When the temperatures rise in the Northern Territory, there's no better way to cool off than with a waterfall, swimming hole or refreshing dip in a natural waterhole.
From chasing seasonal waterfalls in the Top End to swimming beneath the red cliffs of Central Australia, the NT has plenty of places to escape the heat. And during Best Kept Season (September to April), seasonal rain brings flowing waterfalls, greener landscapes and some spectacular swimming spots.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Whether you're exploring Litchfield National Park, travelling through Kakadu or hitting the road in the West MacDonnell Ranges, there's plenty to discover along the way. We've included nearby walking tracks and campgrounds for each spot, making it easy to plan a swim, explore the surrounding area and find somewhere to stay on your road trip.
⚠️ Traveller Tip: Check park alerts and swimming conditions before setting off, as seasonal rainfall can affect access and lead to temporary closures, and always be crocwise.
Best Kept Season: Why visit when it's warmer?
From September to April, warmer weather and seasonal rain transform parts of the NT. Waterfalls flow, creeks fill and the Top End becomes a lush tropical landscape.
Further south, the Red Centre offers a different kind of escape, with refreshing waterholes tucked among rugged gorges and red desert scenery.
It's a chance to experience a different side of the Territory, with plenty of opportunities to swim, explore and get outdoors.
🌴 Top End: Waterfalls and tropical swimming holes
1. Southern Rockhole, Nitmiluk National Park
Chase a seasonal waterfall
The Southern Rockhole is a spectacular seasonal waterfall near Katherine.
It offers a great place to cool off on the Windolf Walk to Pats Lookout. September to April brings the water, which cascades over the escarpment into a beautiful swimming hole.
Reach the falls by boat or walking trail, depending on conditions.
Check access before visiting, as heavy rain can cause closures.
Where to camp: Nitmiluk Caravan Park & Campground | 650 m from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Travellers chasing seasonal waterfalls and unique experiences.
2. Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park
Take the plunge
Two walking tracks lead to the falls. The shortest route is the Florence Falls Track, which takes you to a lookout before descending 160 steps.
Alternatively, take the 1 km Shady Creek Walk that takes you through savanna woodland and monsoon forest, before continuing on to the waterfall.
Pair your visit with nearby Buley Rockhole for a full day of swimming and exploring.
Where to camp: Florence Falls Campground | 850 m from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Travellers looking for a rewarding swim without a long hike
⚠️ Open for the majority of September - April, however heavy rainfall may impact access and result in temporary closures.
3. Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
Find your own little swimming hole
Buley Rockhole is a series of natural pools and cascading rapids, with plenty of places to swim, relax and cool off as you explore Litchfield National Park.
It's an easy addition to a visit to Florence Falls and a great spot to spend a few hours enjoying the water.
Where to camp: Florence Falls Campground | 3.3 km from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Families, couples and travellers after a relaxed swim
⚠️ Open for the majority of September - April, however heavy rainfall may impact access and result in temporary closures.
4. Tjaetaba Falls, Litchfield National Park
Enjoy the views
Reached via a 2.7 km return grade 3 walking track from Greenant Creek, Tjaetaba Falls offers a shady walk through monsoon forest before beautiful views across Litchfield's tropical landscape.
The plunge pool at the bottom of the falls offers a great way to cool off.
Please be aware, Greenant Creek and the area below the Falls is a sacred site and there is no swimming here.
Where to camp: Sandy Creek Campsite | 11 km from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Walkers and nature lovers
⚠️ Open for the majority of September - April, however heavy rainfall may impact access and result in temporary closures.
5. Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon and Aqua Park
Cool off in the city
You don't have to leave Darwin to find somewhere to cool off. The Waterfront Wave Lagoon offers artificial waves and a fun place to swim, while the nearby Aqua Park has inflatable slides, climbing obstacles and plenty of activities.
With cafes and restaurants close by, it's an easy way to spend a day in the city.
Where to camp: Find a paid campground in Darwin
Ideal for: Families and visitors looking for a fun day out.
6. Edith Falls (Leliyn), Nitmiluk National Park
Swim among the rocks
Edith Falls, also known as Leliyn, is a beautiful collection of waterfalls and swimming pools surrounded by rocky outcrops and tropical greenery, located on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park.
The lower pool is easily accessible, while walking trails lead to the upper pools.
Where to camp: Leliyn Campground | 100 m from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Campers, families and travellers who enjoy hiking
⚠️ During September - October, the lower plunge pool may close, but the upper pool can remain open, depending on rainfall.
7. Robin Falls, near Adelaide River
Find a quieter waterfall
Around 115km south of Darwin, Robin Falls is a picturesque, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by bushland that is still somewhat off the radar of most people exploring the region.
A short but sometimes steep and slippery walk leads to the falls. Water flow varies throughout the year, with the falls particularly impressive after rain. Check conditions before visiting.
Where to camp: Robin Falls Rest Area | 2 km from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Road trippers looking for a quieter waterfall experience.
8. Motor Car Falls, Kakadu National Park
Take a walk to a secluded waterfall
Tucked away in Kakadu National Park, Motor Car Falls rewards adventurous walkers with a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole which is particularly stunning between October and April.
Getting there involves the challenging 7.5 km return Motor Car Falls Walk, which takes you over uneven, rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential. Access can be restricted during the wet season, so check park alerts before setting off.
Where to camp: Kambolgie Campground | 8.5 km from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Experienced walkers and adventurous travellers.
🏜️ Red Centre: Desert waterholes and spectacular gorges
9. Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges
Swim beneath the red cliffs
Located 135km west of Alice Springs, Ormiston Gorge is one of the West MacDonnell Ranges' most spectacular swimming spots. Its permanent waterhole sits beneath towering red cliffs, surrounded by river red gums.
Combine a swim with the Ormiston Pound Walk or explore the shorter walking tracks nearby. There's also a campground if you want to stay longer.
It’s also the trailhead for sections 9 and 10 of the 231km Larapinta Trail, making it an ideal resting spot for those taking on this iconic walk.
Where to camp: Ormiston Gorge | 230 m from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Road trippers, hikers and anyone exploring the West Macs.
10. Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell Ranges
Find a swimming hole in the desert
Surrounded by dramatic red cliffs, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a large, permanent waterhole and a popular stop on a West MacDonnell Ranges road trip.
It's an easy place to cool off (be prepared for surprisingly cold water, even during the warmer months), enjoy the scenery and take a break from the road.
The site also offers access to Sections 6 and 7 of the Larapinta Trail via the southern alignment.
Where to camp: Ellery Creek Campground | 150 m from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Families, campers and road trippers
11. Redbank Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges
Discover a secluded desert gorge
Redbank Gorge is a stunning refuge for many threatened plant and animal species and offers a more adventurous swimming experience to travellers, with a narrow waterhole tucked beneath towering red cliffs.
Get to the water via the 2 km return Redbank Gorge Walk, which takes you over rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential. The gorge is particularly impressive after rainfall, although access can be affected by changing conditions.
Where to camp: Woodlands Redbank Gorge Campground | 1.8 km from 🏊♂️
Ideal for: Adventurous travellers and experienced walkers.
🚐 Beyond the swim
The best swimming spots in the NT are often just the beginning of a bigger adventure. From hiking and camping to wildlife spotting and exploring local culture, there's plenty more to discover along the way.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Top End or exploring the waterholes of the Red Centre, Best Kept Season is a great time to experience a different side of the Territory.
Ready to explore? Discover our Northern Territory itineraries and start planning your next adventure with CamperMate.
