Jatbula Challenge Supporting Mental Health Research

Trekking between waterfalls and swimming holes along the edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment in support of vital mental health research

Challenge Highlights

  • Support the vital work of Australian Rotary Health in funding life-changing mental health research for young Australians and children
  • Wilderness walking in one of the Top End's best-kept secrets
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the local Indigenous culture with visits to ancient rock art sites
  • Explore the exceptional Arnhem Land Escarpment and Stone Country
  • View magnificent waterfalls tumbling from the high sandstone escarpment
  • Spend evenings under the stars at wilderness campsites
  • Take refreshing dips in the many fresh waterholes along the trail
  • Experience an unforgettable cultural cruise that immerses you in breathtaking scenery, rich Dreamtime stories, and authentic cultural experiences.

Overview

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 Trail in Nitmiluk National Park features magnificent waterfalls tumbling from high quartzite cliffs, shady monsoon forests lining the creeks, and stunning Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art adorning caves and overhangs.

Often described as the tropical equivalent of Tasmania’s Overland Track, this full pack-carrying bushwalk traverses the heart of one of Australia’s most unique and spiritual landscapes. You’ll trek during the cooler months for the best conditions and enjoy abundant opportunities for swimming and relaxing in crystal-clear, croc-free waters along the way.

By taking part in this unforgettable journey, you’ll also be walking in support of Australian Rotary Health and their life-changing work funding mental health research — particularly for children and young people across Australia.

Challenge Grade

This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace in remote locations. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You must be capable of walking over rough ground while carring a full pack (approx 15-17kg). You need to be prepared for walking in hot daytime temperatures (in winter temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius). Each day will also present to you a new set of challenges, from river crossings to hill climbs, there will be flat open country on the top of the escarpment and boggy wet country along the creeks that we follow. Previous multi day walking experience is preferred.

Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (up to 17kg). You should walk regularly with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best preparation for your trek is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

Itinerary

Welcome to the Top End! After all the preparation and fundraising, your adventure begins. Make your way to the Argus Hotel in Darwin for your overnight twin-share accommodation (breakfast included). At 3pm this afternoon, you'll attend a compulsory pre-trip briefing with your guides. They’ll run through the itinerary, check your gear, distribute any hire equipment, and go over safety, environmental guidelines, and what to expect on the trail. This is also when you'll do final bag packing and confirm pickup details for the following morning. Dinner is at your own expense.

Meals:  Nil

We will pick you up from your Darwin accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 am, before heading south on the Stuart Highway to Katherine. Upon arriving in Katherine, an iconic top-end town, we will enjoy lunch before transferring to Nitmiluk Gorge. Here, the Jawoyn people will welcome us, and we'll embark on an afternoon cruise through the gorge, guided by cultural experts who will share insights into local flora, fauna, dreamtime stories, and Jawoyn culture. Afterward, we'll head to our nearby accommodation for a hearty welcome dinner. Driving time: approx 4 hours. *You will need to arrive in Darwin the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  B,L,D

The starting point of our walk is at Katherine Gorge. We cross the Katherine River in the morning 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. Meanwhile, your professional wilderness guides will be preparing a nutritious and delicious dinner. Walking distance: 8km (approx 4hrs)

Meals:  B,L,D

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)

Meals:  B,L,D

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)

Meals:  B,L,D

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)

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day with an invigorating swim, setting the stage for our trek to Sweetwater Pool for lunch. Walking beside the Edith River, with its billabongs and waterholes, offers a chance to spot elusive wildlife like turtles, Brolgas, and Water Monitors. After a refreshing swim and a delicious lunch prepared by your guides, we continue our trek along the river to Leliyn (Edith Falls), where we can enjoy one last swim before we board the awaiting bus and transfer back to Darwin. We aim to drop you back at your accommodation between 5-6pm. This evening your group may like to meet at one of Darwin's great eateries for a celebratory dinner! Walking distance: 15.5km (approx 6hrs) | Driving time: approx 4hrs

Meals:  B,L

What's Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • 1 night Darwin hotel
  • Professional wilderness guides (2 guides)
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • All group camping equipment including mozzie dome tent, stoves, cooking and eating utensils
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport from Darwin
  • Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise

What's Not Included

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Darwin after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance

What You Carry

  • The Jatbula Trail is a full pack unsupported trek. You will need to carry all your own personal equipment. This includes your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, plus a small proportion of the group food. On average this works out to be 15-17kgs. Your guides will conduct a gear check to ensure you are not carrying too little or too much!

Australia Challenge Reviews

Travel Dates

Videos

Discover the Jatbula Trail, one of the Top End's best kept secrets

Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
Duration:7 Days
Activities:Trekking with a Full Pack
Grade:Moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:ARH