Nitmiluk National Park is set to become the Top End's mountain bike mecca, thanks to the completion of Stage 1 of a bike trail network designed to capture the growing adventure tourism market.
The first stage of the two stage bike trails project offers two looped trails, totalling just over 10km, designed in consultation with the Jawoyn Traditional Owners to further enhance the visitor experiences in this ancient park
The 5.7km Jalkwarak trail caters for beginners, while the 4.4km Jatete trail offers more challenging terrain to suit more experienced riders. The trails will also suit walkers.
In addition, there are two mountain bike hubs with bike repair stations, orientation signage and seating under a large shelter.
Three further trails are under construction and are expected to be completed by the end of the 2020 Dry Season.
This project has supported Aboriginal jobs throughout planning and construction, and provides further employment opportunities with ongoing maintenance works.
The trails are part of a $5.5 million investment the Territory Labor Government has made in Nitmiluk National Park to improve the visitor experience.
Other works include upgrades to the Baruwei walk, improving the stairs and viewing platform and installing new interpretive signage. Installation of handrails at Lily Ponds will also make accessing the main pool safer and easier for visitors.
This comes in addition to a $10 million investment to upgrade, refresh and develop tourism infrastructure in the Nitmiluk Gorge, including a new $1.9 million jetty.
As stated by Member for Arnhem and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo.
"Nitmiluk National Park attracts more than 270,000 visitors each year, who come from all over the world to enjoy this spectacular country just as Aboriginal people have done for 65,000 years.
"These significant upgrades to Nitmiluk National Park, in partnership with Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, is a great example of how the government can work with traditional owners, drawing upon thousands of years of knowledge and wisdom, to improve the visitor experience in the NT.
"Tourism is a key economic driver right across the Territory and by supporting Aboriginal land ownership, we are not only delivering on the economic and social aspirations of Aboriginal Territorians, we are enhancing the cultural experience for everyone who visits the park."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss.
"The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in our parks as they improve liveability for Territorians, attract visitors and create jobs.
"Right now we want Territorians to explore their own backyard and the upgrades to Nitmiluk National Park are part of making sure our assets are maintained and enticing.
"The mountain bike trails are part of the NT Mountain Bike Master Plan developed to showcase the NT's iconic landscapes and attract a range of adventure markets.
"With mountain biking and adventure tourism growing in popularity around the world, our investment in these trails will be sure to attract tourists when they are able to safely visit again."
