Program Rules
These rules explain the basic requirements for activating an AUSParks reference and submitting a log.
1. Eligible parks
An activation must take place from a location listed in the official AUSParks Park Directory and use the current AUS reference shown for that location. To qualify for inclusion in AUSParks, a park must have an assigned IUCN category.
2. Operating from the park
The operator and transmitting station must be located within the boundary of the qualifying park or protected area for the duration of the activation.
Operators are responsible for checking park boundaries, access conditions, closures and any special permit requirements before operating.
3. Licence conditions
All operation must comply with the conditions of the operator's amateur radio licence and with all applicable Australian laws and regulations.
Only bands, modes and power levels permitted by the operator's licence may be used.
4. Respect park rules
An AUSParks reference does not provide a right of entry to a park. Normal entry restrictions, fees, permits, opening hours and land-manager requirements continue to apply.
Where the Park Directory contains an access or permit note, operators should follow that advice before attempting an activation.
5. Contacts
Contacts submitted for an activation must be genuine two-way amateur radio contacts made while the station is operating from the qualifying park.
The log should accurately record the station worked, date, time, band and mode.
Mobile operation is permitted. Contacts made while operating mobile within the boundary of the qualifying park are accepted, provided all other AUSParks rules are met.
6. How many QSOs are needed?
A minimum of 10 valid QSOs is required for an AUSParks activation to qualify.
The 10 QSOs may be cumulative. An activator can return to the same park on later occasions and continue adding QSOs until the required total of 10 is reached.
7. Log submission
Activation logs may be submitted in ADI, ADIF or CSV format through the AUSParks log upload page.
AUSParks records valid QSOs against the relevant park activation and member account.
AUSParks will accept activation logs dated from 1 January 2027 onwards. Logs for activations undertaken before 1 January 2027 will not be accepted.
8. Accuracy
Members are responsible for ensuring that submitted information is accurate. Deliberately false, misleading or fabricated activation or QSO information may be removed from the database.
9. Safety and the environment
Activators should operate safely, minimise their impact on the environment and follow the directions of park staff and land managers.
Portable radio activity should not obstruct tracks, roads, visitor facilities or emergency access.
10. Program administration
AUSParks may correct park information, resolve duplicate references, remove invalid data and update these rules as the program develops.
Where a park has special access conditions, the information shown in the Park Directory should be checked before activation.
11. AUSParks awards
Activator Award: Awarded for activating the required number of different qualifying AUSParks references. Each park counts once toward an Activator Award level, regardless of how many times that park is activated.
Hunter Award: Awarded for working the required number of different qualifying AUSParks references. Each qualifying park counts once toward a Hunter Award level.
Wombat Award: Awarded for completing 200 cumulative QSOs from the same qualifying AUSParks park. The 200 QSOs may be accumulated over multiple activations of that park.
Park-to-Park Award: Awarded for qualifying Park-to-Park contacts made between stations operating from AUSParks references.
Worked All States Award: Awarded to a hunter who has worked qualifying AUSParks references in all eight Australian states and territories: ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS and NT.
7 Day Explorer Award: Awarded to an activator who completes a valid activation from at least one different qualifying AUSParks park on each of seven consecutive calendar days. A minimum of seven different AUS references must be activated during the seven-day period. Activating more than one park on a single day does not compensate for a day on which no qualifying activation is completed.
All contacts and activations used for AUSParks awards must comply with the AUSParks Program Rules and be recorded in the AUSParks system.
Questions about the rules?
If you are unsure whether a location or proposed activation qualifies, check the Park Directory and any access notes before operating.