Best Waterfalls in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia's most dramatic waterfalls — thundering cascades plunging into crystal-clear plunge pools surrounded by ancient sandstone and monsoon forest. Here are the best, ranked by visitor ratings.
15 locations · Updated June 2026
1
Berry Springs Nature Park
Crystal-clear spring-fed pools shaded by monsoon forest. One of the few guaranteed croc-free swimming spots near Darwin. Three interconnected pools with varying depths — perfect for families.
57km50 minFree
2
Buley Rockhole
Series of cascading rock pools perfect for cooling off. Less dramatic than Florence Falls but arguably more fun — natural spa pools and water slides. Short walk from car park.
114km1h 48minFree
3
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
4
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
5
Wangi Falls
Litchfield's most popular swimming hole. Wide plunge pool beneath twin falls surrounded by monsoon forest. Walking tracks, picnic areas, and a camping ground nearby.
122km2hFree
6
Florence Falls
Twin-stream waterfall plunging into a deep, croc-free plunge pool surrounded by monsoon forest. 135 steps lead down to paradise. Litchfield's crown jewel.
115km1h 50minFree
7
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
8
Wagait Beach (Mandorah)
Beach community across the harbour from Darwin, accessible by the Mandorah ferry from Cullen Bay. Quiet beach, mangrove boardwalk, and a genuine escape from Darwin's pace. Check stinger season before swimming.
3km20 min ferry
9
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
10
Darwin Swimming Pool (Parap)
Darwin Swimming Pool (Parap) is located in Darwin's tropical setting — think markets at sunset, waterfront dining, and the kind of multicultural energy that makes the Top End capital unlike anywhere else in Australia. Easy to reach from Darwin, this is genuine Territory — ancient landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and the kind of experiences that change the way you see Australia. Check conditions before visiting, carry water, and respect the land.
3km5 min
11
Seventeen Mile Falls
Remote waterfall and pool near Nitmiluk. Accessible via the Jatbula Trail or a separate day walk. Pristine and uncrowded.
259km3h 14min
12
Gubara Pools Trailhead
Gubara Pools Trailhead is located within Kakadu National Park — Australia's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kakadu covers 20,000km² of wetlands, sandstone escarpments, and ancient Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000+ years. This specific site offers a unique perspective on the park's incredible natural and cultural heritage.
250km2h 45min
13
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
14
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
15
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
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