entering into a binding grant agreement with the Government of South Australia)
  • Contribute a minimum of 20% to the project cost, with up to 80% sought from the Government of South Australia
  • Hold all relevant consents and authorisations (including development, regulatory and landlord approvals)
  • Supply a Commercial Tour Operator or Marine Parks Permit, or a letter of in-principal support from DEW, demonstrating approval to conduct the proposed activities (if applying to operate in a park)
  • Only apply for new projects that have not commenced at the time of application and are able to commence after an approval letter has been issued by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC)
  • Only apply for funding to support new projects that deliver demonstrated tangible benefits to South Australia and that create a new tourism product or experience
  • Clearly demonstrate sustainable practices (including environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions).

For more information, visit SATC.