The trail features magnificent waterfalls tumbling from the high sandstone escarpment, these then feed into creeks surrounded by shady monsoon forests!

Duration

6 Days

Distance

62.3KM

About

The only Locally Owned and Operated Business guiding on the trail (for 30 Years)

Difficulty

Medium - most are challenged only by the climate

Itinerary

Day 1 – L,D, Camping – Transfer Darwin to Katherine:

7:00AM pick-up from Darwin. We stop for a leg stretch (and coffee) enroute. You will arrive in Katherine in time to take an optional boat cruise in the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge and browse through a local Aboriginal Art Gallery. Tonight we camp nearby Nitmiluk National Park at our basic ‘but private’ bush camp, providing dinner and time to make sure that all your equipment is in working order before heading out on the trail.

The Walk

Day 2 – L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 8.2kms. We leave our camp at 7 am approximately, where you will be transferred to Nitmiluk National Park and the 5 day walking trail, here you will catch a boat across to the mouth of the Seventeen Mile Creek where your trail begins.

Hiking into Northern Rock hole for Morning Tea allows time to adjust backpacks and hiking boots before they get too uncomfortable. Take a rest in the shade, drink some cool water and then continue onto camp at Biddlecombe Cascades where there will be time for a relaxing soak in some of the scenic and shaded rock pools.

Day 3 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 11.3kms. After starting early – always good to get going on sunup – we continue on our way to Edith Falls. Today we will see the first of our Rock Art paintings, sheltered by an amazing rock formation; we will spend Morning Tea, again resting our backs and feet before moving onto camp at Crystal Falls. Crystal Creek is a great place to get out and stretch the body in the huge waterhole right beside the camp.

Day 4 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 10.1kms. Another early start gets us to the Crystal Falls Lookout first thing for a sunrise, then we move onto the Amphitheatre for Morning Tea where we can leave our packs behind for 40 mins and descend into the cool monsoon forest to explore for more Rock Art, or maybe just sit in the shade and enjoy the serenity. Camp tonight is at the top of 17 Mile Falls, a walk to the bottom can be arranged, or you can just relax at the top of the falls in one of the cool and scenic pools.

Day 5 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 18kms. Setting off at sunrise will give us time to get to the Edith River Crossing for a late Morning Tea/Early Lunch. Again a great place to take off the backpack and let the feet relax for a while. After our break we arrive at camp for the evening, a place called Sandy Billabong. Here you can swim or spa, a great place for bird watching in the afternoon, and the pool provides amazing reflection shots as the afternoon sky changes colour.

Day 6 – B, L, Camping – Hiking approx 15kms. One more early start will get us through some long grass, across a couple of creeks and through a bog all in time to have lunch at Sweetwater Pool. This is another amazing place to have a rest and contemplate why we do what we do! After leaving here it is but a mere 5kms more to Edith Falls where we can take the scenic lookout walk back to the kiosk where a cold drink and an ice cream will be waiting for us. We will be picked up at 3:00PM and head back to Darwin, arriving at around 7:30PM, or for those returning to Katherine, you will be back in time to unpack and repack then return to your overnight accommodation where a warm shower and soft bed will be calling your name.

Where

Katherine Region. Katherine is 324 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory.

When? May to September. Tours operate during the ‘TOP END’ dry-season. The temperature ranges from 24 C to 39 C, but the nights from June to August can be cool, dropping to 5 degrees Celsius.

Tour Accommodation We are fully self-sustained while on the trail. While hiking we stop at designated camping sites.

The Meals

• Breakfasts consist of cereals/porridge/oatmeal
• Dinners are typical light weight meals cooked on a fuel stove
• Lunches are ‘sandwich’ or ‘wrap’ style (normally crisp breads)
• Tea, Coffee and Hot chocolate are available at camp

What to bring

We recommend that you pack lightly and limit the space required. A packing list will be provided for you. For your personal gear;

• We recommend a 65-75 litre backpack.
• Minimal clothing – you can rinse items out daily.
• A headlamp or torch (withspare batteries)
• Personal first aid kit.
• Hiking boots/shoes which are 'worn-in' and currently (and regularly) used