Jatbula
Walk
Currently Under Development – In partnership with local traditional owners – the Jawoyn Association and Iconic Walks are honoured to be working together to share an awe-inspiring walking experience along the iconic Jatbula Trail. Commencing at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the Northern Territory, the Jatbula Walk is a captivating 62 km journey that unfolds through the breathtaking ancient terrain of Nitmiluk National Park, tracing the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn people from the gateway of Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls).
Traversing the western edge of the Arnhem Land Escarpment, the Jatbula Walk leads through diverse, otherworldly landscapes including sandstone plateaus, scrubland, woodlands, open forests, sandstone monsoon forests, and riverine scenery. With the warm climate in mind, we set out early each day and pause for lunch at our exclusive, fully-catered camps, and later in the afternoons unwind at nearby waterholes and crystalline springs.
Worayang (walkabout) Pty Ltd is the collaborative partnership between the traditional owners of Nitmiluk National Park, Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, with oversight of Jawoyn elders and Iconic Walks Worayang Pty Ltd is majority owned by the Jawoyn Association. Working alongside each other to achieve the Jawoyn Association’s goal of sharing their country in ways that benefit the Jawoyn people, and at the same time take care of their land for future generations.
Welcome to the place of the Cicada dreaming.
The Cicada has great significance to the Jawoyn people. In the Jawoyn language, Nitmiluk - the name given to Katherine Gorge - means "Cicada Country".
In Jawoyn legend, throughout this diverse country there are many areas that were named by Nabilil, a dragon-like figure, who came from the west. Upon entering Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, he heard the song of the Cicada and called the place Nitmiluk after the "nit, nit, nit" sound the Cicada creates.
It is here we begin our journey, following an ancient Jawoyn song line through Nitmiluk National Park, where our knowledgeable guides lead us up onto the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Along the way, we traverse shady monsoon forests, encounter breathtaking waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear swimming pools, and explore remarkable Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art sites. Our well-appointed private camps are set in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes Australia has to offer.
Don’t forget to keep an eye, or ear, out for the Garrak (Forest red-tailed black cockatoo).
The Jatbula Trail is accessible for a limited number of walkers exclusively during the dry season from June to September. This time around, Malapparr and bordering on Jungalk (cooler and driest months) are often blessed with perfect blue skies, and the perfect temperatures to unwind with an afternoon dip in one of the many magical swimming spots.
The Jatbula Walk spans 62 km along the Jatbula Trail, offering a moderately challenging bushwalk that takes us far from city life and fully immerses us in the ancient terrain where few have been. We welcome guests on our fully guided and catered walks, to share in small groups, the country of the Jawoyn people and the opportunity to experience an unsurpassed connection with nature.
Jatbula Walk at a glance
Location: Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, AUSTRALIAStyle: Private, fully guided
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Walking: 62 kms walking on the Jatbula Trail
Grade: Moderately challenging
Group size: 6-12guests
Accommodation: Private camps
Price: From AUS $4,795pp
Your trip itinerary
Day 1
Darwin to Worayang Camp - Nitmiluk Gorge
345 kms / Bus Journey
Leaving Darwin early, we journey south along the Stuart highway to Katherine where we will transfer to our camp in Nitmiluk National Park. After a tasty lunch we’ll meet our Jawoyn hosts in camp. Here the Jawoyn elders introduce us to their country and cultural knowledge as we prepare for our exploration of the Jatbula Trail. As guests on Jawoyn land we’ll learn the appropriate cultural protocols for a respectful visit, hear stories from the dreaming of the ancient Jatbula Trail whilst our expert guides share a briefing and overview of the next five days. From here we walk to the Nitmiluk Gorge boat dock and embark on a spectacular sunset dinner cruise to anticipate the journey to come.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Day 2
Worayang Camp to Biddlecombe Cascades
8.3 kms / Grade Moderate
Up early in the cool of the morning, we prepare our day packs before breakfast. We then board the boat again for a very short stretch across the Katherine River to the beginning of our walk. A gradual climb takes us up and out of the gorge towards the escarpment where after 3.8 kms we encounter the Northern Rockhole. This is a fantastic waterhole with towering cliffs and a perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim. After cooling off in the pool we journey on to Biddlecombe Camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 3
Biddlecombe Cascades to Crystal Falls
11 kms / Grade Moderate
Crossing Biddlecombe creek above the cascades, the trail meanders through dry rocky country reminding us of the challenging environment, generations of the Jawoyn people call home. On this part of our journey, as we head deeper into the Jatbula Trail, we can spot rocky outcrops showing ancient and proudly protected Jawoyn Rock Art. We then meander through open savannah like country and past spectacular termite mounds before arrival at our camp above Crystal Falls.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4
Crystal Falls to 17 Mile Falls
10 kms / Grade Moderate
This morning we walk for 6.5 kms, then climb down into the Amphitheatre, a magical pocket of monsoon forest ringed by rock walls, with spectacular artwork. The timeless feel of the amphitheatre seems to spiritually connect the art of the Jawoyn people to this site of great importance. For our walkers this is a special opportunity to connect with the culture and artistic gifts presented by our hosts in a truly magical spot. Our respect for the preservation of this site is reinforced by enjoying the talents of the Jawoyn people with our eyes only, and not touching. From the Amphitheatre we continue on to our 17 Mile Falls Camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5
17 Mile Falls to Sandy Camp
16.8 kms / Grade Moderate
17 Mile Falls is a breathtaking single drop waterfall, that spectacularly plunges permanently off the edge of the escarpment. As we experience another of nature’s wonders, we ascend up away from the falls and follow the escarpment towards Edith River Crossing where the vegetation begins to change. The diversity of this remarkable country shines as almost out of nowhere, we encounter melaleuca groves that populate the trail as we approach our river-wade crossing. At this point the journey through the ancient Jawoyn land it may feel this experience will be part of your life forever. We follow the river downstream to Sandy Camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 6
Sandy Camp to Leilyn (Edith Falls)
15.6 kms / Grade Moderate
Today is bittersweet as our journey’s end is almost in sight. It feels hard to leave the expansive waterhole at Sandy Camp. At this point you will have been tested, inspired and humbled by the magnificent country of the Jatbula Trail. We walk through pockets of rainforests, to approach Sweetwater Pool for a final cool down, whilst imagining the cold drinks awaiting you around the corner. We then head off to walk the last 4.5 kms to Edith Falls and after a picnic lunch we board our bus and follow the Stuart Highway north back to Darwin.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Inclusions
Traditional Owner Welcome
Jawoyn Cultural Experience and welcome by Jawoyn Traditional Owners before commencing the walk.
Dinner Cruise
On the first night of the Jatbula Walk we enjoy our first dinner together exploring Nitmiluk Gorge by boat on the Nabilil Dream Sunset Dinner Tour. This amazing introduction to the Gorge environment includes: Two gorge cruise experience, 3 course meal cooked onboard the boat, glass of sparkling wine, drinking water onboard and a selection of beer, wine and soft drinks.
A immersive and rewarding experience
Walking the Jatbula Trail with us will be awesome! If you've done other multi-day walks in Australia you'll be used to our style of experience however the Jatbula is like no other walk in Australia. The combination of unique outback terrain, strong cultural connection with Traditional Owners and sublime springs and waterholes makes this an experience like no other.
National Parks Pass
A one time entry pass to Nitmiluk National Park is included.
Experienced Guides
The Jatbula Walk always has a minimum of 2 experienced guides leading your group. Our guides will share their extensive environmental and cultural knowledge ensure you have an amazing experience.
Gear
Iconic Walks provides lightweight 40L backpacks for you to use during your walk. The lighter your pack the more enjoyable your experience so please consult our packing list for a detailed checklist of items to bring with you.
Transfers
This experience begins and ends at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin (64 Cavenagh St). You need to meet our team at 7am for a pre-departure briefing on the morning of your departure. You will then travel to Katherine by bus. On completion of your Walk the bus will meet the team at Leliyn (with a tasty picnic lunch) and transfer back to Darwin usually by 5pm.
Accommodation
5 nights of accomodation in comfortable twin share safari style tents are included in this experience. We provide lightweight sheets and a pillow case that you carry for your use at each camp.
Questions we often get asked
How do I make a booking?
You may check availability, and make a booking through our website, or by calling or emailing our reservations team. A deposit of $500 is required to confirm your booking.
Once your booking has been made, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email and you’ll be asked to complete your guest information via our online portal. All guests travelling who are aged 18 or over must complete this information themselves. For all guests aged 17 or under, the information must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
How heavy will my pack be?
We supply comfortable One Planet 40L day packs for you use and we provide a packing list in advance to help you to decide what to bring. Our guides will help you pack at the pre-departure meeting in Darwin. Your pack should weigh between 7 and 9kg (including starting each day with 3L of water).
What gear do I need to bring?
Iconic Walks provides lightweight 40L backpacks for you to use during your walk. The lighter your pack the more enjoyable your experience so please consult our packing list for a detailed checklist of items to bring with you. Your guides will help you pack at your pre-trip briefing. Your travel luggage can be kept in storage at the hotel in Darwin.
Does a Single Supplement apply for solo travellers?
Due to our desire to minimise the environmental impact of the campsites we have 6 tents designed to house 12 guests on a twin share basis. However, a Single Supplement may be available for solo travellers who wish to have a tent to themselves. Please contact our reservations team to check single supplment availability.
What will the weather be like?
We walk the Jatbula Trail in the coolest and driest time of the year in the Northern Territory from 1 June through 30 September. Temperatures range from above 30 degrees during the day to as low as 10 degrees over night. To account for warm weather we start walking very early each day and plan to arrive in camp before the heat of the afternoon.
How Fit do I need to be?
To complete the Jatbula Walk a moderate level of fitness is required. The trail is not difficult but the heat does make it more challenging. The advantage of the warm weather is you do not need to carry a heavy pack full of warm clothes! You must be comfortable walking moderate distances each day. The longest days are just over 15kms long. If you are ensure about your level of fitness or ability please contact our reservations team as we're always happy to chat.
As a single traveller, can I share a room with another single?
Each campsite on the Jatbula Walk has 6 guest tents with 2 beds per tent. Single travelers share a tent on a twin share basis. If you wish to have a tent to yourself, a single supplement may be available on request. Please consult our reservations team.
Wil there be mobile phone coverage and wifi on the Walk?
The Jatbula Walk does not have reliable phone coverage or wifi connectivity. At Iconic Walks, we are huge fans of the digital detox and highly recommending switching your phone to airplane mode to conserve batteres so you can take plenty of photos along the way. Our guides carry satellite phones and PLBs for emergency use.
What Terms and Conditions apply?
You can view our Terms and Conditions here.... to come
Do I need travel insurance?
Due to the remote nature of this walking experience we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes cover for helicopter evacuation. For Australian citizens, an emergency evacuation may be covered under your State's ambulance cover but non-emergency evacuation is unlikely to be covered. Also consider ensuring you have cover for flight delays, cancellation, illness, luggage loss etc. Please review our Terms and Conditions for more information.
What is not included
The Jatbula Walk does not include flights to and from Darwin, accomodation before or after your Walk, travel insurance, items of a personal nature or personal clothing. Please review our packing list for what to bring with you.
How many walkers will be in my group?
We require a minimum of 6 walkers to run a trip. We have a maximum group size of 12 walkers per trip.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible.
The date of cancellation is the date that we receive written notice of the cancellation; and if the cancellation is made:
- More than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded to you;
- Between 90 and 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged 50% of the full walk cost with the balance refunded to you; or
- Within 60 days of departure, no refund is available.
Jawoyn is recognised among Aboriginal peoples over a large area of the Northern Territory’s ‘Top End’. It is an all-encompassing expression used in reference to language, culture, people and territory.
With 17 clans making up the group, The Jawoyn Association forms a positive role model for similar organisations to follow
When you walk the Jatbula Trail with us, you are sharing our vision for the future.
The Jatbula Trail is owned by the Jawoyn people, made up of 17 clans with the common vision of sharing our country. The collective Jawoyn Association is a progressive, forward thinking business enterprise which provides employment and training for local people. They have never wavered from the original Elder’s vision of bringing the Jawoyn people together as one nation, caring for country, and developing economic independence. All proceeds that flow from Jawoyn businesses are re-invested into the community, for human services, employment, education and successful partnerships in tourism and land management.
We look forward to sharing our country with you.
Jawoyn Association CEO John Berto
