Deadline: 19-Aug-2025
The Government of South Australia has launched the Experience Nature Tourism Fund (ENTF) to boost nature-based tourism and enhance visitor experiences in national parks. The fund aims to support the development of new tourism projects that engage people in exploring and learning about South Australia’s natural environments.
The fund offers two streams of grants. Stream 1, called Quick Activation Projects, provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 (excluding GST) for small-scale projects that are ready to launch. These grants are paid upfront after a grant agreement is signed. Projects under this stream must be completed by 30 June 2026, and any unused funds must be returned after the project ends.
Stream 2, known as Innovative Development Projects, offers larger grants between $20,001 and $50,000 (excluding GST). These are intended for bigger, more complex projects and are paid as reimbursements after project expenses are incurred. Projects in this stream must be completed by 31 December 2026.
To be eligible for funding, project expenses must directly contribute to the proposed initiative and be incurred within the approved project period. However, several costs are not allowed under the fund. These include wages, business operations, application preparation, licensing and permit fees, planning and feasibility studies, land or business purchases, marketing equipment, and any project work conducted directly by the applicant.
Eligible projects include the creation of new tourism experiences and infrastructure designed to attract both domestic and international visitors to national parks. Projects may involve purchasing equipment for new tours, vehicles for transportation to and within parks, and developing accommodations like glamping or tiny homes near park areas. Other supported activities include professional services for experience development, training programs for staff, and marketing efforts such as website development and content creation.
Project locations must either be situated inside a national park or within 20 kilometers of one, with a clear link to park visitation.
Applicants must have operated a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN) for at least 12 months and show financial stability. They must be legal entities capable of entering into agreements with the Government of South Australia and contribute at least 20% of the project cost. Applicants must also hold all required permits and approvals and provide evidence of park access permission if applicable.
Only new projects that have not started before receiving approval are eligible. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits to South Australian tourism and show a strong commitment to sustainability across environmental, cultural, economic, and social aspects.
For more information, visit SATC.