The first tender under the Australian Government’s $70 million upgrades program for key roads in Kakadu National Park opens this week, with construction on Kubara Road and Maguk Road set to begin this year.
The 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.
“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.”
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.”
