Jatbula Trail 5 Day Walk - Nitmiluk National Park

Departures Click here for departure dates

Tour Size Minimum 2, Maximum 8

Costs

Option 1 - AUD$1260.00 (valid to 31 March 2011) - Per Person - Fully Guided, All Inclusive
Option 2 - From AUD$675.00 (valid to 31 March 2011) - Per Person (for a group of 8) - Guided Only - (Food, Equipment Not Included)

Tour Code JT5

Inclusions
Option 1 - All Inclusive - Click here to see what we provide
Option 2 - Guided Only - Guide, Katherine Accommodation Pick up & Drop off, Camping, Permit & Ferry Fees

Suitable For Fit and active people with some bushwalking experience - (no extended bushwalking experience is necessary)

"The Jatbula Trail was wonderful - scenery was stunning, every day we camped by fabulous waterfalls and waterholes which seemed to be more beautiful than the last! Every step of the way our guide shared his experiences and knowledge of the bush and its flora and fauna with us. I came away feeling fitter and totally relaxed... and feeling like had made some new friends!" - Mohan Kohli.

The Jatbula Trail is a trip of a lifetime, giving you the opportunity to walk through Nitmiluk National Park from the famous Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). The trail is an ancient Song Line used by the Jawoyn people. Overlooking the Seventeen Mile Valley and beyond, the trail features magnificent waterfalls tumbling from the high sandstone escarpment, these then feed into creeks surrounded by shady monsoon forests and the rock outcrops of the escarpment provide great opportunities to view stunning ancient rock art.

You will hike between 10 and 17 kilometres per day, completely dependant of your campsite destinations, which can be reached between 12pm and 2pm each day. On arriving at camp you are free to relax, swim, read and enjoy the beauty of your surrounds. Each campsite has its own water source, from a small babbling spring fed creek to a 30 metre high waterfall. Each afternoon brings about a different pool or spa to sit back and relax in.

Each day will also present to you a new set of challenges, from river crossings to hill climbs (nothing too big mind), there will be flat open country on the top of the escarpment and boggy wet country along the creeks that we follow. Something new around every corner, whether you are an experienced hiker or just someone who is willing to try something new and exciting.

Itinerary

Using top quality equipment and qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers approximately 58 kilometres of stunning walking trail. Wildlife encounters, self sufficient ‘backpack’ camping, fantastic service, - it all adds up to being a unique experience. A trip you may never forget.The Jatbula Trail is an ancient ‘Song Line’ used by the Traditional Aboriginal people of the area. It covers lowland river and creek country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts, higher escarpment country overlooking the Seventeen Mile Valley and beyond and pockets of moist paperbark forests where the temperature drops and you find yourself sitting in a cool comfortable environment.

Day 1 – L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 8kms.
Your friendly guide will pick-up you up at 7 am approximately in a 4WD vehicle from your Katherine accommodation, where you will be transferred to Nitmiluk National Park and the 5 day walking trail, here you will catch a boat across to the mouth of the Seventeen Mile Creek where your trail begins.

Hiking into Northern Rock hole for Morning Tea allows time to adjust backpacks and hiking boots before they get too uncomfortable. Take a rest in the shade, drink some cool water and then continue onto camp at Biddlecombe Cascades where there will be time for a relaxing soak in some of the scenic and shaded rock pools.

Day 2 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 11kms.
After starting early – always good to get going on sunup – we continue on our way to Edith Falls. Today we will see the first of our Rock Art paintings, sheltered by an amazing rock formation; we will spend Morning Tea, again resting our backs and feet before moving onto camp at Crystal Falls. Crystal Creek is a great place to get out and stretch the body in the huge waterhole right beside the camp.

Day 3 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 10kms.
Another early start gets us to the Crystal Falls Lookout first thing for a sunrise, then we move onto the Amphitheatre for Morning Tea where we can leave our packs behind for 40 mins and descend into the cool monsoon forest to explore for more Rock Art, or maybe just sit in the shade and enjoy the serenity. Camp tonight is at the top of 17 Mile Falls, a walk to the bottom can be arranged, or you can just relax at the top of the falls in one of the cool and scenic pools.

Day 4 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 16kms.
Setting off at sunrise will give us time to get to the Edith River Crossing for a late Morning Tea/Early Lunch. Again a great place to take off the backpack and let the feet relax for a while. After our break we arrive at camp for the evening, a place called Sandy Billabong. Here you can swim or spa, a great place for bird watching in the afternoon, and the pool provides amazing reflection shots as the afternoon sky changes colour.

Day 5 – B, L, Camping – Hiking approx 15kms.
One more early start will get us through some long grass, across a couple of creeks and through a bog all in time to have lunch at Sweetwater Pool. This is another amazing place tohavearestandcontemplatewhywedowhatwedo! Afterleavinghereitisbutamere 5kms more to Edith Falls where we can take the scenic lookout walk back to the Kiosk where a cold drink and an ice cream will be waiting for us.Returning to Katherine in time to unpack and repack then return to your overnight accommodation where a warm shower and soft bed will be calling your name.

Fact Sheet

The Area (Katherine Region)Katherine: 324 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory.

The Jatbula Trail is located within the boundaries of Nitmiluk National Park, following the Seventeen Mile Valley from Nitmiluk Gorge to Edith Falls. The local Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful. The Katherine River, Seventeen Mile Creek and the Edith River flow all year round and during the long drty-season, become the only water sources for all manner of wildlife. The Katherine Region is a terrific place to visit and base your Northern Territory experience from. We are close to The Kimberley, Gregory National Park, Elsey National Park, Manyallaluk, Kakadu Heritage Area and of course, right on our doorstep, is the magnificent Katherine/Flora/Daly River System.

Where We Stop

We are totally self sufficient giving us the luxury of being selective with our resting points, campsites however are designated due to the status of the National Park. There's plenty of time to relax, swim, bird watch, encounter wildlife and appreciate the scenery. We regularly access these sites with group sizes of 2-8, ensuring that we have minimal impact on the environment. On the trail we are sharing sites with other hikers, numbers on the trail are generally small allowing groups to spread out and have their own area.

How Far, How Long, When?

The 5 day hike covers approx 59km between Nitmiluk Gorge and Edith Falls. The trail does not follow Nitmiluk, it actually tracks away from the gorge following 17 Mile Creek. Tours operate during the 'TOP END' dry-season, April to October. The temperature ranges from 24 C to 39 C, but the nights from June to August can be cool, dropping to 5 degrees Celsius.

Tour Accommodation

We are fully self-sustained while on the trail. While hiking we stop at designated camping sites. You are supplied with:
A screen tent – for those who wish to sleep inside – you can still see the stars
A 3⁄4 length ‘Thermarest’ self inflating mattress
A sleeping bag which can be fully opened
A liner (or sheet) and pillow, a torch, mosquito repellent

While we are on the hiking tour we forgo chairs and tables along with grills and camp ovens. We cook with small fuel burning stoves allowing us to have hot meals and hot drinks throughout the tour.

The Meals
Breakfasts consist of cereals/porridge/oatmeal
Dinners are typical light weight meals cooked on a fuel stove
Lunches are ‘sandwich’ or ‘wrap’ style (normally crisp breads)
Tea, Coffee and Hot chocolate are available at camp
The guide will do the washing up (unless you really want to help)

What You Need to Bring

We recommend that you pack lightly and limit the space required. A packing list will be provided for you. For your personal gear we provide;
A 75 litre backpack, (ruck sack), or you may wish to use your own. You will only need minimal clothing – you can rinse items out daily. Keep things as
light and small as possible to compensate for food & water.

The Group Size

We travel with no more than 10 people on tour including the Guide/s, (unless it is a specific group booking).

Getting to Katherine

Catch the Ghan train
Catch the Greyhound bus
Hire/drive a car or,
Book a 1 day tour with Travel North through the popular Litchfield National Park

Getting back to Darwin

Why not try this; An all inclusive 2 day adventure through the famous ‘Kakadu World Heritage Park’. Travel North will show you some of the top spots in the park whilst accommodating you comfortably in their semi permanent tented camp.