Jatbula Trail

Our Jatbula ‘Plus’ itinerary affords you the time to discover the Jatbula Trail and the wonder of the Nitmiluk Gorge as well as enjoy an aboriginal art gallery and  experience a riverside bushcamp on private property.
Tour Size Minimum number of Guests 4, Maximum 10

Costs
Fully Guided Jatbula Trail ‘PLUS’ itinerary
Departs and Returns Darwin
6 Days AUD$2,495.00
Fully Guided, All Inclusive of Cultural Tour and Gorge Cruise.

5 Day Guided Jatbula Trail
Departs Katherine and Returns Katherine
5 Days AUD$2,495.00 – Fully Guided, All Inclusive

5 Day Guided (provide own equipment and meals)
Departs and Returns Katherine
Guided Only – BYO Equipment and Food  $1,895.00
Provided: Guide, Ex Katherine Transfers, River Ferry and Trail Fees.
Minimum 4 BYO Pax to initiate departure, OR 2 Full service pax

Tour Code JT5/JTD6  Above valid to 31 March 2023

The Jatbula Trail is a Medium to Hard Walk. Suitable For: Fit and active people with some bushwalking experience – (Capable of walking over rough ground with upto 15kg backpack)

“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 Katherine Region has many attributes not the least of which is the famous Nitmiluk Gorge and a strong Indigenous Culture, both of which you can experience on this great trip.

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 ancient rock art.

You will hike between 8 and 18 kilometres per day, completely dependent 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 qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers approximately 62.4 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 – Transfer Darwin to Katherine:

7:00AM pick-up from Darwin. We stop for a leg stretch (and coffee) enroute.  You will arrive in Katherine in time to take an optional boat cruise in the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge and browse through a local Aboriginal Art Gallery.  Tonight we camp nearby Nitmiluk National Park at our basic ‘but private’ bush camp, providing dinner and time to make sure that all your equipment is in working order before heading out on the trail.

The Walk

Day 2 – L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 8.2kms.
We leave our camp at 7 am approximately, 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 3 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 11.3kms.
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 4 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 10.1kms.
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 5 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 18kms.
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 6 – 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 to have a rest and contemplate why we do what we do! After leaving here it is but a mere 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. We will be picked up at 3:00PM and head back to Darwin, arriving at around 7:30PM, or for those returning to Katherine, you will be back in time to unpack and repack then return to your overnight accommodation where a warm shower and soft bed will be calling your name.

General Information

The Area – Katherine Region. Katherine is 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 62.4km between Nitmiluk Gorge and Edith Falls. The trail does not follow Nitmiluk Gorge, it actually tracks away from the gorge following 17 Mile Creek. Tours operate during the ‘TOP END’ dry-season, May 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. If not providing your own equipment, You are provided with:

Choice of: A screen tent – for those who wish to sleep inside – Or Mozzie net and groundsheet
A 3⁄4 length inflating mattress, plus a closed cell foam full-length mat 
A sleeping bag which can be fully opened
A liner (or sheet) and pillow.

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 can 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, a headlamp or torch (spare batteries) and personal first aid kit.

The Group Size
We travel with no more than 12 people in our group (there will be another 3 independents ontrail)including the Guide/s, (unless it is a specific group booking).