The Department of Tourism's Chris Parry has said some key upgrades at one of the NT's most visited natural attractions - Nitmiluk Gorge - will boost visitor numbers in Katherine.
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The Northern Territory Government yesterday released a tender for the construction of upgrades to the Baruwei stairs and platform at Nitmiluk National Park.
"Around 270,000 people visit Nitmiluk National Park each year," acting director of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Chris Parry said.
"Improving facilities, infrastructure and tourism offerings in our national parks gives people more reasons to visit, and more reasons to stay longer, which is great for tourism, especially in regional areas such as Katherine.
The upgrades are part of a government investment in the park of $5.5 million, and a branch of an even larger tourism investment of $62.8 million, announced on May 3 of this year.
The government has committed to spending large amounts to "turbocharge" tourism across the Northern Territory.
The Baruwei walking trail already provides a link from the boat launch and picnic area to the Baruwei Lookout.
But upgrades will see construction of new natural rock stairs "that will align aesthetically with the surrounding rock formations," a government spokeswoman says.
"Works will include expanding the Baruwei Lookout to accommodate more people, and constructing a new lookout at the halfway point on the stairs."
The government has also invested $10 million at Nitmiluk National Park, which will see a new jetty, upgrades to the visitor centre, and the development of mountain bike trails and mountain bike hubs.
"The NT Government's $15.5 million investment in Nitmiluk is being delivered through close consultation with the Jawoyn Traditional Owners, and upgrades incorporate design elements that resonate with the landscape or help share the story of the Jawoyn people," Mr Parry said.
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