The first road upgraded as part of a $70 million Australian Government investment to improve access to popular sites in Kakadu National Park is complete.
Kubara Road is now officially open for use, providing safer and more resilient access to Kakadu National Park’s stunning Kubara pools and Nanguluwurr art site walks.
The works realigned and upgraded a section of Kubara Road into a six-metre-wide gravel road. The road formation was also raised, and a new culvert and concrete floodway was installed to improve flood immunity.
The Albanese Government’s $70 million investment is also funding upgrades on other key tourism roads in Kakadu National Park, including:
Maguk Road: A contract was awarded to DAC Enterprises for $8.1 million to upgrade and seal a 6.6-kilometre section of Maguk Road and realign the day-use track to provide better access to Maguk. The upgrades include raising the road and installing drainage structures to reduce the impact of flooding. Works started in May 2026 and are expected to be completed by December 2027.
Jim Jim Falls Road: The works will upgrade 20 kilometres of Jim Jim Falls Road in two sections to improve access to Jim Jim and Twin Falls. A contract was awarded to DAC Enterprises for $6.89 million in February 2026. Works started in June 2026 and are expected to be completed by December 2026.
Gimbat and Gunlom Roads: A $22.6 million contract to upgrade five kilometres of Gimbat Road and 6.35 kilometres of Gunlom Road to improve flood immunity has been awarded to Black Cat Civil. Work is expected to begin in September 2026 and are expected to be completed by December 2027.
These upgrades will enhance Kakadu as a world-class tourism destination while improving safety for motorists, with works delivered by the Northern Territory Government Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
The road upgrades will improve and extend seasonal access to key park attractions and support the growth of Kakadu’s annual visitation numbers, currently up to 200,000 people each year.
The $70 million infrastructure investment is one component of the Australian Government’s $216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu package, and is informed by key park strategies and plans, including the Kakadu Roads Strategy and Kakadu Tourism Master Plan.
The Northern Territory Government and Parks Australia have consulted with Traditional Owners through the Northern Land Council. Traditional Owners will play a role in works as cultural monitors, to ensure cultural heritage is respectfully protected and preserved for future generations.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is proud to invest in improving key roads in Kakadu National Park, which will support visitor access, safety and economic growth for this world-heritage site.
“The completion of the Kubara Road upgrade is an important milestone in our $70 million investment to improve access to key tourism sites across Kakadu by future-proofing the park’s roads, improving visitors’ experience when visiting one of the Territory’s most iconic sites.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
“Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations, and we want visitors to be able to safely and reliably access its incredible cultural and natural attractions.
“As part of our ongoing investment in growing tourism in Kakadu, these works will provide greater opportunity to grow the local economy and support Indigenous businesses and employment across the region.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
“The roads within Kakadu are important for providing access to key park attractions, supporting tourism and business and improving visitor safety.
“These upgrades will make it easier for more people to visit and enjoy one of the true jewels of Australia’s rich heritage and culture.”
