In July this year, ten women successfully hiked The Jatbula Trail in the Northern Territory.
It was the culmination of 6 months of training and planning – all part of the My First Full Pack Hike Training Program, by Women’s Fitness Adventures.
Our CREW met in Darwin, brimming with excitement and nervous anticipation. After six months of rigorous training and preparation, we were finally putting everything into action.
From Darwin, we travelled to Katherine where we boarded a boat for the Katherine Gorge Tour—a breathtaking introduction to the splendour and cultural richness of the area. It was here that we first encountered the Indigenous stories that would deepen our connection to the land of the Jawoyn people, whose ‘song line’ trail we would follow, along the Jatbula Trail.
Arriving at our base camp in the late afternoon, we gathered our equipment, practised pitching our tents, and meticulously packed our backpacks with essentials for the week ahead. As the sun set, we enjoyed a delightful BBQ under the starlit sky, eagerly discussing the adventures that awaited us. Early to bed, we prepared for the challenges of the coming days.
The next morning, after packing our gear and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we loaded onto the bus with our backpacks and set off. A boat ride across the river marked the beginning of our journey into isolation—our phones switched off until our journey’s end.
Throughout the week, a routine took shape: early mornings, breakfast, breaking camp, and setting out well before the midday heat was above. We hiked until lunchtime, then set up camp, cooled off in waterholes and rock pools, and enjoyed dinners with scenic views. Each day brought new experiences—encounters with wildlife, views of Indigenous art, and newfound confidence in crossing rivers.
Afternoons were spent peacefully exploring waterways, waterfalls, and rocky terrain, often accompanied by laughter as our local guide led us to the best spots. Evenings were for enjoying sunsets together, reflecting on the day’s highlights under the changing skies, and returning to camp with head torches ablaze. One memorable night, we lay on warm rocks, listening to stories and marvelling at the vastness of the starlit sky, feeling deeply connected to nature.
As the sun rose, we relished the warmth and reached Sweetwater, our last waterhole, where we took a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Before we knew it, we had completed our 60-kilometre hike with jubilation and some sadness that it was over.
As we walked away from the trail and crossed our first road, the kiosk was a welcome sight. We celebrated our achievement with cold drinks and hamburgers, revelling in shared stories and newfound friendships. This journey has changed us, instilling self-belief and camaraderie. We explored, learned, and laughed together, sharing a trail that holds profound meaning for each of us. 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jawoyn people for allowing us to experience the beauty of the Jatbula Trail—a unique corner of the Arnhem Land escarpment in the Northern Territory.
To the incredible crew of women who embarked on this journey together: Congratulations on your remarkable accomplishment – fabulous team achievement!
