The Australian and Northern Territory governments are delivering long-awaited upgrades to key roads in Kakadu National Park to improve visitor access, boost safety and support economic growth.
The first tender under the Australian Government's $70 million program of upgrades opens next week, with construction on Kubara Road and Maguk Road set to begin in 2025.
These works are part of the Australian Government's $216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu package.
The package was announced in 2019 and is now being delivered by the Northern Territory Government's Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) in partnership with Parks Australia and the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
Between 2025 and 2027, upgrades will be completed on five visitor roads - Jim Jim Falls, Maguk, Gimbat, Gunlom and Kubara - to improve flood immunity, support tourism and business, reduce closures and extend safe access to some of the Territory's most iconic sites.
Importantly, the works will be staged to minimise impact on visitors and operators.
"Kakadu is a key economic and cultural asset for the Northern Territory, and these upgrades will support our local communities and tourism operators," said Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby.
"These improvements will make it easier to visit stunning places like Maguk Gorge, with its stone amphitheatre and plunge pool, and Kubara Pools, near the Nanguluwurr Art Site."
"It's about delivering action, certainty and security for Traditional Owners, tourism operators and visitors."
This announcement builds on the government's momentum in rebuilding the economy by backing tourism - one of the Territory's natural strengths.
"On Monday, we announced the historic purchase of 'Silkwood,' the largest addition to the National Park estate in a generation as we restore our unique lifestyle by making Litchfield National Park bigger and better," said Ms Boothby.
Treasurer and Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the works will be staged to minimise impact on visitors and operators.
"By raising and resurfacing roads, installing new culverts, and reducing flooding risks, these upgrades will make key Kakadu attractions safer and more reliable," Mr Yan said.
"Construction will be managed carefully to ensure continued access - delivering certainty for locals and the tourism sector."
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"With the increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, it's important to have resilient roads which allow reliable access for locals and tourists alike.
"Improving the standard of these roads will reduce closures, increase productivity and drive the tourism economy of Northern Territory.
"We want to see tourists flock to Kakadu to take in the best of Australia's fauna and flora - some of the best anywhere in the world."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
"This investment will make it safer and easier for people to visit some of Kakadu's most iconic locations and experience this World Heritage wonder.
"Upgrading these key roads will improve flood resilience and travel conditions, while supporting local businesses and tourism operators.
"These works are part of our broader commitment to making sure Kakadu remains a world-class destination."
In more good news for Kakadu, the iconic Gunlom Falls officially reopened yesterday after six long years - a highly anticipated moment for visitors and tourism operators alike.
The stunning site is once again open for camping, with full access restored to the top pools and the Gunlom Lookout Walk - offering breathtaking views over the escarpment and beyond.
