The Northern Territory is the most surprising and magical place I’ve visited in Australia so far. I never planned on visiting the NT on my year Down Under, but I’m so glad I did! There is so much to see and do here – and if you time it right, there are some superb swim spots around the territory. If you’re after a dip, look no further – these are the best swim spots throughout the Top End in the NT!

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Top End?

It all depends on what you want to see and do. But for the best swimming opportunities and weather, I recommend going in the Dry season (May-October). I visited in September, at the very end of the Dry – the weather was hot, but nowhere near as uncomfortable and humid as it gets during the Wet season (November-April). It meant that swimming was refreshing and a great way to cool down. It also meant that swimming holes were still open – many close completely during the wet season. This is due to the increased risk of saltwater crocodiles, and also because the roads to some of the swim spots in remote areas will be impassable. If you’re going to the Top End to swim, I definitely recommend going in the Dry season!

How to Get Around the Top End

You really need your own car to get to these swimming holes in the Top End. Many are located in national parks, without any public transport connections. I definitely recommend a car with 4WD if you’re planning on going through Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. You need a 4WD to get to spots like Jim Jim Falls and Maguk – and these were some of the most incredible places, in my opinion! If you don’t have a vehicle, look into joining a tour. These are some of the best tours for swimming in the Top End!

Where to Go Swimming in the Top End

There’s nothing better than getting in the water and relaxing on a hot day in the NT. These are all the best swim spots in the Top End!

Mataranka Thermal Pool (Elsey National Park)

These hot springs are perfect for a relaxing soak – the warm water temperature is about 34˚C (93˚F). It’s a short walk from the car park to the pool. Be sure to walk along the boardwalk to Rainbow Spring (no swimming allowed), too! The area here isn’t huge, so it can feel busy.

Bitter Springs (Elsey National Park)

This was definitely one of my favorite hot springs in the NT! Bitter Springs is surrounded by rainforest, with a current going through the springs. Get in at one end, and float your way down to the exit point! I did this several times, walking back to the start point and getting in again! Bring a floatie or noodle to make it a relaxing ride down the springs. The water was crystal clear – a great spot to bring a snorkel, too.

Katherine Hot Springs

Katherine Hot Springs is located in Katherine itself. The springs are divided into a few sections: the first is the main plunge pool, and then there are several access points along the springs, and another large pool. You can swim down from the first plunge pool, all the way to the obvious end point. This can be a busy spot, but even with lots of other people around there will still be room somewhere in the water.

Butterfly Gorge, Katherine River (Nitmiluk National Park)

I spent my 31st birthday doing the 15km hike to Butterfly Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. It was the best way to spend my birthday! The hike is great, but I really loved getting to go for a dip in the Katherine River at the very far end of Butterfly Gorge. Be sure to check if the area is open/safe for swimming at the visitor center before you leave for the hike and get in the water.

Sweetwater Pool (Nitmiluk National Park)

This swim spot will take a bit of work to get to – it’s an 8.6km return hike through the bush from the car park. But it’s definitely worth it! The pool here is cool and refreshing, and massive. Soak underneath the little waterfalls, and walk out on the ledges to jump into the main pool. There were only two other groups of people when I was here, and it was so peaceful!

Leilyn/Edith Falls Plunge Pool (Nitmiluk National Park)

This is the most popular swim spot in this area of Nitmiluk National Park. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the car park to the access point of this massive plunge pool. The water is cold, but feels so good on a hot day! Bring a floatie here, so you can swim out and chill. You can also do a short hike up to the Upper Falls, where there are lots of pools for swimming.

Buley Rockhole – Rock Pools South (Litchfield National Park)

Buley Rockhole was extremely busy when I visited. It was so busy, I jumped in once and then got out and left! There just wasn’t enough room for everyone, even though there were lots of different levels and ledges. So I hiked back towards Florence Falls, and spent a wonderful afternoon at the rock pool just south of Buley. I loved jumping into the water here, and getting a back massage from the current of the waterfall! There wasn’t loads of room, but I shared the space with a family of five and we all had a great time.

Florence Falls Plunge Pool (Litchfield National Park)

This is a very popular swim spot – have you even been to Litchy if you haven’t swum here?! It does get busy, but the area is big, so there’s lots of space to spread out. The pool itself is huge, so even when it’s crowded, you’ll still find spots to chill away from others. Definitely bring a floatie here!

Tjaebata Falls (Litchfield National Park)

Avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path in Litchfield! Tjaebata Falls is accessed on a 20- to 25-minute hike through the bush, where there’s a viewing platform. There’s an infinity pool at the top of the waterfall – it’s on the small side, but you can swim here! This is a top pick if you’re wanting somewhere quiet to swim.

Wangi Falls Plunge Pool (Litchfield National Park)

I spent one of the best days of my NT trip here. The grassed space near the falls is on the small side if you’re not in the water, but people do lie out on the tarmac. I was here all day, swimming out to the waterfalls, drying off and reading my book, then going back in the water. Don’t miss this incredible swimming spot in the Top End!

Berry Springs

Berry Springs is located outside of Darwin, and is a popular day out for people in the city. The picnic area here is huge, and there are multiple areas with entry points into the water. You can swim between them all, or just float out in the main pool. Definitely bring a floatie here!

Darwin Waterfront

A lot of the beaches in Darwin aren’t safe for swimming because of crocodiles and/or stingers. But the artificial beach on the Darwin Waterfront is safe for swimming. They even have a saltwater swimming pool! If you want to swim in Darwin, this is your best option.

The Darwin Wave Lagoon is another option for swimming in Darwin. But they charge an admission fee – so if you want to swim for free, I’d recommend just going to the beach at the waterfront.

Jim Jim Falls (Kakadu National Park)

Jim Jim Falls is tough to get to. It’s a 55km drive on an unsealed, extremely corrugated road. The last 10km are on a 4WD track, that you need a high-clearance vehicle for. Once you get to the car park, it’s a 30-minute hike, that includes scrambling over huge boulders, to get to the pool. But it is SO worth it. Swimming here felt like the best reward ever! I loved lying out on the rocks and swimming to the far edge of the pool. If you’re visiting Kakadu and have a good 4WD, don’t miss Jim Jim Falls!

Maguk (Kakadu National Park)

I spent the best day swimming at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) in Kakadu. It’s “only” 10km on unsealed, corrugated roads to get to the car park. Then, it’s a short 15- to 20-minute walk to the water. While there isn’t much space to spread out and lie down, this place is amazing! Swim out to the waterfall, hang out on the ledges, and relax in one of the most beautiful places in Kakadu. Definitely bring your floatie here! There are also rock pools at the top of the waterfall you can apparently hike to, but I didn’t end up doing this.

Planning Your Trip to the Top End, Northern Territory

Most of these swim spots are located in national parks in the Northern Territory. You’ll need a Northern Territory parks pass. I bought mine online – a two-week pass cost $30. Residents of the Northern Territory are exempt from this. Note that Kakadu National Park is not included in the Northern Territory parks pass; a 7-day pass for Kakadu in Dry season costs $40. Again, NT residents are exempt.

You really do need a car to get around to these places in the Top End. If you’re visiting Litchfield and Kakadu, I really recommend getting a high-clearance 4WD – you’ll be able to see so much more in this part of the NT! Remember that you swim at your own risk. These swim spots may have been open and safe when I visited, but they aren’t always safe. If they are closed, it’s probably for a good reason. Buying a noodle or a floatie is a must for swimming in the NT! They’re cheap (a noodle was $2 at Kmart) and will give you a much more relaxing swim experience if that’s what you want.

The biggest airport in the Top End is Darwin airport. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. If you’re wanting to join a tour, check out the options below!

Where to Stay in the Top End

There are so many different accommodation options across the area! I was camping the entire time, and then stayed with a friend in Darwin (thanks Mark!). Below are the places I stayed on my trip through the Top End in Northern Territory.

• Jalmurak Campground (Elsey National Park), $15pppn book online in advance – lots of unpowered sites, suitable for 2WD, and with showers
• Buffalo Hill Bush Camp (near Katherine Gorge), $15pppn cash only – no shade, but a quiet spot with super-clean bathrooms
• Old Stuart Highway (near Edith Falls), free camp – lots of different areas to set up camp, close to the highway but next to no road noise
• Florence Falls Campground (Litchfield National Park), $15pppn book online in advance – easy access to Florence Falls, with showers and washing up area
• Wangi Falls Campground (Litchfield National Park), $15pppn book online in advance – super close to Wangi Falls, nice showers
• Gungurul Campground (Kakadu National Park), $6pppn cash on arrival – a few sites close to the main road, very convenient location but no showers

I also stayed at Merl and Djarradin (Muirella Park) Campgrounds in Kakadu National Park. Both of these campgrounds are $15pppn, and have showers. Jim Jim Falls and Maguk both have their own campgrounds.

If I’d have needed paid accommodation in Darwin, I’d have stayed at one of the hostels – probably MOM Darwin YHA! If you’re after different accommodation in Darwin, here are a few recommendations:

• Budget: Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel – hotel room or apartment accommodation, some with harbor views
• Mid-range: Cullen Bay Resorts – clean and comfy rooms, overlooking Cullen Bay Marina
• Mid-range: H on Smith Hotel Darwin – stylish and comfortable rooms, with an outdoor pool
• Luxury: Mindil Beach Casino Resort – plush resort with a private white-sand beach and a swim-up bar
• Luxury: Hilton Darwin – fabulous location by the waterfront, with all the facilities and amenities you might need
• Luxury: Darwin Lux Living – three-bedroom apartment in the heart of Darwin, with an indoor pool

You can search for more accommodation using the map below.

Booking.com

I loved my trip to the Northern Territory. It was such a magical place – it really gets under your skin, and stays with you. I spent every day swimming somewhere beautiful here, and enjoyed every single second. If you’re wanting to go swimming in the Top End, I hope this guide helps you plan your trip!

Have you gone swimming in the Top End? Which spot do you want to visit first?!

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