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NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

6 Days$1990USD

Activities
  • 6 days trekking with a full pack
Accommodation
  • 5 nights camping
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

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

Why Book With Us

  • All group camping equipment including mosquito net, sleeping mats, ground sheet (tarpaulin), stoves, cooking and eating utensils provided
  • Fully supported camping based trek including 3 hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks
  • Most experienced operator on the trail

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.

Trip Code: JAT

We pick you up from your Darwin accommodation between 5:00 and 5:30am, before heading south on the Stuart Highway to Katherine. The starting point of our walk is at Katherine Gorge. After lunch, we cross the Katherine River 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. Walking distance: 8km (approx 4hrs) | Driving time: approx 4 hours

Meals:  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

After a big day on the trail yesterday, we enjoy a more leisurely walk today – with plenty of time to enjoy our last full day out in this magnificent country. We continue along the Edith River with its Paperbark Forests, cascades and water holes arriving at Sweetwater Pool by early afternoon. We have the rest of the day to relax at this beautiful campsite, explore and swim. Our guides will deliver a great meal this evening on the banks of the waterhole. Walking distance: 11km (approx 4hrs)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day on the Jatbula! We pack up camp and follow the trail to Leliyn (Edith Falls). There is the opportunity to swim in some of the best holes of the walk before we reach the trail's end. After enjoying a leisurely lunch at Edith Falls, we board the awaiting bus and transfer back to Darwin. We aim to drop you back at your accommodation between 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to meet at one of Darwin's great eateries for a celebratory dinner! Walking distance: 4.5km (approx 3hrs) | 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.


Inclusions

  • 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

  • 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

Accommodation


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season supplement applies from 15 June to 15 August, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$1990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sleeping Bag HireUSD$20
  • Pack HireUSD$41
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Jatbula Trail trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Jatbula Trail Trip reviews


Other trip reviews


Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

Jatbula Trail Videos

Discover the Jatbula Trail, one of the Top End's best kept secrets

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