Enjoy a swim in the stunning waterholes along the Jatbula trail | Oliver Risi
Enjoy a swim in the stunning waterholes along the Jatbula trail  | Oliver Risi
Trek from waterhole to waterhole on the Jatbula Trail  | Oliver Risi
Picnic on the Jatbula  | Shaana McNaught
Hiking the Jatbula Trail  | Shaana McNaught
Taking a break to enjoy the vistas along the Jatbula Trail  | Oliver Risi
Waterholes connect the dots along the Jatubla Trail  | Oliver Risi
Looking down at falls  | Shaana McNaught
Trekking in the Top End  | Oliver Risi
The Jatbula Trail guides look after the trekkers well  | Steve Trudgeon
Down time on the Jatbula Trail  | Shaana McNaught

Jatbula Trail

Traverse Arnhem Land and discover the waterholes

6 Days from

$2490 USD

Trip Code: JA5
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Sleeping Bag Hire
$20 USD
Pack Hire
$40 USD
Single Supplement
$70 USD

Duration

  • 6 Days

Activities

  • 5 days trekking with a full pack

Accommodation

  • 4 nights wilderness camping
  • 1 nights Safari tent camping

Meals

  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

5 / 10

Moderate

Jatbula Trail Trip highlights

  • Wilderness walking in one of the Top End's best-kept secrets
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the local Indigenous culture with visits to ancient rock art sites
  • Explore the exceptional Arnhem Land Escarpment and Stone Country
  • View magnificent waterfalls tumbling from the high sandstone escarpment
  • Spend evenings under the stars at wilderness campsites
  • Take refreshing dips in the many fresh waterholes along the trail
  • Experience an unforgettable cultural cruise that immerses you in breathtaking scenery, rich Dreamtime stories, and authentic cultural experiences.

Overview

This breathtaking Top End adventure is one of the most popular walking trails with our travellers. The Arnhem Land escarpment is an exceptional wilderness area which winds its way along the edge of Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) to Edith Falls (Leliyn) creating a truly extraordinary hiking experience. The Jatbula Trail in the Nitmiluk National Park features magnificent waterfalls tumbling from high quartzite cliffs where shady monsoon forests line the creeks and stunning Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art adorns the caves and overhangs. The tropical equivalent of Tasmania's Overland Track, this full pack carrying bushwalk traverses the heart of this amazing part of Australia. You will trek during the cooler months to ensure the best experience of the tropical environment. With crystal-clear creeks throughout, there are abundant opportunities for swimming and just relaxing in the warm croc-free waters. Combine this trek with a Katherine River Canoe Expedition for the complete Top End wilderness experience.

Itinerary

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We will pick you up from your Darwin accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 am, before heading south on the Stuart Highway to Katherine. Upon arriving in Katherine, an iconic top-end town, we will enjoy lunch before transferring to Nitmiluk Gorge. Here, the Jawoyn people will welcome us, and we'll embark on an afternoon cruise through the gorge, guided by cultural experts who will share insights into local flora, fauna, dreamtime stories, and Jawoyn culture. Afterward, we'll head to our nearby accommodation for a hearty welcome dinner. Driving time: approx 4 hours. *You will need to arrive in Darwin the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals: L,D

The starting point of our walk is at Katherine Gorge. We cross the Katherine River in the morning and begin our trek into the stone country. The Northern Rockhole offers a fantastic swimming spot. We then trek to our evening campsite beside the clear, flowing stream of Biddlecombe Cascades. Meanwhile, your professional wilderness guides will be preparing a nutritious and delicious dinner. Walking distance: 8km (approx 4hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s trek takes us further into the rugged stone country. We are now deep in the wilderness of the Arnhemland Escarpment and Stone Country which extends almost 1000 kilometres through the heart of the Top End. The trail today includes some interesting Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art sites hidden in the many rocky outcrops and overhangs. The cascades of Crystal Falls are an inviting backdrop to our campsite. Walking distance: 10.5km (approx 4hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

A good morning trek brings us to the Amphitheatre, an aptly named natural pocket in the escarpment. The shade of the cliffs encourages a rich monsoonal rain forest and the rock shelters exhibit the art of the Jawoyn Traditional Owners. Trekking along the edge of the escarpment with its stunning views, we reach our camp and the spectacular 17 Mile Falls. The rock pools above the falls offer great swimming in the spring fed clear streams. Walking distance: 10kms (approx 4hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

A bigger day of trekking takes us to the Edith River Crossing as it flows across the stone country. The permanent waterholes here attract abundant birdlife and are a wonderful place to enjoy another delicious picnic lunch. We will follow the course of the river with its gentle gradients to our evening campsite at Sandy Camp Pool. Walking distance: 16.5km (approx 6hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

We start the day with an invigorating swim, setting the stage for our trek to Sweetwater Pool for lunch. Walking beside the Edith River, with its billabongs and waterholes, offers a chance to spot elusive wildlife like turtles, Brolgas, and Water Monitors. After a refreshing swim and a delicious lunch prepared by your guides, we continue our trek along the river to Leliyn (Edith Falls), where we can enjoy one last swim before we board the awaiting bus and transfer back to Darwin. We aim to drop you back at your accommodation between 5-6pm. This evening your group may like to meet at one of Darwin's great eateries for a celebratory dinner! Walking distance: 15.5km (approx 6hrs) | Driving time: approx 4hrs

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • Professional wilderness guides (2 guides)
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • All group camping equipment including mozzie dome tent, stoves, cooking and eating utensils
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport from Darwin
  • Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise

Not included

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Darwin before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Adventure Highlighted Video - Jatbula Trail

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