10 Day Full Body Destress

The Jatbula Trail is an ancient ‘Song Line’ used by the Traditional Aboriginal people of the area to gain access into different parts of the land. It covers lowland river and creek country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts, higher escarpment country overlooking the Seventeen Mile Valley and beyond and pockets of moist paperbark forests where the temperature drops and you find yourself sitting in a cool comfortable environment.

You will hike between 10 to 17 kilometres per day, completely dependant of your campsite destinations, which can be reached between 12 pm and 2 pm each day. On arriving at camp you are free to relax, swim, read and enjoy the beauty of your surrounds. Each campsite has its own water source, from a small babbling spring fed creek to a 30 metre high waterfall. Each afternoon brings about a different pool or spa to sit back and relax in.

Each day will also present to you a new set of challenges, from river crossings to hill climbs (nothing too big mind), there will be flat open country on the top of the escarpment and boggy wet country along the creeks that we follow. Something new around every corner.

We will also be introduced to some of the aboriginal art along the trail. Some of the art is easier to get to than others. We will find small pockets alongside the trail, and other art is found by descending into cool moist canyons where the creek flowing through provides a pleasant break from the heat. (B, L, D)

Day 5 : You will be met by your driver and transferred in a 4WD vehicle back to your accommodation (60 kms approximately) for the evening/night (@ own expense). (B, L)

Days 6: Our friendly fully qualified & accredited guide will meet and
greet you at your accommodation between 7-7:30 am (0700-0730). You will then be transferred in a 4WD vehicle to Gecko premises, where you will pack your personal effects required for the tour into waterproof bags. You will be fitted with Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) a requirement, to be worn whilst on the river.
A safety brief and paddling instructions for kayaking and canoeing will be given before entering the water.
At a relaxing rate, there will be stops along the river for a morning break, lunch, swim and time to view the diverse river environment, bird and wildlife.
Approximately 4 pm (1600) you will step ashore for an overnight remote camping experience (no set campsites). There will be time to relax; fish or read all whilst your guide prepares the evening meal.
After a campfire meal, enjoyed with your favorite bottle of wine or spirit, sleep in a bed-roll (swag) under a blanket of stars. (L, D)

Day 7: Wake to a dawn chorus in the brisk morning air then, after a hearty cooked breakfast, we pack up camp and continue paddling westward viewing
this tropical savannah woodland region with its small sparkling rapids and sandy beaches. As we paddle further from immediate civilization, you feel the remoteness set in. The river continues to change from shady paperbark forests to lush pandanus channels. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Again after a great breakfast, continue downstream. Spend half a day looking at the Flora River Junction with its ‘tufa dams and amazing limestone formations. Swim in crystal clear water or relax in your own personal spa.
From here onwards you will start to experience the Daly River with its abundant wildlife and diverse plant life. (B, L, D)

Day 9: After breakfast you will experience more of the mighty Daly River. Camp this evening will be at the Fergusson River junction. Here you will enjoy undisturbed views from all angles. The Fergusson River is home to many birds, both big and small. (B, L, D)

Day 10: After your final morning’s breakfast, continue downstream to your pull-off point, where you will be transferred in a 4WD back to Gecko premises to collect your belongings. You will then be transferred to your
accommodation or bus terminal as per prior arrangements made. (B, L)