Upgrades on Kakadu National Park roads a step closer to commencing

Long-awaited upgrades to key Kakadu National Park roads that will improve visitor access, boost safety and support economic growth are a step closer to being delivered as the first tenders are released. 

As part of the Australian Government’s $70 million road upgrades program, construction on Kubara Road and Maguk Road is expected to commence this year. 

These works are part of the broader $216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu package – funded by the Australian Government – which 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 as well as the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts. 

“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,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“Kakadu is a key economic and cultural asset for the Northern Territory, and these upgrades will support our 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. 

“It’s about delivering action, certainty and security for Traditional Owners, tourism operators and visitors,” NT Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said. 

Upgrades will be carried out on five visitor roads – including Jim Jim Falls, Maguk, Gimbat, Gunlom and Kubara – between 2025 and 2027 to improve flood immunity, support tourism and business, reduce closures and extend safe access to some of the region’s most iconic sites. 

To minimise the impact on visitors and operators, the upgrades will be delivered in stages. 

Growing Tourism in Kakadu is a 10-year master plan funded by the Australian Government. It aims to upgrade visitor infrastructure across Kakadu National Park and support the township of Jabiru as it transitions to a tourism-based economy following the closure of the Ranger Uranium Mine in 2021. 

“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. 

“Construction will be managed carefully to ensure continued access – delivering certainty for locals and the tourism sector,” NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan 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. 

“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,” Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Kakadu National Park; Infrastructure Magazine