Karen and I walked into the Sweetwater Pool at Edith Falls after spending five superb days walking the Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory. This enjoyable walk links Katherine Gorge / Nitmiluk (and the Katherine River) with Leliyn / Edith Falls and is about 58km long. It really does showcase some of the best off-the-beaten track views of the amazing Arnhem escarpment and of the Nitmiluk National Park. Every day the walk ends at an idyllic campsite, usually on the banks of some crystal clear creek plunging over the escarpment. Apparently the walk follows a traditional Aboriginal walking trail and you can easily imagine generations of indigenous peoples walking this way. What really blew us away was just how incredible 17 Mile Falls were. These falls really do give Jim Jim and Twin Falls (in Kakadu) a run for their money.
Here is a bit of basic info on the walk which may help you out.
Firstly, the walk is in one direction only. That means you have to arrange transport back to Katherine from the end of the walk (at Edith Falls). Up until recently that meant calling a taxi, which was very expensive as Katherine is 60km away. However, as from the start of this season (2010) Dyson Bus Services have started running a small pickup service for about $50 per person.
Parks and Wildlife only allow 10 walkers to start the walk each day. This partly explains why the walk is booked solid for many months ahead. Definitely book early or you will miss out. Earlier in the season means more water in the creeks and rivers. Of course this also means it may be a bit hotter and the weather less predictable.
There are checkpoint books to sign along the way and most campsites have ECDs (Emergency Call Device) and nearby helipads. There is generally no 4WD access and this provides a very remote feel.
Yes there are crocodiles. The Parks won’t let you start the walk until all the big salties are removed (From the Katherine River and 17 Mile Creek). Of course the waterways still have plenty of freshwater crocs but as long as you don’t disturb them they will pretend you are not even there.
We were on the trail in the first week after it opened for the dry season. A late wet had delayed the opening by almost a month. This meant that the trail was still pretty overgrown and was pretty tricky to follow in places. The grass was so tall (2+ metres) it hid some of the markers which are attached to the trees. It was also very wet and boggy in places. Part of the price you pay to be early in the season I guess.
The standard of the trail is moderate. There are no real climbs to speak of although it is fairly rocky underfoot with a few shallow creek crossings.
I’ll provide the GPS of the walk when I get back to Melbourne.
Day 1: Katherine Gorge – Biddlecomb Cascade: 8.6km (officially 8 km), allow 3 to 4 hours.
Day 2: Biddlecomb Cascade – Crystal Falls: 11.1km (officially 10.5km), allow 4 to 5 hours.
Day 3: Crystal Falls – 17 Mile Falls: 10.1km (officially 9.5km), allow 4 hours.
Day 4: 17 Mile Falls – Sandy Camp Pool: 17.1km (officially 15.5km), allow 5 hours.
Day 5: Sandy Camp Pool to Edith Falls: 15.7km (officially 14.5km), allow 4 to 5 hours.
Nitmiluk National Park is situated just 30km northeast of Katherine.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=111844455214987702115.00048ab1457be0449f1ad&ll=-14.203817,132.334442&spn=0.266261,0.411301&z=11&output=embed&w=600&h=400]
Download this walk to view in Google Earth (.kmz)
Download this walk to view on your GPS (.gpx)
We will be walking the Jatbula trail in late August. So far, we haven’t been able to find any information about transport from the end of the trail back to Katherine, apart from the mention in this blog about Dysons running a service. We would appreciate any information on how to contact the people running that service.
At the Tourist Information Centre in Katherine we were given the following contact: Tracey Bell at Dyson Buses, ph 0419 923657. We had a car waiting for us at the end of the walk. I think it cost us about $100 for the 60km ride back to Katherine. Definitely much better than hitching!
Thanks Glen, this is really handy info. I can’t wait to get there now.
Oops! I mean thanks GLENN.
Just completed the Jatbula. Dyson now have a ‘scheduled’ bus which leaves at 4pm and will get you into Katherine for $30. If you’re lucky, the driver won’t ask you for the extra charge (we were told $15 extra) for the trip out to the Gorge (where our car was). But you have to book and pay in advance. If no one’s booked, the bus may not come out. Hope this helps.
Gecko Canoeing and Trekking now do regular transfers from Edith Falls. Usually 3PM each day, however 10PM can be also organised.
Cost is set at $49.50pp including drop-off at Nitmiluk Gorge. Group prices can be arranged and a special booking is possible for $160 for up to 4 people.
1800 634 319
Thanks for the info Glenn. I have downloaded your map and am looking forward to the walk in August. I now know that I have to book, so I’ll now get into gear and arrange dates etc.