I have just completed the Jatbula trail and it was absolutely fantastic.

In this article, I am going to cover all the aspects of planning and preparation you need to complete in order to successfully hike the Jatbula Trail. First off, if you want to get excited for the hike, I recommend watching my video below.

General Information - Jatbula Trail

Location: Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. You start the walk at Nitmiluk National Park, where you catch a ferry to cross the river. You end the trail at Edith Falls.
Length: 62 km, one-way. Most of the track is quite flat and made up of rocky, sandy and gravely tracks.
Duration: 5–6 days. You can choose to stay an extra night at the last campsite, Sweetwater Pools. We stayed the extra night, and it was perfect because no one else is there.
Start Point: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
End Point: Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Difficulty: Moderate – challenging. I personally believe this trail is a perfect beginner trail. It does require a moderate level of fitness, but it is possible to be completed by anyone.
Water: you will be able to refill with fresh and clean water at each campsite. So each day, you only need to fill up 3-4L of water and drink that as you hike.
Food: this is where most of your weight will be, as you will need to bring all your food for the hike.

How to get Tickets for Jatbula

It’s EXTREMELY competitive to get a ticket for Jatbula. People spend years trying to get tickets.

Plan Early!
NT Parks and Wildlife open up booking, at 9am on a specific day each year. You need to be on their website, and purchasing tickets within 15 seconds of the booking opening, other wise you will miss out. If you don’t get a ticket, there are many FB groups, where people sometimes sell their tickets.
Book Online
Head to the NT Parks and Wildlife website and look for the Jatbula Trail bookings page. Follow the steps to secure a permit for your chosen date. You’ll pay a camping fee per person, covering each night on the trail, plus a permit fee.
Prepare Personal Details
You’ll need information on each person hiking with you, like full names, ages, and emergency contact details. The system usually asks for this information when booking.

Travel Logistics (getting to and from the trail)

Fly to Darwin or Katherine

From Darwin: If you're flying into Darwin, you’ll need to travel about 320 km south to Katherine. You can drive yourself, book a shuttle, or take the Greyhound bus. It’s about a 3-hour drive, so make sure you’ve got a good playlist ready!
From Katherine: If you’re already in Katherine, it’s a shorter hop—just 30 km north to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. You can drive there or arrange for a shuttle from Katherine.

Driving and Parking

Self-Drive: If you’re taking your own vehicle, you can leave it at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre parking lot while you’re on the trail. Typically this is a safe place to leave your car.
Shuttles and Transfers: Some local tour operators offer transfer services from Katherine to the trailhead, so check with operators for shuttle options if you’re not driving.

Leaving from Edith Falls

Once you reach the end of the trail at Edith Falls, you’ll need a plan to get back to your starting point or onward to your next destination:

Edith Falls to Katherine (and Nitmiluk)

Shuttle Service: During peak season, there are shuttle operators that pick up hikers from Edith Falls and take them back to Nitmiluk Visitor Centre or Katherine town. Booking ahead is recommended, as these services are limited and spots can fill up quickly.
https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/gorge-experiences/gorge-tours/jatbula-trail-transfer/
Taxi or Ride Share: Taxis from Edith Falls to Katherine are an option, though they’re not always immediately available, and they can be a bit pricey due to the distance.

Back to Darwin

From Katherine: If you’re returning to Darwin, Greyhound and other bus services run from Katherine to Darwin daily, or you can rent a car in Katherine if you didn’t drive your own.

Thanks for reading guys!

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Tips for Hiking the Jatbula Trail

I don’t need to waste your time explaining how to prepare for a hike, but I will give you some tips on how to hike the Jatbula Trail in the Northern Territory.

1. Respect the Sun

Start Early: NT days heat up fast. Start your hike around sunrise to avoid the midday heat. Typically you only need to walk 3-5 hrs each day on the Jatbula Trail.
Wear a Hat and Sunglasses: The sun here is fierce, so a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses will keep you cool and protect you from UV exposure.
Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ every few hours, even if it’s cloudy. The sun can be relentless and burns are common.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water, Water, Water: Carry at least 3 liters of water per person per day. Jatbula is great, because you can fill up at every campsite. We carried 2x 1L waterbottle, 1x 2L waterbladder - to ensure we were adequately watered for each day of hiking.
Purification: We used purification tablets, but the water is exceptionally clean on the Jatbula Trail! You could probably drink a lot of the water unfiltered.
Electrolytes: The heat can make you sweat more than usual, so consider bringing electrolyte tablets or powder to mix into your water for better hydration.

3. Be Croc-Wise

Stay Out of Certain Waterways: All of Jatbula’s MAIN waterholes are safe to swim in. BUT if you walk off trail, or explore other waterhole, you cannot GUARANTEE they are safe!
DO NOT RISK YOUR LIFE, IF YOU’RE NOT 100% CERTAIN.

4. Gear Up Properly

Wear Hiking Boots or Good Runners: The Jatbula trail doesn’t require you to wear crazy hiking shoes, you can do this trail with good quality running shoes.
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Opt for long sleeves and lightweight pants or shorts to protect from the sun and keep cool. Quick-drying fabrics are a bonus!
Pack Light, Pack Right: Essentials like a first aid kit, insect repellent, a map, and a good headlamp should be on hand. Remember: weight adds up quickly in the NT’s hot climate.

5. Be Snake-Savvy

Stay on the Trail: Sticking to the trail reduces the chance of encountering snakes, as most tend to avoid well-worn paths.
Watch Your Step: If you see a snake, give it space and let it pass. Most bites happen when people try to interact with or move a snake.

6. Prepare for Limited Connectivity

Offline Navigation: Download trail maps or bring a GPS device as phone service is unavailable on the Jatbula.
Emergency Plan: Always let someone know your plans and expected return time, especially on long, multi-day hikes.

7. Camp Mindfully

Use Designated Campsites: There are amazing designated camp sites on the Jatbula, each campsite is first in best dressed, so I recommend you try and be the first to arrive at camp.
Pack In, Pack Out: Keep the trail beautiful by packing out all your rubbish. Leave no trace!

8. Watch Out for Wildlife

Respect the Territory’s Critters: NT has a variety of amazing wildlife, from wallabies to colorful birds. Don’t feed or disturb them, and store food securely at night. The crows on the trail have figured out how to open zips, so make sure you securely hide your food.
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be persistent, especially near water. Bring a good DEET-based repellent or natural alternatives.
Buffalo: The buffalo are probably the main risk on the Jatbula trail. Most buffalo will scare and run away from you. But some can become agressive. If you encounter an agressive buffalo, you need to ensure your safety as these things are extremely dangerous.

9. Expect the Unexpected Weather

Be Ready for Rain: Even in the dry season, sudden showers can happen. Bring a waterproof layer and store electronics and valuables in waterproof bags.
Mind the Humidity: NT’s humidity can make it feel even hotter, especially in the Top End. Take frequent breaks and listen to your body.

10. Respect Indigenous Culture

Stay on Marked Trails: Many areas are sacred to the Traditional Owners, so stick to designated paths and camping areas.
Learn and Acknowledge: Take the time to learn about the significance of the land. Some trails have cultural heritage information along the way—respect and appreciate it.

What to Expect on the Jatbula Trail

The places you will see on the Jatbula Trail, are AMAZING, you are lucky to be able to see these places.

Campsite 1: Biddlecomb Cascades.

This place is a natural wateflow area, where the water streams along rocks and creates mini-waterfalls. It is amazing to swim here!

*Biddlecomb Cascades is amazing for swimming in shallow clear water.*

Campsite 2: Crystal Falls.

Prepare yourself for the most beautiful river you have ever seen! Crystal clear and full of amazing wildlife. This was my favourite location by far.

Campsite 3: 17 Mile Falls.

This is the biggest waterfall on the hike, becareful because there are crocs at the bottom of the waterfall. If you bring a strong torch you can see their eyes.

Campsite 4: Sandy Camp.

You are on the edge of a huge billabong here, this feels like the proper Australian outback.

Campsite 5: Sweetwater Pools.

This area is made up of several large swimming pools, with fresh, beautiful cold water.

Check list for Jatbula Trail

This is a good place to start, to ensure you are well-prepared for the Jatbula Trail!

Trail Permit
Map/GPS Device (downloaded offline)
Identification & Emergency Contact Details
Hiking Boots (well-broken-in with ankle support)
Long-Sleeve Shirt (sun protection)
Quick-Dry Hiking Pants or Shorts
Moisture-Wicking Undergarments
Wide-Brim Hat (sun protection)
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Swimwear (for waterhole swims)
Warm Layer (fleece or light jacket)
Rain Jacket (lightweight and packable)
Socks (extra pairs to keep dry)
Water Bottles/Bladders (minimum 3L capacity)
Water Filtration System (filter or purification tablets)
High-Energy Snacks (nuts, trail mix, energy bars)
Meals (freeze-dried or lightweight options)
Electrolyte Tablets/Powder
Lightweight Tent (or bivvy)
Sleeping Bag (lightweight, warm-weather suitable)
Sleeping Mat (for comfort and insulation)
Compact Camp Stove (with fuel and lighter/matches)
Cooking Pot and Utensils (spork, lightweight pot)
Biodegradable Soap (for cleaning dishes)
Bear Bag or Food Storage (to keep food secure from wildlife)
Garbage Bags (pack it in, pack it out)
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic, blister pads)
Insect Repellent (mosquitoes)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and waterproof)
Emergency Whistle
Multitool or Pocket Knife
Duct Tape (small roll for gear repairs)
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Satellite Device (optional)
Toilet Paper & Trowel (for “leave no trace” bathroom breaks)
Personal Hygiene Items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable wipes)
Hand Sanitizer
Quick-Dry Towel
Camera or Phone (optional)
Battery Pack/Portable Charger (optional)
Lightweight Camp Chair or Sitting Pad (optional)
Small Journal and Pen (optional)
Deck of Cards or Compact Game (optional)
Bug Head Net (optional)
Check Weather Forecast for trail dates
Leave Your Itinerary with a friend or family member
Familiarize Yourself with Trail Guidelines and Cultural Respect Practices (for rock art and sacred sites)

Thanks for reading guys! I hope this helped you prepare for the Jatbula Trail.

-Luke

Hiking Jatbula Trail - Beginners Guide

General Information - Jatbula Trail

How to get Tickets for Jatbula