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 June 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
Gorge 8 to 13 (Nitmiluk)
The most remote section of the Nitmiluk gorge system — accessible only by multi-day kayak expedition. The upper gorges are pristine wilderness where freshwater crocodiles and rock wallabies are common. Camping on sandy beaches between gorges. One of the NT's great adventure experiences. Few visitors ever see Nitmiluk's upper gorges. The 3-day kayak journey to reach them is the NT's most complete gorge wilderness experience.
267km3h 20min
5
Second Gorge (Nitmiluk)
Second 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
6
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
7
Biddlecombe Cascades (Jatbula)
Biddlecombe Cascades (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
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
9
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
10
Fifth Gorge (Nitmiluk)
Fifth 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
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