The upgrades are part of a $5.5 million government investment in the park.

The upgrades will include the construction of new stairs crafted from natural rock to blend in with the surroundings, expanding the Baruwei lookout to accommodate more people and the construction of a new lookout at the halfway point on the stairs.

Other Nitmiluk tourism projects include new walking and mountain biking tracks, with the construction contract awarded to Ground Creations Pty Ltd in October this year.

The $5.5 million is in addition to the Government's $10 million investment in infrastructure projects in Nitmiluk National Park, which has funded a visitor centre upgrade, improvements to the steps between the first and second gorge, and a new causeway over the Katherine River.

Construction of a new jetty is also underway.

Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Lauren Moss said: "In close consultation with the Jawoyn Traditional Owners, we are delivering our $15.5 million investment in Nitmiluk to help this jewel in the Territory's crown shine even brighter. The more our national parks shine, the more people will want to visit them.

"Investments in infrastructure help to improve the visitor experience for tourists and Territorians, making the Territory a better place to live and an essential place to visit. It also supports local businesses and jobs."

Arnhem MLA Selena Uibo said: "We see around 270,000 people visit Nitmiluk National Park every year, and these infrastructure upgrades to the Baruwei stairs and platform will help to enhance the visitor experience."

Meanwhile, Territory tourism operators will benefit from grant funding of $1.5 million to enhance their visitor offerings under Round 3 of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program.

In one of the grants awarded, Katherine's Pine Tree Motel will receive $40,000 in a matching grant to upgrade its pool, BBQ and gardens area.

There are also grants for:

The NT Government will provide 57 NT tourism operators with enhancements grants across Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Barkly, Alice Springs, and Yulara.

VEEP provides one-off funding of up to $50,000 per business, with businesses providing a matching cash co-contribution.

The 57 operators funded in this round are investing more than $3.5 million taking the total investment towards improving tourism experiences to more than $5 million.

Overall, the VEEP program has provided more than $4.5 million through three funding rounds with 172 businesses receiving grants for projects that will be completed by December 2020.

In Darwin, tourists and locals will see a new and improved Cage of Death experience at Crocosaurus Cove. As Australia's only Saltwater Crocodile Dive it is has attracted around 75,000 visitors over the past 11 years.

Top End highlights funded in Round 3 include upgrades to Mimi Restaurant at Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu, and upgrades and enhancements to the pool, BBQ and gardens area at the Pine Tree Motel in Katherine.

Local and visiting sailors and patrons of the Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association will soon be able to enjoy a meal year-round in the side garden seating area, with a new roof funded to protect patrons from the elements during the wet season.

In the Red Centre, highlights include a visitor Wi-Fi project at Erldunda Roadhouse, funding for the Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation to undertake upgrades to the visitors catering area at the popular cultural destination Standley Chasm, and the creation of a new permanent Australian & Afghan Cameleers Museum for Uluru Camel Tours based at Yulara.

For more information on VEEP visit www.tourismnt.com.au.

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