$216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu package promised in 2019 finally hits the road

A $216m Kakadu tourism package will soon start to deliver long-awaited upgrades to key roads in the National Park.

Kakadu Tourism Master Plan was a 10-year commitment that included $5 million to relocate the KNP visitor centre from Bowali to Jabiru.

A $216m Growing Tourism in Kakadu package announced in 2019 will soon start to deliver long overdue upgrades to key roads in the National Park to improve visitor access, boost safety and support economic growth.

The first tender under the Australian Government’s $70m program of upgrades opened this week, with construction on Kubara Road and Maguk Road set to begin this year.

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.

The Morrison Government’s 2019 deal committed $216m to Kakadu with $35m directly supporting Jabiru’s transition from mining to tourism.

The Coalition’s $216m, 10-year commitment included $5m to relocate the KNP visitor centre from Bowali to Jabiru; $70m to upgrade road access and $40m to upgrade campground infrastructure, walking tracks and viewing platforms.

Artistic render of the proposed Jabiru Lakeside Precinct Masterplan. Picture: Supplied

The then NT Labor Government also committed $135.5m to the transition.

The announced road works are 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.

Northern Territory Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said the upgrades will support local communities and tourism operators.

“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,” she said.

Ms Boothby said the announcement builds on the NT government’s momentum in rebuilding the economy by backing tourism through initiatives such as its purchase of ‘Silkwood, adjoining Litchfield National Park.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said improving the Kakadu 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,” she said.