There is no such thing as an 'easy day' on this tour. There are a lot of ups and downs, quite a few times on uneven rocky and hard surfaces. There are also some sections that include rock hopping, creek crossings and navigating large boulders. However, the walk has been designed to make it achievable to those with a reasonable amount of fitness by the fact that you only carry a daypack.

The best way to prepare physically for the trip is to walk, walk and walk some more – preferably on rocky and uneven surfaces and lots of stair walking. Try to walk frequently. Even walking around your suburb will get you walk-fit. By the start of your tour, you should be able to comfortably walk 12km and try and do a few 20km walks on rough tracks, as well as be fairly comfortable with steep up and downhill sections.

The Operator knows that this type of preparation is difficult to fit into a busy schedule. If you don't have the time to do long walks, they recommend doing regular stair walking sessions. Walking small distances frequently helps a lot as well. For instance, walking 3-5km four times a week, and 8km once a week, is a great help. If you're doing short training sessions, make sure you get yourself puffed and sweaty. Otherwise, you won't benefit from your efforts. Another good way to get your glutes, hamstrings and quads well prepared is with regular lunges and squats. Then, as you get closer to the walk, take it up a notch and do jumping squats. And start walking in the shoes you will wear on the walk now and come prepared for hot weather!

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

• Day-pack with a thick waist strap to help take some weight off your shoulders. In wet weather, a waterproof cover or a bin bag to wrap your belongings in can be handy

• Shorts/long pants and shirts for walking - as many sets as you wish! Quick-dry material is best, especially for trousers. Don't wear jeans walking.

• Socks - whichever thickness you're comfortable walking in and as many pairs as you like (thick explorer socks can get quite hot)

• Boots/shoes for walking (make sure you wear them in well - see note on footwear below)

• Windcheater or lightweight jumper for walking

• Waterproof jacket

• Sun protection - hat (secure fitting and/or with chin strap), sun cream, sunglasses

• Casual clothes for evenings and rest days

• Bathers and swimming towel (lightweight, so you can easily carry them)

• Torch/headlamp (can be handy when twin sharing for getting up at night)

• Any preferred first aid supplies - such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide will carry a full first-aid kit)

• Water bottle/s or camelback - minimum 4-litre capacity (may need to bring extra bottles to supplement water bladder)

• A lunch container and Beeswax wrap (with ice brick to keep lunch cool, useful in preventing your roll from getting squished in your backpack). Otherwise, Glad wrap and foil will be provided.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Fly net (especially for walks in warmer weather)

• Cooling towel (they work a treat to keep you cool on really hot days)

• Camera and charger/batteries

• Gaiters for snake bite protection are recommended unless you are wearing long pants and long socks. They're also good for keeping sand out of your shoes.

• Snacks and alcohol - there will be time to purchase more during the week if you need to. Some people like to have some muesli bars, nuts, lollies etc

• Walking poles (good for using on some rocky sections if your balance is not good)

SPECIALIST GEAR FOR THIS WALK

Walking boots – waterproof walking boots/shoes with full ankle support are recommended for this walk. Make sure your footwear is well worn-in and comfortable. The Operator also recommends hiking socks – they minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

All meals are included and are a combination of a la carte dinners, home-cooked meals, healthy packed lunches and some buffet breakfasts. You will be provided with three meals each day, plus morning tea and snacks are included in the price of your tour (unless otherwise specified - see tour itinerary for details). If you have any special dietary requirements, please let The Operator know when you book; they are happy to adapt the tasty, nutritious meals to suit a variety of dietary needs.

DRINKS

There will be shops along the way to purchase alcohol; however, the towns are small and may have quite a limited selection. Jabiru is a dry community, so there will be no opportunity to buy alcohol at a liquor store while you are there. It is recommended to stock up in Darwin before the trip for the three nights in Jabiru. However, the restaurants in Jabiru are licensed, so you can have a drink on the nights you eat out (2 out of 3). In Katherine, your guide can plan to stop at the shops if needed, but the restaurant at Knotts Crossing is also fully licensed.

June, July and August is the best time in the Top End. River crossings and some trails all depend on the wet season and how much rain the area received. Usually, by mid-June, most roads and tracks should be open again. The chance of getting rain in this period is minimal, but always come prepared. The days will generally be around 30-32C, and humidity is usually quite low, but there is always a chance it can be humid.

Drinking enough water is paramount to feeling well, and you will need to ensure you bring enough water bottles with at least 4L capacity. Drinking 3-5l of water a day is absolutely normal in the Top End. On some of the longer walking days and when you walk in peak heat in the afternoon as well as up on the plateaus in the stone country, temperatures of around 36-38 are to be expected. Come well prepared for the hot weather. At this time of the year, the nights generally cool down and can be anywhere between 18-22C.

In Australia, while appreciated, tipping can be the exception rather than the norm. As a guide, tipping is appropriate though not required in a restaurant for a meal (10-15% as a general rule). In a taxi, a cafe or a bar, rounding up is acceptable.

You can consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, AUD2-5 per person per day can be used as a guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.