What is the Jatbula Trail?
The Jatbula Trail is a 62-kilometre walking track in Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. It runs from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls) and usually takes five or six days.
The trail follows a route used by Jawoyn people for generations along the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. It is named after Peter Jatbula, a Jawoyn elder who helped win the return of Nitmiluk to its Traditional Owners.
Walkers pass waterfalls, swimming holes, rock art sites and monsoon forest, camping at designated sites such as Biddlecombe Cascades, Crystal Falls and Sweetwater Pool.
Planning a walk
The trail is open only in the dry season, usually from May to September, and walkers must book and pay for permits. Numbers are limited each day.
Walkers must be self-sufficient and carry food, a tent and first aid.
A ferry crosses the Katherine River at the start of the walk.
At the end of the walk, Leliyn has a large plunge pool, a kiosk and a campground where hikers celebrate with a swim. Shuttle services return walkers to Katherine. Temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius during the day, so early starts help, and the remoteness means walkers should carry a personal locator beacon in case of emergencies.
Did You Know?
The Jatbula Trail is walked in one direction only, from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn.