Grants up to $50,000 for the creation of new nature-based tourism projects to encourage visitors to enjoy and learn more about South Australian national parks.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Experience Nature Tourism Fund?
The Government of South Australia has allocated $2 million through the Experience Nature Tourism Fund (ENTF) to revitalise nature-based tourism across the state. This funding aims to encourage new tourism projects that enhance experiences in and around national parks, showcasing South Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.
Grants are available via two funding streams:
- Stream 1 – Quick Activation Projects: Small grants for projects that are ready for activation such as one-off purchases.
- Stream 2 – Innovative Development Projects: Larger grants for projects which may have a higher cost, longer duration and/or multiple components.
Experience Nature Tourism Fund level of support
Stream 1: Quick Activation Projects
- Grants: $10,000–$20,000
- For small-scale, ready-to-launch projects
- Upfront funding upon grant agreement
- Completion required by 30 June 2026
Stream 2: Innovative Development Projects
- Grants: $20,001–$50,000
- For larger/more complex projects
- Reimbursement-based funding
- Completion required by 31 December 2026
Co-contribution required: Applicants must contribute at least 20% of total project costs (i.e. up to 80% can be funded)
Experience Nature Tourism Fund important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Experience Nature Tourism Fund objectives
The primary objectives of the ENTF are to:
- Support the creation of new tourism products and experiences that are nature-based and enhance how visitors engage with South Australia’s national parks.
- Encourage visitation by both domestic and international tourists to national parks and surrounding protected areas.
- Promote greater appreciation, education, and understanding of South Australia’s natural landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
- Ensure projects:
- Operate in accordance with licence requirements specified by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
- Demonstrate care and respect for the natural and cultural heritage of national parks
- Showcase South Australia’s unique environmental assets, such as:
- Unspoilt landscapes
- Representative ecosystems
- Native plants and wildlife
- Sites of natural or cultural significance
These efforts align with the broader goal of increasing sustainable tourism and ensuring long-term value to local communities, the environment, and the visitor economy.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Experience Nature Tourism Fund support
The ENTF supports:
- Creation of new nature-based tourism products and experiences
- Development of new tourism infrastructure that encourages visitation to or near national parks
Eligible project examples include:
- Purchase of equipment (e.g., snorkelling gear)
- Tour vehicles (bikes, boats, e-bikes, kayaks, aircraft)
- New accommodation (glamping, tiny homes) on private property that connects to national parks
- Staff training (e.g., Aboriginal cultural education, flora/fauna interpretation)
- Marketing activities (e.g., website, content creation)
- Professional services to develop new experiences
Ineligible project types include:
- Events/festivals
- Projects already started or completed
- Infrastructure-only projects (toilets, signage, solar, etc.)
- Apps (unless tied to the tourism experience)
- Development on national park land (e.g., permanent structures)
- Business administration, salaries, planning documents
- Cameras, drones, IT gear used for content creation
- Work conducted in-kind by the applicant
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for ENTF support.
Other Experience Nature Tourism Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Experience Nature Tourism Fund support
The following types of organisations are eligible to apply:
- Individual/Sole Traders
- Partnerships
- Companies
- Trusts
- Not-for-Profit Organisations registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC)
- Incorporated Community and Progress Associations
- Operate a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN) for at least 12 months
Important Notes:
- Applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into a binding grant agreement with the Government of South Australia.
- Recipients of ENTF grants from previous rounds are eligible to apply again. However, if two applications are assessed to have similar merit, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received ENTF funding
- Each applicant (including related entities operating under different ABNs) may submit only one application per financial year/round.
The following types of organisations are not eligible to apply:
- Local Government and Councils
- Local Government Associations
- Regional Development Australia (RDA) organisations
- Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) – i.e., one of the 11 recognised regional tourism authorities or Destination Management Zones
- Industry Associations
- State or Federal Government Agencies and/or Departments
- Superannuation Funds
- Unincorporated Associations
Locations eligible for Experience Nature Tourism Fund support
Projects must either:
- Operate within a national park
OR
- Be located within 20 km of a national park and clearly linked to it
See list of eligible national parks on the ENTF webpage. Exceptions may apply for remote areas, assessed case-by-case.
Experience Nature Tourism Fund assessment criteria
Applications are competitively assessed by a panel, considering:
- Connection to national parks
- Innovation in nature-based tourism
- Benefits to sustainability, conservation, and community
- Increase in visitation, job creation, or enhanced accessible experiences
- Alignment with SA Visitor Economy and Regional Visitor Strategy
- Applicant’s capability and capacity
How do I get the Experience Nature Tourism Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- A valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and a minimum of 12 months of business operation.
- Care for the natural and cultural heritage of South Australia’s national parks, operating in accordance with relevant licence requirements from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
- A project that showcases South Australia’s natural beauty to both domestic and international tourists.
- Tangible benefits to South Australia, such as creating a new tourism product or enhancing the visitor experience.
- Sustainable practices, clearly addressing environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions in project design and delivery.
Information to prepare for the Experience Nature Tourism Fund application
Applicants must include:
- Third-party quotes for project delivery
- Completed ‘Quote Summary’ (ENTF template)
- Proof of 20% co-contribution (bank statement/loan approval)
- Accountant-prepared financials for last 3 years
- Business plan or detailed responses in the application form
Additional documents may be needed:
- In-principle DEW support or relevant permits
- Landlord/development approvals
- Licences/certifications and insurance
- Letters of support
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Experience Nature Tourism Fund
All applications must be submitted online via the South Australian Tourism Commission’s corporate website, specifically on the ENTF webpage.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Experience Nature Tourism Fund resources
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