The Northern Territory's pristine World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp, making the experience for tourists even better.
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The $276 million upgrade plan includes new eco-lodges, wellness retreats and safari camps, along with a visitor centre to showcase Kakadu's significant cultural and natural values.
Roads and access to key sites will also be improved, including new viewing boardwalks and platforms at the Burrungkuy and Ubirr rock art sites.
"The plan reflects a landmark vision to breathe new life into one of Australia's national treasures," Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said on Monday.
"We've listened and collaborated extensively with Traditional Owners and all stakeholders."
The project will take about a decade to complete, however, some tourism, road and infrastructure projects are already underway, including improvements to Cahills Crossing and Jim Jim Creek Crossing.
New visitor services hubs will also be built in the Mary River, South Alligator and East Alligator regions.
A new family holiday park is planned, and the Maguk and Karnamarr campgrounds will be upgraded.
Mobile telephone coverage and WiFi services will also be overhauled at the 20,000 square kilometre nature reserve, which encompasses mangrove-fringed tidal plains in the north and vast flood plains in Arnhem Land.
Some of the money will also be used to transform the town of Jabiru - near the now-closed Ranger Uranium Mine - into a tourism and regional service hub.
"The park's Traditional Owners want to see culturally appropriate tourism grow and we will work with them to achieve that outcome," Ms Ley said.
Kakadu has been home to Aboriginal people for more than 50,000 years, with terrain that includes wetlands, rivers and sandstone escarpments.
It's also home to about 2000 plant species and wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles.
Australian Associated Press
