Best Waterfalls in Top End, Northern Territory

Discover the best waterfalls in the Top Endregion of Australia's Northern Territory. Browse ratings, distances, and insider tips.

22 waterfalls

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💧 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

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

💧 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twin Falls

Two elegant waterfalls cascading over a sandstone escarpment into a sandy beach and swimming lagoon surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation. Reached via 4WD track plus a short boat shuttle and walk through a stunning gorge. The beach at the base is one of the most remote and beautiful in the NT. The gorge approach to Twin Falls — by boat through a narrow canyon — is one of the great NT experiences. The beach at the base is extraordinary for such a remote location.

238km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Pococks Beach

Cool off at Pococks Beach 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. 151km from Darwin (about 2h drive).

151km·Top End

💧 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

Sweetwater Pool

A long, deep swimming hole on the Jatbula Trail with calm turquoise water flanked by sandstone cliffs. One of the trail's overnight camping spots. The water is refreshingly cool even in the build-up. Accessible only on the multi-day Jatbula walk.

267km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Cascades Litchfield

Series of crystal pools connected by small waterfalls. Less visited than Florence or Wangi. Monsoon forest setting.

82km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek)

Beautiful falls accessible by 4WD and short walk. Remote setting away from the crowds. Plunge pool perfect for swimming.

82km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek Falls)

A remote waterfall and swimming hole reached via a 4WD-only track (Reynolds Track) and a 1.7km walk through seasonally flooded country. The falls cascade into a beautiful hidden pool flanked by sandstone walls. Far fewer visitors than the main Litchfield circuit. Croc-free and excellent for swimming. Tjaynera Falls is Litchfield's best-kept secret — equally beautiful to Wangi and Florence but rarely crowded due to 4WD access requirements.

81km·Top End

💧 Swimming Holes

Ŋalarrk (Lonely Beach)

Ŋalarrk (Lonely Beach) is a natural swimming spot in the lush tropical Top End, home to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, ancient wetlands, and some of Australia's most biodiverse landscapes. 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. 643km from Darwin.

643km·Top End

💧 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

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

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