Tourism to park gets $3m boost

A MAJOR push to increase tourist numbers to Kakadu – including advertising, promotions and access upgrades to the iconic national park – has been launched by the NT ­Government.

Aerial view of Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park. The government has announced funding in order to upgrade the infrastructure to allow better access for tourists.

A MAJOR push to increase tourist numbers to Kakadu – including advertising, promotions and access upgrades to the iconic national park – has been launched by the NT ­Government.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said an advertising blitz would begin today to attract visitors during the dry season.

“The message of this new advertising campaign is that Kakadu is a must-do Australian holiday,” Mr Giles said.

“The campaign runs for a month ... and is aimed at breaking down barriers about access to the park which is, without doubt, a jewel in the Territory’s tourism crown.

“We want the park to get the visitor numbers its natural beauty deserves and that means letting potential tourists know what’s on offer and how to get there.”

Mr Giles said Tourism NT had been working to reverse dwindling numbers of interstate tourists by increasing marketing activities and improving access.

He announced the campaign at Kambolgie Creek Crossing, which was funded for a $3 million upgrade in the recent Territory Budget. Mr Giles said the $3 million spend would be worth an estimated $8.8 million to the tourism industry by providing year-round access to areas of the park that are often inaccessible by road.

“This ... upgrade will have huge benefits for local tourism, making the crossing flood resistant in the wet season and providing easy access to various attractions including Yurmikmik Walking Trails,” Mr Giles said.

“The crossing washes out most wet seasons and has long been listed as a priority tourist road project for Kakadu. Parks should be for the people and we want to open up access year-round.”

National Parks director Sally Barnes said Kakadu was a great visitor experience and infrastructure was crucial. “Working with the NT Government we’re upgrading roads, but we’re also upgrading visitor facilities,” Ms Barnes said.

Southern Kakadu operations team leader Kathy Wilson at the Kambolgie Creek crossing on the way to Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park.

“What we need to do is give people assurances that when they’re coming to a world heritage site, they’re coming to a site that’s well managed.”

Weather permitting, the upgrade should be completed by next year’s dry season.

Initiatives launched yesterday include a dedicated website for Kakadu featuring videos, maps and itineraries. Photographer Paul Arnold’s images will take control of Tourism NT’s Instagram account for a week, sharing snaps of the best spots in Kakadu and some tips for travellers. The park also features in a 24-page spread in the latest edition of Australian Traveller magazine.

“A key focus of the campaign is to highlight Darwin and Katherine as gateways to Kakadu and to encourage visitors to extend their holiday to other parts of the Top End,” Mr Giles said.