Busting the myths about booking the Jatbula Trail
Excitement surrounded the release of bookings for the Jatbula Trail on February 4 2025, via the Online Booking System.
With a total capacity of 1,830 walkers allowed to depart for each season from June to September, anticipation was high. In order to allow for a unique and special experience for walkers and avoid overcrowding on the trail the numbers of spots available are limited to 15 departures per day. Prior to the general release, 468 spots were pre-allocated for travellers walking as part of a tour group, leaving 1,362 spots available for independent travellers on opening day. Some hikers select to walk solo or in their own groups, others prefer going on fully guided tours in particular if they are not very confident in navigating multi day walks.
The demand for these coveted spots was evident as soon as the booking system went live at 9am ACST.
A staggering 2300 new and returning visitors attempted to secure their place on the trail via the website, showcasing the trail's popularity.
As the season unfolds, those fortunate enough to secure a spot on the Jatbula Trail can anticipate an unforgettable journey through both stunning natural landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the Jawoyn people.
The Jatbula Trail, spanning 62 kilometres one-way, offers a captivating trek from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn, more commonly known as Edith Falls. This immersive journey traverses the rugged terrain along the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment, guiding hikers through a diverse tapestry of landscapes, including sandstone plateaus, woodlands, open forests, monsoon forests, and riverine vistas.
What makes the Jatbula Trail truly special is its historical significance. Hikers have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of generations of Jawoyn people, who traditionally traversed parts of this trail for various purposes. The trail itself pays homage to Peter Jatbula, a prominent Jawoyn Traditional Owner whose efforts were pivotal in securing land rights for his people.
Below are some questions we have received and we want to help people with some answers to their queries.
Q and A
The spots are booked out by tour operators and not enough left for independent travellers
There are currently three tour operators only approved by the jointly managed Nitmiluk National Park Board to conduct guided walks on the Jatbula Trail. Out of the total 1830 spots available throughout the season, only 468 spots are pre-booked by the tour operators, on set days, prior to the release on the online booking system. Each of the three operators only gets one day per week during June, July and August allocated with a maximum of 12 spots that day, which still leaves 3 spots available for independent travellers on these days. None of the tour operators are allowed to operate during all of September.
This leaves a total of 1,362 places available for the independent traveller.
As the tour operator spots are pre-booked, they are not competing with the general public to book on the Jatbula Trail release date.
If the tour operator is unable to fulfill their allocated spots they are released back into the online booking system for the general public to book.
It sells out too quickly and there needs to be a lottery/ballot system
The Department has considered other systems of allocation, including lottery/ballot systems, and determined that the manual administration required of the customer service team, far outweighed any improved visitor experience, which would still result in disappointed customers.
There needs to be a waitlist for any cancellations
At this stage a waitlist cannot be implemented by Parks as the management of a waitlist and fairness would be a huge administrative undertaking. As it is a live system, customers that miss out when bookings initially open may subsequently be able to secure a spot if another customer cancels their booking as it will be immediately released back into the system. It is recommended to periodically check back on the site for any cancellations.
There are not enough spots and you should make more available
The trail accommodates 15 walkers each day. This maximum limit of people for daily departures is stipulated by the jointly managed Nitmiluk National Park Board to safely accommodate the provision of a unique experience, allow walkers to immerse themselves into the landscape, preserve cultural and heritage values and reduce the impact of humans on the natural environment as the season is relatively short with only 4 months as the peak season.
Will spots become available after the ‘go live booking date
While spots are booked out, keep an eye on the website for cancellations and bust some of the myths associated with booking this very popular trail.
