Best Swimming Holes Near Katherine
The Katherine region offers some of the NT's most diverse swimming experiences — from thundering waterfalls to 34°C thermal lazy rivers. All within 2 hours of Katherine town.
10 locations · Updated April 2026
1
Mataranka Hot Springs
Crystal-clear 34°C thermal pools surrounded by towering palm forest in Elsey National Park. A surreal oasis in the outback. The springs flow at 30.5 million litres per day.
420km4h 30minFree
2
Edith Falls (Leliyn)
Stunning natural pool at the base of a waterfall surrounded by pandanus palms. The upper pool is reached via a scenic 2.6km walk through savanna woodland — both pools safe for swimming in dry season.
292km3h 10minFree
3
Bitter Springs
Natural lazy river — float through crystal-clear 34°C thermal water surrounded by palm forest. More peaceful and less crowded than nearby Mataranka. Bring a pool noodle and drift.
410km4h 20minFree
4
Third Gorge (Nitmiluk)
Third Gorge (Nitmiluk) is located in the Katherine region — gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. The Katherine region offers gorge cruises, canoeing, bushwalking, and some of the NT's best hidden swimming spots.
330km3h 30min
5
Top of Edith Falls Lookout
Top of Edith Falls Lookout is located in the Katherine region — gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. The Katherine region offers gorge cruises, canoeing, bushwalking, and some of the NT's best hidden swimming spots.
330km3h 30min
6
Upper Pool Edith Falls
Upper Pool Edith Falls is located in the Katherine region — gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. The Katherine region offers gorge cruises, canoeing, bushwalking, and some of the NT's best hidden swimming spots.
330km3h 30min
7
Sandy Camp Pool (Jatbula)
Sandy Camp Pool (Jatbula) is located in the Katherine region — gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. The Katherine region offers gorge cruises, canoeing, bushwalking, and some of the NT's best hidden swimming spots.
330km3h 30min
8
First Gorge (Nitmiluk)
First Gorge (Nitmiluk) is located in the Katherine region — gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. The Katherine region offers gorge cruises, canoeing, bushwalking, and some of the NT's best hidden swimming spots.
330km3h 30min
9
Fourth Gorge (Nitmiluk)
Fourth Gorge (Nitmiluk) is located in the Katherine region — gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. The Katherine region offers gorge cruises, canoeing, bushwalking, and some of the NT's best hidden swimming spots.
330km3h 30min
10
Big Horse Creek Swimming Hole
A peaceful swimming hole near Katherine, less visited than the gorge. Surrounded by paperbark trees and birdlife. Croc-monitored during dry season. Free. A local favourite.
310km3h 10min
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