Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, will receive a $216 million upgrade to lure more visitors to the Top End.

The Federal Government funding also includes the neighbouring township of Jabiru, which will receive support to transition it into a tourism-based economy.

Kakadu currently attracts some 261,000 visitors each year, however the Northern Territory has failed to share in the visitor growth experienced by the rest of Australia in recent years.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the funding is key to delivering a stronger economy for the region.

“Kakadu is one of Australia’s most important environmental and heritage assets, biggest tourism icons and home to 60,000 years of living Indigenous culture,” he said.

“Better services and infrastructure for Kakadu will mean more visitors and that means more jobs not just for Jabiru, but for the whole territory.”

This investment aims to provide the access, infrastructure and attractions to ensure Kakadu is a tourism hot spot for Australia and to support more indigenous business and employment.

The upgrade will include new and upgraded tourism facilities, including walking tracks, viewing platforms, signage, mobile and Wi-Fi services.