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 · Featured first, then closest to Darwin · Updated September 2026
1
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
2
Edith Falls (Leifin)
A stunning tiered waterfall and swimming complex in the southern section of Nitmiluk National Park, 42km north of Katherine. The main lower pool is croc-free and idyllic. An upper pool reached by a 2.6km walk through woodland is more secluded. One of the most consistently beautiful swimming spots in the NT. Edith Falls is the most accessible and picturesque swimming hole in Nitmiluk. The surrounding woodland camping area makes this a favourite NT overnight stop.
238km2h 59min
3
Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park
A little-known gorge 22km southwest of Pine Creek with shady rock pools for swimming, Aboriginal paintings, and ancient gold mine remnants from the 1870s. The walk follows the dry creek bed for 2km to reach the deepest gorge pools. Rarely visited and genuinely off-track. Umbrawarra Gorge combines three NT themes in one: gold rush history, Aboriginal culture, and a beautiful remote swimming gorge — all within easy reach of the Stuart Highway.
252km3h 9min
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
Nitmiluk Gorge 3 to 5
The more remote upper gorges of Nitmiluk — accessed by extended boat cruise, kayak, or walking over the rock bars between gorges. The upper gorges are narrower, quieter, and home to freshwater crocodiles sunbathing on rock ledges. Swimming is possible between gorge sections. The upper gorges of Nitmiluk — seen by relatively few visitors — are the most dramatic and atmospheric sections of the Katherine Gorge system.
271km3h 23min
6
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
7
Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk)
The NT's third-largest town (10,000 people). Gateway to Nitmiluk Gorge, Edith Falls, and the Victoria Highway west. Essential stop between Darwin and Alice Springs with all services.
312km3h 15min
8
Katherine Hot Springs
Natural thermal spring pools right in the town of Katherine. Crystal-clear 32°C water flowing through shaded parkland. Free, accessible, and a local favourite for cooling down.
314km3h 30minFree
9
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
10
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
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