Best Swimming Holes in the Northern Territory

Beat the Territory heat at pristine natural swimming holes. From thundering waterfalls to crystal-clear rock pools, the NT offers some of Australia's most beautiful freshwater swimming spots surrounded by ancient landscapes.

50 swimming holes spots

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💧 Swimming Holes

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.

410km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

115km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

420km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

114km·Top End

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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.

292km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

122km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

57km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Graveside Gorge (Kakadu)

Graveside Gorge (Kakadu) 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.

250km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Seventeen Mile Falls

Remote waterfall and pool near Nitmiluk. Accessible via the Jatbula Trail or a separate day walk. Pristine and uncrowded.

259km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

250km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Waterfront Artificial Beach

Cool off at Waterfront Artificial Beach in the Darwin region. The NT's swimming holes are nature's infinity pools — spring-fed, crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. Check signage for croc safety. in Darwin.

1km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Nightcliff Foreshore

Local Darwin favourite for sunset walks. Rock pools at low tide, cycling paths, and food vans. Less touristy than Mindil Beach.

8km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Bundilla Beach

Bundilla Beach is a natural swimming spot in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, known for its multicultural food scene, stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea, and proximity to world-class national parks. Crystal-clear water, surrounded by monsoon forest or ancient rock — swimming in the Territory is an experience like nowhere else. Always check that the area is croc-monitored before swimming. in Darwin.

4km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Mica Beach

Cool off at Mica Beach in the Darwin region. The NT's swimming holes are nature's infinity pools — spring-fed, crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. Check signage for croc safety. just 8km from Darwin.

8km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach is a natural swimming spot in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, known for its multicultural food scene, stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea, and proximity to world-class national parks. Crystal-clear water, surrounded by monsoon forest or ancient rock — swimming in the Territory is an experience like nowhere else. Always check that the area is croc-monitored before swimming. in Darwin.

3km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

hot springs

Cool off at hot springs in the Top End region. The NT's swimming holes are nature's infinity pools — spring-fed, crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. Check signage for croc safety. 115km from Darwin (about 1h drive).

115km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs

Natural thermal springs in a palm-fringed setting. 37°C water year-round. Camping available. Less touristy than Mataranka.

162km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Casuarina Beach

Darwin's best beach — a stunning 9km stretch of golden sand backed by casuarina trees. Patrolled by surf lifesavers on weekends in dry season. Darwin Surf Life Saving Club is based here. Beautiful at any time, but don't swim outside patrolled hours — crocodiles and stingers are present. Voted one of Australia's top 10 beaches.

14km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon

A man-made wave pool at Darwin Waterfront generating waves up to 1.7m high. Safe swimming — no crocs, no stingers, lifeguards on duty. Adults $7, kids $5. Open year-round. Also features a free recreation lagoon for calm swimming. Perfect for families.

1km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Palmerston Water Park

Free public water park with a 14-metre high six-lane racer slide, shallow wading pool, and wet play area for young children. Open year-round. The best free kids attraction in Palmerston. Bring sunscreen and towels.

20km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Motor Car Falls

A beautiful twin waterfall in southern Kakadu accessed via the Yurmikmik walking tracks. Less visited than the big-name falls, offering a more intimate experience. The pool is surrounded by ancient sandstone. 7.5km return walk from the trailhead. Dry season only.

200km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Fannie Bay Beach

Sheltered beach in Darwin's inner suburbs, patrolled Monday to Wednesday 2-6pm during dry season (June-September). Close to the Museum & Art Gallery of NT. Good for kids due to calm waters. Spectacular sunsets. Croc and stinger nets installed seasonally.

4km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Jabiru Lake

Jabiru Lake 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.

250km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Tailor Made Falls

Litchfield's hidden waterfall. Requires a 4WD track and short bushwalk. Rewarded with a pristine pool and no crowds.

83km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Gunlom Falls

Kakadu's best-kept secret. The infinity pool at the top has arguably the best view in Australia — swim to the edge and look out over endless bushland.

201km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Waterfront Precinct Recreation Lagoon

Free safe swimming lagoon at Darwin Waterfront — no crocs, no stingers. Calm water perfect for kids. Open year-round. Adjacent to restaurants and Wave Lagoon.

1km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Wangi Falls Dry Season Plunge Pool

Wangi Falls is Litchfield's most popular swimming spot — a massive monsoon forest pool fed by a twin waterfall. Croc-monitored. Open dry season only (closes if crocs are detected). Cafe, changing rooms, and picnic areas. Free entry.

109km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre

Public swimming pool and leisure centre in Alice Springs. Olympic pool, toddler pool, water slides, and gym. Perfect for cooling down in the Red Centre heat. Adults $6. Open year-round.

1495km·Red Centre

💧 Swimming Holes

Mary Ann Dam Recreation Area

A dam 5km north of Tennant Creek popular for fishing, birdwatching, and picnics. Walking trail around the dam. The only significant body of water near Tennant Creek. Free entry. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk.

988km·Barkly

💧 Swimming Holes

Mataranka Pool Nature Park

The original Mataranka thermal pool — 34°C crystal clear water surrounded by towering Livistona palms. A magical swimming experience. This is the 'Never Never' pool from the famous novel.

420km·Gulf

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

310km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Bare Sand Island

Uninhabited island off Darwin's coast — pristine beaches, turtle nesting site (Oct-Feb), and incredible snorkelling. Day trips by charter boat. One of Darwin's best-kept secrets. No facilities — bring everything.

60km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Butterfly Gorge Swimming Hole

Butterfly Gorge Swimming Hole 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.

330km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

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.

312km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Sunset Beach

Cool off at Sunset Beach in the Darwin region. The NT's swimming holes are nature's infinity pools — spring-fed, crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. Check signage for croc safety. just 5km from Darwin.

5km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Brodie's Beach

Brodie's Beach is a natural swimming spot in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, known for its multicultural food scene, stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea, and proximity to world-class national parks. Crystal-clear water, surrounded by monsoon forest or ancient rock — swimming in the Territory is an experience like nowhere else. Always check that the area is croc-monitored before swimming. just 16km from Darwin.

16km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)

One of Kakadu's hidden gems — a monsoon forest-fringed plunge pool with waterfall, accessed by 4WD then a 1km walk. Far fewer visitors than Jim Jim. The pool is deep and surrounded by towering rock walls covered in ferns. Croc-monitored. Dry season only.

201km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Pee Wees Beach

Cool off at Pee Wees Beach in the Darwin region. The NT's swimming holes are nature's infinity pools — spring-fed, crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. Check signage for croc safety. just 6km from Darwin.

6km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Tully Inlet

Tully Inlet — swimming spot in Katherine, 913km from Darwin. The Red Centre's waterholes offer cool relief from the desert heat. Carry plenty of water.

913km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Tully-Massacre Inlet

Tully-Massacre Inlet — swimming spot in Katherine, 922km from Darwin. The Red Centre's waterholes offer cool relief from the desert heat. Carry plenty of water.

922km·Katherine

💧 Swimming Holes

Lake Alexander Beach

Lake Alexander Beach is a natural swimming spot in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, known for its multicultural food scene, stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea, and proximity to world-class national parks. Crystal-clear water, surrounded by monsoon forest or ancient rock — swimming in the Territory is an experience like nowhere else. Always check that the area is croc-monitored before swimming. just 6km from Darwin.

6km·Darwin

💧 Swimming Holes

Nightcliff Beach

Cool off at Nightcliff Beach in the Darwin region. The NT's swimming holes are nature's infinity pools — spring-fed, crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. Check signage for croc safety. just 9km from Darwin.

9km·Darwin