Jatbula Trail is a 62km, grade 4 hike located in the Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 5 days to complete.
Warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April. It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily. Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Hike overview
Embark on the arduous five-day Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park for off-the-beaten-track scenery, waterfalls and Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art.
The Jatbula Trail is a 62 km one way walk, departing from Nitmiluk Gorge, traversing through the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment over sandstone plateau scrub, woodlands, monsoon forests and riverine landscapes finishing at Leilyn (Edith Falls) You will walk in the footsteps of generations of Jawoyn who traditionally travelled through parts of the trail.
The trail can be completed in 5 days/4 nights or 6 days/5 nights with each night spent at a stunning campsite close to a babbling spring, cascade or a plunging waterfall.
Jatbula Trail overview
Day 1 - Nitmiluk to Biddlecombe Cascades - 8.3 km
Day 2 - Biddlecombe to Crystal Falls - 11 km
Day 3 - Crystal Falls to 17 Mile Falls - 10 km
Day 4 - 17 Mile Falls to Sandy Camp - 16.8 km
Day 5 - Sandy Camp to Sweetwater Pool 11.1 km or via Leliyn 15.6 km
Day 6 - Sweetwater (overnight) to Leliyn - 4.5 km
The Jatbula Trail is graded as medium to hard. You need to be reasonably fit with some bushwalking experience as it involves carrying heavy loads over rough ground. Read more about the walking track grading system.
The walk can be completed in five or six days. Camping is only allowed for one night at each site along the trail.
Leliyn is not a campsite on the trail and separate fees will apply if you wish to camp there.
Book your walk
The trail has a limit of 15 walkers leaving each day so you will need to book.
Bookings open on 1 November for the following year.
A camping fee needs to be paid with your booking. The fees are:
$3.30 per adult/night
$1.65 per child/night
When to walk
The best time of year to walk the Jatbula Trail is from 1 June to 30 September.
During the cooler months, from June to August, the temperatures range from 30 degrees Celsius during the day dropping to 10 degrees Celsius at night.
Conditions on the trail start to heat up in mid-August with temperatures rising to over 40 degrees Celsius from October to late November.
From December to April the trail is difficult due to high temperatures and humidity, monsoonal rain and the risk of flooding. Increased vegetation growth in the wet season can also hide trail markers, adding to the difficulty.
It is possible to walk the Jatbula Trail between 1 October and 31 May but you must be experienced, well prepared and you will need special permission from parks.
You must apply in writing for special permission to [email protected].
Getting from the trail
The trail finishes at Leliyn and you can be transferred to either Katherine or to the Nitmiluk visitor centre.
Leliyn to Katherine is 63km or approximately 45 minutes drive
Leliyn to Nitmiluk Gorge is 90km or approximately 1 hour drive.
How to book your transport
The following companies provide ground transfers:
Gecko Canoeing and Trekking
Phone: (08) 8972 2224
[email protected]
Travel North
Phone: (08) 8971 9999
[email protected]
Remember to tell someone outside of your group of your travel plans in case of an emergency.
Cars and public parking
Public parking is available at both ends of the trail, but be sure to tell the parks desk or Leliyn kiosk your name, car details and return date.
There are a number of bus and airlines services that provide regular return travel between Darwin and Katherine.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 314 m
Min elevation: 119 m
Total climbing: 807 m
Total descent: -798 m
Trail features
- Gravel Path
- Sandy Trail
- Rough Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Waterfalls
- Aboriginal Art
- Rock Scrambling
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
- Overnight Campsites
Trail location
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Getting there
- Starts at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), Katherine, Northern Territory
- The walk is one way only and starts at Nitmiluk Gorge.
- You can be picked up from the town of Katherine which is 27km from Nitmiluk Gorge.
- You will then need to take a ferry from Nitmiluk Gorge to the start of the trail near 17 Mile Creek.
- The ferry costs $8.50 per person.
- Ferries depart daily at 7am, 9am and 11am.
- To book call the Nitmiluk visitor centre on 1800146 743.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Entry Fee
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
- Camping Area
About the region
Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with spectacular cliffs that glow in the changing light.
Nitmiluk National Park, just 30 kilometres north-east of Katherine, covers a vast area, including 13 impressive gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country which stretch for as far as the eye can see.
Explore the world-famous park and gorge country on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter.
Accommodation is available within the National Park. Choose from camping, to chalets through to the upmarket Cicada Lodge. Nitmiluk National Park has something for everyone.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
1 Review on “Jatbula Trail Walk (62km)”
Ryan Wielgosz
My family and I had an awesome five days on the Jatbula. A couple of long and hot days but the walking isn’t difficult. It’s amazing to stop each afternoon at camp and swim in the cascades, creeks and waterfalls. Highly recommended.
What a fantastic experience. Absolutely loved swimming in the stunning waterfalls and rock pools at every campsite.
Me too next year fir me! It’s been in my list fir years now I have to next year I’m more than ready now!!?
Hi Alexandra, I have just uploaded mine to the site
Did this hike in June, was just beautiful, and hot. Being able to swim at every camp was fantastic. Only allowing 15 hikers through a day adds to its appeal.
Dani Campbell this is top of my list, I really really really want to do this one
Met a group last week at Leliyn top pools who’d just finished this awesome walk. They all said they’d do it again the next day.
Yes! Can’t wait to do this next year ???
Just completed this with my family. An excellent adventure
This is an excellent walk. You get to camp beside permanent water every day and there is plenty of Aboriginal art along the way. It’s one of our favourite walks in the Northern Territory.
This is for you Jatbula Hiker Opal!!! ?
This is my favourite hike in Australia. I would also hire a kayak and camp overnight in the upper parts of Katherine Gorge before starting the hike proper.
Book in on the 1st November ! Most places go to tour companies – or book with one of them. Would love to do it! Love this NP
what about this one. Peter McNamara Ben Wyatt only 5 days away.
Diane Ferreira like this page and we will find a hike to do
Lyn Harms