Jatbula Trail

Highlights:

  • Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

  • Arnhem Land escarpment views

  • Waterfalls and swimming holes

  • Indigenous history and rock art

Brief:

⏱ Duration: 5 - 6 Days
🗺 Distance: 62 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
🗓 Best Time: June - August
🛏 Accomm: Camping/chalets/lodge

 
 
 
 
 

Walk Overview


The Jatbula Trail is the perfect way to discover the natural and cultural wonders of the Nitmiluk National Park. The track begins at the visitor information centre at the entrance to the dramatic Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge and culminates at the stunning Edith (Leliyn) Falls on the western boundary of the park. 

The name “Jatbula” is taken from a song of the local Jawoyn people meaning “the paths across our land” and is a reference to the trail following ancient passages. Indigenous traditions are maintained through the Dreamtime stories handed down through the generations. Another important aspect of the local culture is the rock art paintings which adorn the sandstone walls throughout the series of spectacular gorges.

The walk is divided into five sections - each section taking between six and eight hours to complete. Walkers are treated along the way to picturesque waterfalls, lush rainforests, savannah grasslands, scenic swimming holes and striking rock formations. 

Each day showcases natural displays of intense colour and light thanks to the magnificent sunrises, sunsets and pollution-free starry skies. No need for fireworks here when you have an explosion of stars instead. 

The trail initially follows the base of the Katherine Gorge and then ascends to the Arnhem Land escarpment which affords panoramic views of the vast surrounding stone country. Fortunately, every section of the walk finishes beside water. The myriad of streams, waterfalls, rockpools and lagoons offer crocodile-free swimming venues as an antidote to the prevailing heat. Fittingly, the walk ends at the picture-perfect waters of Edith (Leliyn) Falls where walkers can swim in the tranquil series of cascading waterfalls and tiered rockpools.

The Jatbula Trail is accessed from Darwin. Katherine is 310 km south of Darwin (approx 3hr 20 min drive) and the entrance to the Nitmiluk National Park is 30 km northeast of Katherine (approx 30 min drive).

Further information:

  • For more information on walking in the Nitmiluk National Park, click the button below.

  • For assistance in choosing a walking holiday in the Nitmiluk National Park, click the button below.