Construction tenders open next week for the first stage of a $70 million program to upgrade critical roads in Kakadu National Park, delivering safer, more reliable access to key visitor sites.
The works form part of the broader $216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu package, jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments and delivered by the NT Department of Infrastructure, Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI), in partnership with Parks Australia and the federal Department of Infrastructure.
Construction is set to begin in 2025 on Kubara Road and Maguk Road, with further upgrades scheduled through to 2027. Five priority roads will be upgraded in total: Jim Jim Falls, Maguk, Gimbat, Gunlom and Kubara.
The upgrades are designed to improve flood immunity, reduce wet-season closures and extend the operating season for tourism and local communities. Works will include sealing and elevating road surfaces, installing new culverts and improving drainage.
“By raising and sealing roads, installing new culverts, and reducing flooding risks, these upgrades will make key Kakadu attractions safer, more reliable, and open for longer,” said NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan.
“Construction will be managed carefully to ensure continued access – delivering certainty for locals and the tourism sector.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said resilient road infrastructure is essential in a changing climate.
“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,” she said.
“Improving the standard of these roads will reduce closures, increase productivity and drive the tourism economy of Northern Territory.”
According to NT Minister for Parks and Tourism Marie-Clare Boothby, the works will directly benefit access to standout natural attractions.
“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.
“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,” said Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour.
