11 Aug 2022
Finding well-signed and croc-free places to swim is vital when you're planning a holiday to the NT.
While cascading waterfalls and dramatic red gorges aren't hard to find, you need to be sure they are safe to swim in before you dive in.
Luckily, the Northern Territory has tonnes of beautiful croc-free swimming holes that are easy to enjoy. Not only are they a great way to cool off, they are one of the most popular family-friendly things to do in the NT.
Not sure where to find them? This guide has a list of the best with nearby accommodation in the Northern Territory.
Swimming Hole Safety Tips
Most swimming holes in Australia that aren't safe to swim in will have a visible sign telling you to enter at your own risk or advising against swimming at all. If there is no sign, it is likely safe to swim, but always do so at your own discretion and always refer to the NT government's list of places you can swim.
As a rule, freshwater crocs are sometimes present but are are nowhere near as dangerous to humans as the more aggressive salties. Some pools are also not safe during the wet season when flash floods can occur or for other signposted reasons, and where this is the case they may be marked as closed for the season.
1. Berry Springs Nature Park in Darwin
Every self-respecting Australian has to visit the 'Top End' at least once in their lifetime. Temperatures hover around 30°C year-round and it's close to some of the best swimming holes in the world.
Berry Springs Nature Park is one of them around 50km south of Darwin (about a 40- to 50-minute drive), making it perfect for an enjoyable day trip!
There are several pools in the park, and both the main pool and lower pool are open throughout the dry season. Enjoy relaxing in huge turquoise pools surrounded by pristine vegetation. You don't need to worry about crowds here either because there's plenty of room for everyone at Berry Springs.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR BERRY SPRINGS NATURE PARK
Discovery Parks - Darwin is only a 35-minute drive from Berry Springs Nature Park.
2. Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park
The Northern Territory might have around 80 National Parks and reserves, but Litchfield National Park is one of the best. An ancient land at around 1,500 square kilometeres in size, the park carries cultural significance to several traditional Aboriginal groups of the region.
It's also home to some of the most picturesque swimming holes in the Northern Territory. Wangi Falls is towards the north end of the park which means it's the closest to Darwin at around 120km southwest or an 85-minute drive.
Because the pool is so accessible, it's one of the more popular swimming holes in Litchfield. The high gorges surrounding the pool mean it's in shade for most of the day and the stunning waterfall provides a beautiful backdrop to any swim.
READ ALSO: 8 Reasons to Visit the Top End
That said, the waterfall itself means that Wangi Falls is forced to close during the wet season that runs from October to March. Currents from the waterfall become too strong and can quickly become dangerous. On the flip side, this means that lush rainforest surrounds this swimming hole year-round.
3. Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park
Not satisfied with one stunning waterfall and swimming hole in Litchfield National Park?
Florence Falls is just a10-minute drive from Wangi Falls. You could visit both of these spectacular waterholes in one epic day trip from Discovery Parks - Darwin.
This swimming hole is much more secluded and rockier than Wangi Falls, but will make you feel like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem. The plunge pool is at the halfway point of Litchfield National Park's gorge rim walk and Florence Falls makes for an ideal rest stop before continuing your trek.
4. Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park
Further south from Darwin is the Katherine region of the Northern Territory.
Nitmiluk National Park is the nearby home of the Jawoyn people, around 30km northeast of Katherine and featuring about 13 impressive sandstone gorges.
Edith Falls (also known as Leliyn) cascades into two natural pools that are both perfect for swimming. The width and low height of these falls mean you can sit inside the waterfall and enjoy the sensation of water flowing around you.
The Upper Pool is at the halfway point of the 2.6km Leliyn Trail and is one of the best family-friendly things to do in the Northern Territory. Bonus: the hike isn't too strenuous, and the plunge pool is ideal for children!
The other pool, Sweetwater Pool, is at the end of the longer 9km trail loop. For this reason, it can be a much more tranquil and undisturbed pool with beautiful reflections of the nearby rocky gorges.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK
Discovery Parks - Katherine is less than a 50-minute drive from Edith Falls.
5. Southern Rockhole in Nitmiluk National Park
If you love swimming holes, you want to choose accommodation that is close to the best.
Discovery Parks - Katherine is only 24km and an 18-minute drive from Southern Rockhole in Nitmiluk National Park. This means that by staying with us means you could visit one of the best swimming holes in the country on every day of your trip.
Sometimes to experience true beauty in the bush, you need to be prepared to work for it. Southern Rockhole is a 4km walk from the park's car park, but the extra effort will be worth every step once you’re standing in front of a double cascading waterfall that plunges into a turquoise lagoon surrounded by ancient red rocks.
6. Mataranka Thermal Pool and Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park
Approximately 120km and a 75-minute drive southeast of Katherine is Elsey National Park. This area is unique in that it's home to several hot springs, among them the Mataranka Thermal Pool and Bitter Springs.
Consistently warm at around 34°C all year round, unlike many other swimming holes in the NT, Matarka stays open throughout the wet season -unless there is extreme flooding.
Surrounded by palm trees and with a sandy bottom, these pools couldn't be more relaxing, making them the ideal place to visit on any winter break.
7. Ormiston Gorge in West MacDonnell Ranges
Conitnue further south in the Northern Territory and you'll find yourself in the heart of the Red Centre. At around 135km west of Alice Springs and boasting beautiful jagged red cliffs, Ormiston Gorge is practically a permanent waterhole that swimmers can enjoy year-round.
There are also plenty of walks in the West MacDonnell Ranges which are surrounded by native Australian plant life that simply doesn't exist in other parts of the country. And, while the water isn't as clear as other swimming holes, these natural pools are perfect for a family splash about.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR ORMISTON GORGE
Discovery Parks - Glen Helen is only 30km and a 20-minute drive from Ormiston Gorge.
8. Glen Helen Gorge in West MacDonnell Ranges
It’s easy to combine a day of swimming in Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge as they are right across the road from each other. The Finke River cuts through the mountains to create a huge, sprawling swimming hole.
The pristine water and flora at Glen Helen Gorge work to nourish the local migratory birdlife. From the pools, you can enjoy phenomenal views of Mount Zeil and Mount Sonder. The latter is one of the highest points in Central Australia.
READ ALSO: Top Tips for Hiking the Larapinta Trail
Although you won't have far to walk from the car park to the gorge to enjoy a dip, why not bookend your swim by hiking 8.9km of the Larapinta Trail or the 4.5km walk from Discovery Parks - Glen Helen.
9. Ellery Creek Big Hole in West MacDonnell Ranges
A 40 minute drive east from Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge is Ellery Creek Big Hole. Located in the heart of the West MacDonnell National Park also known as Tjoritja, this swimming hole is a 90km drive west of Alice Springs.
As one of the best swimming holes in the Northern Territory and especially popular with families, it’s sandy creek bottom will make you feel like you're paddling on the beach in the middle of Australia’s Red Centre!
Dive into the Best Swimming Holes in the Northern Territory
Finding the best swimming holes in the Northern Territory is one of the most family-friendly activities you can do in the Northern Territory. Everyone can enjoy a dip after a hot hike in any of these 9 serene swimming spots surrounded by incredible nature.
Enjoy back-to-nature accommodation in the Northern Territory without compromising on comfort when you stay with Discovery Parks. We have a huge range of NT accommodation options from Darwin to Katherine and Alice Springs to Kings Canyon.
Choose from cosy deluxe cabins, standard rooms and fully-powered camping and caravan sites with every amenity and convenience you could ask for. Rediscover nature made comfy with us!
