COSSACK BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Nine Days on the Jatbula Trail & Katherine River — Rock‑art Walks, River Kayaking and Nights Under the Stars
A combined 9‑day trek-and-kayak itinerary through Nitmiluk country that pairs five days on the Jatbula Trail with a multi‑day Katherine River paddle — this guide distils the route, logistics and what to pack.
Nine Days on the Jatbula Trail & Katherine River — Rock‑art Walks, River Kayaking and Nights Under the Stars.
This 9‑day Jatbula Trail & Katherine River Combination with Gecko Canoeing and Trekking threads together five days of bushwalking through the Seventeen Mile Valley and Nitmiluk National Park with a three‑day intimate kayak journey down the Katherine River, offering rock‑art sites, year‑round springs and remote camping beneath open skies.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seventeen Mile Valley and Nitmiluk’s Stone Country
The Jatbula Trail follows a traditional message‑stick route through the Seventeen Mile Valley, moving from river gorge to waterfalls and rock shelters where Aboriginal rock‑art punctuates the walk and monsoon forest cools the trail.
Five days of bushwalking, then kayaking the Katherine River
The itinerary pairs five days of structured hiking along fixed campsites on the Jatbula Trail with a downstream paddling section on the Katherine River that covers intimate river channels, small rapids and extensive bird and wildlife viewing.
Self‑sufficient remote camps and swag‑style sleeping
While on the trail the operation uses designated camping sites and light fuel stoves; on the river guests sleep on canvas bedrolls (swags) with dining tables, cooking gear and simple riverside comforts supplied by the operator.
What the day feels like
What the 9‑day combination feels like
The trip unfolds as a staged immersion: mornings on the trail start early with long hiking days that end at scenic rock pools and fixed campsites; after regrouping in Katherine the second phase shifts to a gentler tempo of paddling, swims, lunches on the riverbank and remote riverside camping, all supported by accredited guides and self‑sufficient equipment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and the practical limits to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 9‑day packaged tour that starts with a morning pickup from Darwin on Day 1 and includes five days walking followed by river paddling and remote camping.
Operator provides tents on the walk and a canvas bedroll (swag) on the river, self‑inflating mattress, sleeping bag, liner, pillow, torch, mosquito repellent, dining tables and cooking gear on the river, plus kayaks/canoes and PFDs.
Pack lightly: a 65–75 litre backpack is suggested (operator can provide), minimal clothing you can rinse daily, a headlamp/torch with spare batteries and a personal first‑aid kit; a detailed packing list is provided by the operator.
The program includes transfers between Darwin, Katherine and the trail/river; you will be met in Katherine for the kayaking section and transfers to/from Gecko premises are arranged as part of the tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for 9 days.
Where do I meet the group?
The tour operates from Katherine in the Northern Territory; Day 1 begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from Darwin and the kayaking section meets participants in Katherine the morning of Day 7.
What accommodation and meals are provided?
Meals include simple breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the trail and river; accommodation comprises one motel night, one private bush‑camp night, and six nights of remote bush‑camping or swag sleeping on the river with operator‑supplied bedding and camp cooking equipment.
Do I need paddling experience?
No prior paddling experience is required; guides are qualified and the trip uses stable sit‑on‑top kayaks and touring canoes suited to novices.
How large are the groups?
Group sizes are typically small, generally 2–8 participants, allowing selective campsite access and a low environmental impact.
Are personal flotation devices required?
Yes — personal flotation devices (PFDs) are provided and must be worn while on the river.