If you’ve spent anytime in the Top End before, such as in Kakadu, you get this sense of where there might be art. The Jatbula Trail, within the Nitmiluk National Park of the Northern Territory, falls within this style of trek, as it is 65kms and traditionally done over 5 nights and 6 days. Taken by force and without recognition of those who truly call it country. The biggest challenge of the Jatbula trail is that it is a full-pack hike, which means you have to … Read his fantastic story here on Traveller. Read our trip report: 5 Days on the Jatbula Trail, Day 1 – Drive to Katherine Gorge, Trek to Biddlecombe Cascades, Day 3 – Trek to the Amphitheatre then on to 17 Mile Falls, Day 6 – Trek to Leliyn (Edith Falls) and return to Darwin, All group camping equipment including mosquito net, sleeping mats, groundsheet (tarpaulin), stoves, cooking and eating utensils, Emergency communications and group first aid kit, Unsure? For a country the size of Australia, with it’s vast network of National Parks, you’d think that there would be countless opportunities for hikers looking for 4-7 day adventures out on the track. Day 3 – Trek to the Amphitheatre then on to 17 Mile Falls. With crystal-clear creeks throughout, there are abundant opportunities for swimming and just relaxing in the warm, croc-free waters. 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. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Arriving at the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre, (aka Katherine Gorge) we had a full briefing with our guides as they not only added our share of the group’s food to our packs (around 5kgs), but were able to loan packs, walking poles, sleeping bags or mozzie domes (no tents needed) to anyone who needed them. This is because the whole trail is up on top of an escarpment that you (very gently) ascend on the first day and guess what? Websites: ReferencesAustralian Geographic. The Jatbula Trail is a trip of a lifetime located in the Northern Territory, giving you the opportunity to walk through Nitmiluk National Park from the famous Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). 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. E. Backpack 70-90 litre capacity E, H ($50) 2 T-shirts/Long sleeve shirts We provide light weight inflatable sleeping mat E. Walking trousers (not jeans) or walking shorts We provide sleeping bag rated to 3 … It is only marked in one direction, from Katherine Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Seriously, the best food I’ve ever had in the wilderness. On the 6 day Jatbula Trail adventure you will need to carry all your personal equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 70-90 litres in capacity. Jatbula Trail with Gecko Canoeing and trekking. Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. Stepping out of the boat, you find yourself at the official start of the Jatbula Trail, the first opportunity for our guide, Jakob, to give us what would prove the first of many, interpretative chats. PACKING LIST CLOTHING ̑ Warm jumper (woollen or polar fleece) ̑ 1-2 Pairs walking trousers – lightweight and quick drying Compared to our Kiwi tramping buddies across the Tasman, with their exceptional hut and trail system, the Aussie hiking landscape (at least up until fairly recently) has been quite different. The Arnhem Land escarpment is an exceptional wilderness area that winds its way along the edge of Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) to Edith Falls (Leliyn) creating a truly extraordinary hiking experience. The Jatbula has been there for millennia, but 2006 was the first year any outfitter offered guided treks: Gecko Canoeing & Trekking (tel. Being Northern Australia, where the two seasons of ‘wet’ (Nov-Apr) and ‘dry’ (May-Oct) rule, you really want to choose carefully and wisely when you want to go. The Jatbula Trail is a 62km one way walk departing from Nitmiluk Gorge and finishing at Leliyn, also known as Edith Falls. ... Mozzie coils and repellant have been added to the packing list for the next trip! Aug 4, 2018 - Part 1 of hiking the 65km, 6 day Jatbula Trail in Northern Territory Australia. There’s also the season that the NT (Northern Territory) locals call, ‘the Build Up’ which is Oct-Dec. Where if you ever wanted to know what it feels like to hike in a sauna (temps up to 45c/113F), you’re sure to find out! The Jatbula trail runs between Katherine Gorge and Leliyn and follows the route used for centuries by the Jawoyn people. We tend to keep back up of backups. The trail is an ancient Song Line used by the Jawoyn people. For instance, I only decided to join my August trip a few months earlier. JATBULA TRAIL ITINERARY The stone country, or Arnhem Land escarpment, is one of the most extraordinary wilderness areas in Australia. The highlight of the day was morning tea, which was our first aboriginal art site for the trip. Paradise continued as the sun set as we got stuck into the first of our tasty dinners – a spicy chilli con carne. Moving Packing List More information Day 23: How to Pack a Suitcase#colorful #photooftheday #cute #picoftheday #beautiful #pretty #friends #cool #portrait #skirt #dress #styleseat #fashiondaily #fashionbags #fashionpria Speaking of campsites, before we knew it, we came to the first night’s spot at Biddlecombe Falls. Description. I had the opportunity to come along with Trek Tours Australia on a trip during the 1st week of August, which is bang in the middle of prime walking season there. Exploring the Jatbula Trail. At the end of the walk, the picturesque pool and sandy beach of the next camp is a complete contrast to the rocky falls of the night before. The Jatbula Trail is a trip of a lifetime located in the Northern Territory, giving you the opportunity to walk through Nitmiluk National Park from the famous Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Well, arriving into camp at 4.30pm, paradise is returning to the campsite after your freshwater swim to find the billy has not only boiled, but your choice of Twinings tea, Staminade powder, hot chocolate or Moccona was waiting. When living in the big cities of Australia and any built up area, the signs and stories of our oldest people (the oldest living people on earth) are usually pretty hard to find. Besides it being used during the Fall on the Camino last year, it is about the same as what I used to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail (most of which sits above 9,000 feet / 2743 meters in elevation. Combine this trek with a Katherine River Canoe Expedition for the complete Top End wilderness experience! Post navigation ← Hiking Food – Plumpy Nut Review. 3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller. In part 2, we discover the Amphitheatre and my favourite campsite of all! You’ll explore lush hidden gorges, peer out at huge waterfalls as they pour off the escarpment and have the chance to interact with the deeply-entrenched Indigenous culture that makes Nitmuluk National Park so special. Apart from that moment when you step off the 90 second boat trip at the start, all the areas of the Jatbula Trail are saltwater crocodile free. This was a great example of why there’s only 15 walkers allowed on each section of the track each day. The Jatbula Trail is a full pack 6 day hike through Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory. (2016). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The Jatbula Trail, within the Nitmiluk National Park of the Northern Territory, falls within this style of trek, as it is 65kms and traditionally done over 5 nights and 6 days. At the end of the walk, the picturesque pool and sandy beach of the next camp is a complete contrast to the rocky falls of the night before. Jatbula Trail is a 62km, grade 3-4 one way hike, located in Nitmiluk National Park Northern Territory. The stone country, or Arnhem Land escarpment, is one of the most extraordinary wilderness areas in Australia. The Jatbula Trail is classified as moderate. Nothing like an early start, waking up before the sun to get a crack on with the day. For instance, I only decided to join my August trip a few months earlier. Itinerary. Post navigation ← Hiking Food – Plumpy Nut Review. Lilies bloom in purple glory around its banks and goanna tracks lead through the sand to the water. A five-day guided trek starts at $795 if you provide your own equipment and meals, $1,495 for all-inclusive. Compared to our Kiwi tramping buddies across the Tasman, with their exceptional hut and trail system, the Aussie hiking landscape (at least up until fairly recently) has been quite different. With a limited amount of hikers allowed at once, you get to deeply immerse yourself in the Australian outback and ancient landscapes as you walk this traditional Indigenous songline. PACKING LIST CLOTHING ̑ Warm jumper (woollen or polar fleece) ̑ 1-2 Pairs walking trousers – lightweight and quick drying Specifically, adventures that are suitable for people who’ve done a few full day and overnight walks and are ready to step-up to try a true bushwalking holiday – a multi-day adventure. This makes the process of packing for a trip fairly easy: tip everything out on the floor … It’s a moderately challenging hike with a full pack, doable by any able adult but best enjoyed if you have a good level of fitness, even better if you’ve practiced carrying a full pack. These signs and journeys make me pause to consider those, who for 40,000 years have lived, loved, worked and fought in and for this country… country I now call home. This was the start of us changing our clocks to not only a slower pace of life, a pace dictated by walking, but being more attuned to the times of the sun and its movement across our skies. It starts at Nitmiluk Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park and finishes at Edith Falls (Aboriginal Jawoyn language: Leliyn).. ⁠ Jatbula’s family still live in the area today and continue to help look after country. The majority of people walk the trail as independent trekkers with growing numbers doing the trail with a guide for peace of mind and the extra information and experience afforded. www.trektoursaustr ektoursaustr saustralia. The tropical equivalent of Tasmania’s Overland Track, this full-pack carrying bushwalk traverses the heart of this amazing part of Australia. to ensure that the campsites (which are AMAZING) don’t get over-booked and you can be assured of a remote wilderness experience with only 15 walkers allowed each day. This first day wasn’t going to be particularly long, but unlike the other days, it would see us starting to walk at 1pm, instead of at 7am, well before the heat of the sun starts to penetrate through your shirt. 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. This cluster of rocks, standing up to 20m high, are a standout on the skyline as you approach them. It’s a moderately challenging hike with a full pack, doable by any able adult but best enjoyed if you have a good level of fitness, even better if you’ve practiced carrying a full pack. It was amazing. Jakob shared what he knew about the ancient rock paintings, with suggestions that one of the main figures represented Bula or Pula, one of the most significant figures in the creation stories of the Jaowyn people. Join my eNewsletter and get the latest articles, videos, pics and inspiration. The Trail follows the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn people between the Gorge and Edith Falls. Join my eNewsletter and get the latest articles, videos, pics and inspiration. Jatbula Trail with Gecko Canoeing and trekking This five day hike is a must do. Jatbula Day 4: A long day (early start), a vegetation change and lots of mud as you reach the Edith River. Shot by @1andre, Millaa Millaa Falls is an 18 metre high heritage-l, Hiking attire has changed a lot over the last cent, How Feral Horses Damage Australia’s Precious Alpine Environments, El Questro is an Outback Oasis Along The Gibb River Run, Trek to Maitland Bay Along The Bouddi Coastal Walk, Millaa Millaa Falls is The Perfect Place to Get Your Feet Wet, Nitmiluk Gorge Southern Walks – Secluded 4 Day Solo Hike, Ngurrungurrudjba – A Guide to Kakadu’s Most Magnificent Wetlands. Day 4 – Trek to Sandy Camp Pool. **Yes, in Australia, we have an ice-cream called a Gaytime. Day 1 – Drive to Katherine Gorge, Trek to Biddlecombe Cascades. The hike follows the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment over sandstone plateau and through woodlands, open forest, monsoon forest and riverine landscapes. No spam. I’d say, possibly Australia. Because the Jatbula Trail seasonal sweet spot is relatively short, National Parks have instigated an easy, online booking system to ensure that the campsites (which are AMAZING) don’t get over-booked and you can be assured of a remote wilderness experience with only 15 walkers allowed each day. I read a few blogs and articles from expert hikers who are also photographers. I have to admit that it’s open, dry area didn’t impress me at first, however it’s when you walk the 80m towards the sound of tumbling water, that everything changes. As a result, the heat got up to around 34c, which wasn’t too bad and was quickly satiated when we came to the first of what we were promised, were some of the best swimming holes in the Territory. ... Overnight Hike Packing List… Watch out for the tree climbing green ants with their leaf nests above your head! This is one of the massive benefits of deciding to walk with a commercial guide as you don’t have to make your mind up 10 months in advance. 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