Edith Falls, also known by its Jawoyn name Leliyn, is a must-visit destination in the Northern Territory. Located just 60 km north of Katherine and 290 km south of Darwin in Nitmiluk National Park, this picturesque spot offers a serene escape with cascading waterfalls, tranquil swimming holes, and convenient camping grounds. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Edith Falls or an overnight stay, this guide will give you tips to make sure your trip is stress-free.
This Edith Falls guide will help you figure out how to get there, when to visit, and what to see and do when you arrive. We’ve also included details on the best hiking spots and where to camp overnight to help make your trip to Edith Falls an epic NT adventure.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Nitmiluk? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Getting to Edith Falls
Edith Falls is easily accessible via Katherine, about a 50 km or 1-hour drive away. The drive through the park itself is a scenic journey, offering glimpses of the diverse landscape that make the Northern Territory so special.
Park Pass Required: Yes, a Parks Pass is required for visitors to Nitmiluk National Park. NT residents are exempt.
When to Visit Edith Falls
The best time to visit Edith Falls is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather in the Top End is at its most traveller-friendly, think warm, sunny days, cooler nights, and minimal humidity.
It’s the perfect climate for hiking, swimming, and kicking back by the water without breaking a sweat. Most importantly, access to walking tracks and swimming areas is typically open, giving you full access to everything Edith Falls has to offer.
However, even during the wet season, November to April, Nitmiluk National Park’s lush green scenery and flowing waterfalls offer photogenic landscapes, though some areas may be closed due to flooding.
Whether you visit in the dry or the wet, Edith Falls is a stunner year-round. Each season has its own rhythm, and no matter when you drop in, you’ll get a taste of what makes this corner of the Northern Territory so unforgettable.
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What to See and Do at Edith Falls
Swimming
One of the main attractions at Edith Falls is the opportunity to cool off in its refreshing natural pools. The main plunge pool, located a short walk from the car park, is a popular spot for a swim.
For a more secluded experience, take the Leliyn Trail to the upper pool, where you can enjoy a quieter swim. Remember, swimming conditions can change rapidly, especially during the wet season, so always check for safety updates before exploring.
Swimming Areas:
- Main Plunge Pool: A large, serene pool at the base of the falls, perfect for families and casual swimmers.
- Upper Pool: Accessible via a moderate hike, this smaller pool offers a more remote setting.
Safety Tips:
- Swim only in designated areas and read all warning signs.
- Be cautious of changing conditions, such as flash flooding or storms.
- Always supervise children around water, and consider using flotation devices for less experienced swimmers.
Walking and Hiking
Edith Falls is a hotspot for hikers, offering several trails that cater to different levels of experience. The most popular hike is the Leliyn Trail Loop, a 2.6km hike that provides stunning views of the falls and access to the upper pool. For those looking for a challenge, the Sweetwater Pool Walk is a 9km return trek that leads to a secluded swimming spot.
Leliyn Trail Loop:
- Distance: 2.6km
- Grade: Moderate
Sweetwater Pool Walk:
- Distance: 9km return
- Grade: Moderate
Edith Falls Camping
Edith Falls offers two main camping options. The main campground near the car park features shaded sites, flushing toilets, and showers, making it a comfortable base for exploring the park. For a more rugged experience, the Sweetwater Pool campsite offers a remote setting, accessible via an 8.6km walk.
Camping Tips:
- Main Campground: Ideal for families and those looking for convenience, with facilities like BBQs and picnic tables.
- Sweetwater Pool Campsite: A great option for hikers and those seeking solitude. Composting toilets are available, but you’ll need to bring all your supplies.
Booking: All campsites must be booked online in advance. No payments can be made at the park.
Facilities at Edith Falls
Edith Falls is well-equipped with facilities. Near the car park, you’ll find a kiosk offering cold and hot food, drinks, and basic supplies. There are also picnic tables, gas barbecues, and toilet and shower facilities available for use.
Key Facilities:
- Kiosk: Serving sandwiches, burgers, coffee, and more.
- BBQ Areas: Gas barbecues are available for public use.
- Toilets and Showers: Located near the car park and in the campground.
- Picnic Areas: Shaded lawns with plenty of space to relax.
Tours to Edith Falls
Katherine Gorge Cruise + Edith Falls from Darwin
📍Darwin, Nitmiluk NP, NT
⏰ 13.5 hours (approx.)
💰 From $329
Experience two of the Top End’s most iconic natural attractions in one unforgettable day on this full-day tour from Darwin. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs of Katherine Gorge, learn about the rich culture of the Jawoyn people, then cool off with a visit to Leliyn (Edith Falls), where you can enjoy a refreshing swim (season permitting) and take in the spectacular scenery of one of the Northern Territory’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Hot Springs OR Leliyn (Edith Falls) – 1 Day Tour – Departing Darwin
📍Darwin, Nitmiluk NP, NT
⏰ 12 hours (approx.)
💰 From $599
Discover the best of Nitmiluk National Park on this full-day adventure from Darwin, combining a scenic cruise through the spectacular Katherine Gorge with time to explore the park’s incredible landscapes. Depending on the season, you’ll either unwind in the crystal-clear Katherine Hot Springs or visit the beautiful Leliyn (Edith Falls), making this the perfect tour for travellers wanting to experience the Top End’s iconic gorges, swimming spots and Aboriginal culture in a single day.
Leliyn Falls and the Gorge Scenic Flight
📍Nitmiluk NP, NT
⏰ 50 minutes
💰 From $780
Take in the breathtaking scale of Nitmiluk National Park from the air on this unforgettable scenic helicopter flight. Soaring above the ancient sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge before continuing to the emerald pools of Leliyn (Edith Falls), you’ll enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of some of the Top End’s most iconic landscapes—an incredible experience that’s perfect for photographers and anyone wanting to see the region from a completely different perspective.
Katherine Gorge – Mataranka
📍Darwin, Katherine, Nitmiluk NP, NT
⏰ 15 hours
💰 From $1,700
Escape Darwin for a day and explore some of the Northern Territory’s most memorable natural attractions. This tour pairs a relaxing cruise through the dramatic waterways of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with free time to soak in the warm, crystal-clear waters of Mataranka Thermal Pool. It’s an ideal choice for travellers looking to experience ancient landscapes, native wildlife and one of the Top End’s most famous thermal springs, all in a single, easy-paced day.
If you’re exploring the Top End, Edith Falls is part of any itinerary that shouldn’t be missed. Located near Katherine, this stunning place offers something for everyone, whether you want to cool off in the main pool, walk to Sweetwater Pool, or spend time at the natural pool at the base surrounded by paperbark and pandanus. The area is great for bushwalking, with well marked trails that let you walk along the escarpment to incredible lookouts and swimming spots. During the Katherine hot season, it’s best to go early to beat the heat and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can also extend your visit with Edith Falls camping or stay nearby with your caravan, making it easy to explore more of the region, including Katherine Gorge. As always in the Top End, stay alert for crocodile safety advice and follow local signage. With falls most of the year, a beautiful pool of Edith Falls, and the chance to enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool, it’s easy to see why visitors return again and again.
*Cover photo by @partofmei
Have you explored Nitmiluk National Park? We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us enhance the visitor experience, so please take a moment to comment below and share your tips and recommendations.
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Nitmiluk National Park here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Nitmiluk National Park daily fix @nitmiluknationalpark
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
