Exclusive Jatbula Trail Hosted Tour
Departs Brisbane - 27 July 2024
9 Days/8 Nights
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Small Group Tour - 10 Places
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Hike the iconic Jatbula Trail through stunning Nitmiluk National Park with us!
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This breath taking Top End adventure is one of the most popular walking trails in Australia! The Arnhem Land escarpment is an exceptional wilderness area which winds its way along the edge of Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) to Edith Falls (Leliyn) creating a truly extraordinary hiking experience. 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.
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By joining our private group, you'll enjoy expert support regarding training, gear and preparation before your trip, hosted by Owner of Mind & Body Travel, Mark Hodgson plus 2 fully qualified guides on the trail
Day 1: Saturday 27th July 2024
Brisbane-Darwin
Meet at Brisbane Airport to join our group flight to Darwin. Upon arrival in Darwin, we will be met and transferred to our hotel centrally located in Darwin.
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Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of our adventure!
Day 2: Sunday 28th July 2024
Darwin
Today is a free day to explore Darwin and surrounds. You may choose just to relax and explore the city, or head further afield on the many day tours available
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At 3pm today we will have a compulsory pre-hike meeting to cover off all you need to know about the hike, gear check and ensure everyone is ready for an exciting adventure over the next 6 days
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Tonight is free-time in case you want an early night otherwise there will be an option to catch up over a casual dinner
Day 3: Monday 29th July 2024
Darwin-Katherine Gorge-Biddlecombe Cascades
An early start today with a pick up from our Darwin accommodation between 5:00 and 5:30am, before heading south on the Stuart Highway to Katherine. The starting point of our walk is at Katherine Gorge. After lunch, we cross the Katherine River and begin our trek into the stone country. The Northern Rockhole offers a fantastic swimming spot. We then trek to our evening campsite beside the clear, flowing stream of Biddlecombe Cascades.
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Walking distance: 8km (approx 4hrs) | Driving time: approx 4 hours
Day 4: Tuesday 30th July 2024
Trek to Crystal Falls
Today’s trek takes us further into the rugged stone country. We are now deep in the wilderness of the Arnhemland Escarpment and Stone Country which extends almost 1000 kilometres through the heart of the Top End. The trail today includes some interesting Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art sites hidden in the many rocky outcrops and overhangs. The cascades of Crystal Falls are an inviting backdrop to our campsite.
Walking distance: 10.5km (approx 4hrs)
Day 5: Wednesday 31st July 2024
Trek to Amphitheatre and 17 Mile Falls
A good morning trek brings us to the Amphitheatre, an aptly named natural pocket in the escarpment. The shade of the cliffs encourages a rich monsoonal rain forest and the rock shelters exhibit the art of the Jawoyn Traditional Owners. Trekking along the edge of the escarpment with its stunning views, we reach our camp and the spectacular 17 Mile Falls. The rock pools above the falls offer great swimming in the spring fed clear streams.
Walking distance: 10kms (approx 4hrs)
Day 6: Thursday 1st August 2024
Trek to Sandy Camp Pool
A bigger day of trekking takes us to the Edith River Crossing as it flows across the stone country. The permanent waterholes here attract abundant birdlife and are a wonderful place to enjoy another delicious picnic lunch. We will follow the course of the river with its gentle gradients to our evening campsite at Sandy Camp Pool.
Walking distance: 16.5km (approx 6hrs)
Day 7: Friday 2nd August 2024
Trek to Sweetwater Pool
After a big day on the trail yesterday, we enjoy a more leisurely walk today – with plenty of time to enjoy our last full day out in this magnificent country. We continue along the Edith River with its Paperbark Forests, cascades and water holes arriving at Sweetwater Pool by early afternoon. We have the rest of the day to relax at this beautiful campsite, explore and swim. Our guides will deliver a great meal this evening on the banks of the waterhole.
Walking distance: 11km (approx 4hrs)
Day 8: Saturday 3rd August 2024
Trek to Edith Falls - Transfer to Darwin
Our final day on the Jatbula! We pack up camp and follow the trail to Leliyn (Edith Falls). There is the opportunity to swim in some of the best holes of the walk before we reach the trail’s end. After enjoying a leisurely lunch at Edith Falls, we board the awaiting bus and transfer back to Darwin. We aim to have you back at your accommodation between 4-5pm. This evening we'll meet at one of Darwin’s great eateries for a celebratory dinner!
Walking distance: 4.5km (approx 3hrs) | Driving time: approx 4hrs
Day 9: Sunday 4th August
Darwin to Brisbane
Wake up at your leisure, your body may be a little sore today! Check out will be 11am which will leave time to explore and have lunch before our flight home this afternoon. A transfer will collect us, taking us to the airport for our flight home to Brisbane
Your Host - Mark Hodgson
Mark is truly at home out on a trail, immersed in nature!
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Founding Mind & Body Travel in 2019, Mark has a passion that travel can change us for the better. Whether you're looking for a sense of achievement from your next trip or you just need a reset to get away from all the hustle and bustle, Mark understands you want more than just a trip - you want a personal experience
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After hiking the Overland Track in 2022, the Jatbula Trail is the next iconic Australian Trail on his list!
Pricing and Inclusions
Your Jatbula Trail Experience includes:
- Return Economy Flights from Brisbane to Darwin with Virgin Australia
- 2 Nights Pre and 1 Night Post Track accommodation in Darwin
- Fully Hosted by a Mind & Body Travel Host
- 2 x Local Guides for the 6 Day Jatbula Trail
- All meals on track and Breakfasts in Darwin
- Hire of (if required) Pack, Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mat and Liner
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
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Additional Inclusions for Mind & Body Travel Clients
- Hosted Training Hikes leading up to the Track
- Gear and Packing session
Pricing Per Person
$4,199pp (twin share)
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Single Supplement for Darwin Hotel $390pp (total upgrade for 3 nights)
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Initial deposit of $400 to secure your place
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If you would like to extend your stay in Darwin after the Track, this is permitted, please contact us for information
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Note: The Jatbula Trail requires a reasonable amount of fitness and preparation. Please chat to us if you would like to understand if this trip is right for you