With its predictably sunny days and mild nights, it’s hard to beat the Northern Territory in the dry season. It’s the ideal time of year to do the Jatbula Trail, which is open to walkers between May and September each year.
The spectacular multi-day walk follows the footsteps of its namesake, Jawoyn traditional owner Peter Jatbula, offering just 15 bushwalkers a day the chance to experience the landscape travelled by generations of Jawoyn people and visit sites only accessible by foot.
This 62-kilometre stretch connects Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (also known as Edith Falls) and can be completed over four nights and five days or five nights and six days. If you skip the final night, make sure you stop in for a swim at Sweetwater on your way through.
The trail is graded as moderate-to-difficult and is suitable for those who are reasonably fit and active with some hiking experience. You'll need to bring all your own gear, including tents and food, to carry with you.
Day one begins with a compulsory safety briefing from the Parks NT rangers (at 8am or 3pm), followed by a two-minute ferry ride across the Katherine River to start the shortest eight-kilometre stretch.
Each of the following days varies from 10 kilometres to 17 kilometres in distance, so if you’re up early you can expect to reach the next site before lunch. We were typically packed, fed and caffeinated before 7.30am each morning to avoid walking in the peak heat of the day and allow for maximum relaxation time at the next site (swim, hammock, read, repeat).
No two days are the same. We loved observing the natural landscape change from exposed sandstone plateau to towering melaleucas (paperbark trees) and riverine landscapes; creek beds to rushing waterfalls; boulders to fine sand. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll notice culturally significant Jawoyn rock art just off the trail – it’s well preserved thanks to hikers maintaining a respectful distance.
Each stop takes you to a spectacular camping site metres from a swimming hole. The slow-moving pools at Biddlecombe Cascades, Crystal Falls and 17 Mile Falls are each situated above waterfalls, meaning there is no shortage of rocks to lie on and places to explore. You can see breathtaking views of the expansive 17 Mile Valley from these sites, offering a picturesque backdrop for your dehydrated dinner or morning coffee.
The final stretch follows along the Edith River, leading to the big, beautiful swimming holes at Sandy Camp Pool and Sweetwater Pool. Be prepared to catch spectacular sunrises, sunsets, birdsong and blue skies. It’s hard to beat.
