Important Information
Some Aboriginal communities may require you to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to gain entry to or through their community.
Travel permits for Aboriginal reserves
Most people passing through or visiting communities on Aboriginal Lands Trust reserves proclaimed under Part III of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (the Act) must obtain an Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority (AAPA) Lands Permit (ALPS) to comply with the Act.
Please note, ALPS is not to be used for mining activity on Aboriginal Lands. The Mining Entry Permit process is outlined below for your information.
Please note that permits to transit between the Northern Territory Border and Laverton along the Great Central Road are issued for a maximum period of three days and two nights only. If you are unable to transit through the Ngaanyatjarra Lands within three days, you should seek an alternative route.
When seeking a travel permit for along the Great Central Road (or other roads in the area) for the purpose of Transit and refuelling ONLY, please select the road(s) you wish to travel for ease of application.
Applying for a travel permit online
Apply for a permit to access or travel through Aboriginal land
Before applying for a permit, please read the permit information and user guide documents.
Plan your journey
Please check the interactive map if you are unsure whether your journey passes through these lands.
Please note that the map is unavailable during the following times (Western Australian time):
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 02:00AM – 03:30AM
- Wednesday: 00:30AM – 03:30AM
Mining entry permits for Aboriginal reserves
If your mining activity (this includes exploratory/prospecting activity) requires a Mining Entry Permit and/or ‘Consent to Mine’ due to being situated on a protected Aboriginal reserve, you must make an application to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs for permit access and/or ‘consent to mine’ advice.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage requires the following for assessment to provide a recommendation to the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT)/Minister for Aboriginal Affairs regarding ‘mining entry’ and ‘consent to mine’:
- Evidence of formal consultation from the relevant native title body.
- Evidence of formal consultation from the relevant leaseholder (if required).
- Complete the mining entry and consent to mine application form.
The form must be submitted online or to the permit mailbox ALPS@dplh.wa.gov.au by the deadline set for the ALT meetings.
If you have any queries on the mining entry permit process, please contact the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage via telephone or email:
1300 651 077
+61 8 6551 8000
Mining on ALT pastoral leases
The ALT is the lessee of 6 Pastoral Leases, some of which have been sub-leased. Some communities are the occupants of a pastoral lease but do not have a sublease.
Under section 118 of the Mining Act 1978 and regulation 64 of the Mining Regulations 1981, the applicant of a tenement situated on a pastoral lease is required to notify the lessee within 14 days of making the application.
In this case, the ALT is the lessee and as such, upon receiving notification, advises the mining company to consult with the sublessee and/or occupants of the leasehold land.
The sublessee and/or occupants have an opportunity to object to the grant of the tenement should they wish through the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Mineral Titles online.
ALPS Frequently Asked Questions
What is the permit application process?
Where are AAPA reserves?
Am I exempt from a permit?
You do not need an AAPA Permit if you are:
- a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- a member of either House of Parliament of the State or Commonwealth Governments
- a person lawfully exercising a function under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 or otherwise acting in pursuance of a duty imposed by law
- a person authorised in that behalf under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act Regulations 1972
For more information please read “permit information” in the user guide.
How long will it take to get a permit?
This depends on whether you are travelling to an area where it is necessary to consult with a consultative body. Please ensure that you submit your application well in advance of your trip, especially if you are travelling as a convoy, a 4WD club or a commercial tour operator.
What type of permit do I need?
Where do I get information on road conditions?
Visit the Main Roads website.
My travel dates have changed. What do I do?
If your dates have changed significantly, please contact the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage via telephone or email on 1300 651 077 or +61 8 6551 8000 or email alps@dplh.wa.gov.au.
| 1-3 DAYS | 3-7 DAYS | More than 7 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| Small change: Email or call us if you have the opportunity | Medium Change: Email or call us if you have the opportunity | Significant change: Contact us to discuss |
Are AAPA permits free?
Yes. Transit permits are free of charge. However, some Aboriginal communities levy an entry/camping/activity fee for people wishing to visit or remain on the reserve for an extended period, such as when tourists stay over for fishing activities. These visitors’ passes/levies are not managed or administered by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. If you are entering a national park you will need to contact the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service to see if you need a park pass. Visit the Canning Stock Route website if you are travelling on the Canning Stock Route.
I have made a mistake on my permit application. What do I do?
If you have any queries on the ALPS process, please contact the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage via telephone or email:
1300 651 077
+61 8 6551 8000
