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Highlights
Trek the famous Jabula Trail with a guided group
Enjoy true 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.
View magnificent waterfalls tumbling from high sandstone escarpments and take refreshing dips in fresh waterholes along the trail.
Spend evenings under the stars at wilderness campsites.
Experience an unforgettable cultural cruise that immerses you in breathtaking scenery, rich stories, and authentic cultural experiences.
This breathtaking Top End adventure is one of the most popular walking trails in Australia, and for good reason! 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!
This breathtaking Top End adventure is one of the most popular walking trails in Australia, and for good reason! 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!
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Jatbula Trail Trek Itinerary
Day 1 The Adventure Begins!
You’ll be picked 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, you’ll enjoy lunch before transferring to Nitmiluk Gorge.
Here, the Jawoyn people will welcome you, and you’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, you’ll head to a nearby accommodation for a hearty welcome dinner.
Overnight Location: Eco camp
Distance: 4 hours of driving
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Trek to Biddlecombe Cascades
The starting point of your walk is at Katherine Gorge. You’ll cross the Katherine River in the morning and begin the trek into the stone country. The Northern Rockhole offers a fantastic swimming spot. You’ll then trek to your evening campsite beside the clear, flowing stream of Biddlecombe Cascades. Meanwhile, your professional wilderness guides will be preparing a nutritious and delicious dinner.
Overnight Location: Eco camp
Distance: 4h, 8km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to Crystal Falls
Today’s trek takes the group further into the rugged stone country. You’re 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 tonight’s campsite.
Overnight Location: Eco camp
Distance: 4h, 10.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Trek to the Amphitheatre and 17 Mile Falls
A good morning trek brings the gang 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, you’ll reach your camp and the spectacular 17 Mile Falls. The rock pools above the falls offer great swimming in the spring fed clear streams.
Overnight Location: Eco camp
Distance: 4h, 10km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Trek to Sandy Camp Pool
A bigger day of trekking takes you 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. You’ll follow the course of the river with its gentle gradients to your evening campsite at Sandy Camp Pool.
Overnight Location: Eco camp
Distance: 6h, 16.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek to Leliyn (Edith Falls) via Sweetwater Pool and Transfer to Darwin
The day starts with an invigorating swim, setting the stage for the 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, you’ll continue to trek along the river to Leliyn (Edith Falls), where you can enjoy one last last swim before boarding the awaiting bus and transfer back to Darwin. The aim is 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!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 6h, 15.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Jatbula Trail Trek Price and Dates
This tour is usually run as a small group tour where you would be joining other trekkers on fixed departures, however, private departures are available on request.Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Accommodation on Jatbula Trail Trek
When trekking in the Top End dry season, camping arrangements are delightfully lightweight. As you don’t have to worry about bad weather, you can make the most of the clear skies and sleep under the stars. Each trekker will carry a mozzie dome tent (a lightweight, netted tent). These can fit two people or sometimes there are enough for individual use.
On your first night, you’ll stay between Katherine and Nitmiluk, enjoying authentic Top End accommodation in comfortable safari tents. This night’s accommodation is on a twin‑share basis so if you are an individual traveller we will accommodate you with another traveller of the same sex. If you would prefer to guarantee a single room a single supplement is available pending availability.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you book as a single traveller you will receive a free upgrade to your own private tent (if available), however, on the first night of the trip single accommodation is only available with an extra charge. Those not willing to pay for a single accommodation will be paired with other travellers to say in double tents.
What’s Included in the Jatbula Trail Trek?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks & hot drinks during the trek are included.
Accommodations
Camping accommodations for 5 nights are included. Sleeping bag is not included, but can be rented for an extra charge.
Transportation during the Tour
All transportation during the tour is included as outlined in the itinerary, starting and ending with Darwin hotel pick up/drop off on first and last day of tour.
Also included
- 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
- Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise
Not included
- Accommodation in Darwin before and after the trip
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
- Backpacks
- Sleeping Bag
- Alcoholic beverages
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
- Face masks and hand sanitiser
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- How hard is the Jatbula Trail Trek?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
- Are meals included on the Jatbula Trail Trek?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Alice Springs to start this tour?
- Is the Jatbula Trail Trek in English?
- What should I carry with me during the trek?
- Where does the Jatbula Trail Trek end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Australia?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Australia?
We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 4 / 5. This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace in remote locations. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You must be capable of walking over rough ground while carring a full pack (approx 15‑17kg). You need to be prepared for walking in hot daytime temperatures (in winter temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius). Each day will also present to you a new set of challenges, from river crossings to hill climbs, there will be flat open country on the top of the escarpment and boggy wet country along the creeks that we follow. Previous multi day walking experience is preferred.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks & hot drinks during the trek are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
To get to Darwin, you can fly directly into Darwin International Airport (DRW), which offers regular flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Additionally, long-distance buses and trains, like The Ghan, provide scenic routes to Darwin from other parts of Australia for a unique travel experience.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The Jatbula Trail is a full pack unsupported trek. You will need to carry all your own personal equipment. This includes your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, plus a small proportion of the group food. On average this works out to be 15‑17kgs. Your guides will conduct a gear check to ensure you are not carrying too little or too much!
The tour ends where it begins, in Darwin.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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