Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park: Is it safe to swim?
It’s safe to swim at Buley Rockhole in Litchfield National Park. There are no crocodiles, but be aware of the uneven, rocky floor in the pools.
Buley Rockhole is one of the most popular – and most photogenic – swimming spots in the Northern Territory’s Top End.
Inside Litchfield National Park, Buley Rockhole is not just one pool but a series of them. These small pools are on Florence Creek, as it tumbles upstream from the more famous Florence Falls.
Swimming at Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
Don’t expect a big swim here, however – most of the Buley Rockhole pools aren’t really big enough for more than a leisurely doggy paddle. These pools are better for lounging around in than breaking out the front crawl.
There’s an all-natural feel to the Buley Rockhole pools. There’s no concrete, no carving out, no helpful steps. They’re just as nature created them, so you have to walk over the rocks to get into the pools. And it’s uneven underfoot once you’re in.
Six amazing day trips from Darwin that will improve your visit
- Litchfield National Park day tour – including jumping crocodile cruise. (💲 Great value 💲)
- Tiwi Islands Indigenous cultural experience including ferry.
- One day or four day Kakadu National Park tour.
- Kakadu scenic flight – with gorges, waterfalls and epic floodplains. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Full day Katherine day tour – including Katherine Gorge cruise.
- Arnhem Land full day tour – with ancient rock art.
Buley Rockhole on a day tour from Darwin
Where Buley Rockhole comes into its element is towards the end of a day touring Litchfield National Park. It makes a fantastic final stop on a day tour from Darwin, when the temperatures have risen and everyone’s sweaty from the walks.
Buley Rockhole is open most of the year – it’s only closed off if most of Litchfield National Park is closed off for safety. Check the NT Parks information service if it looks borderline.
Are there crocodiles at Buley Rockhole?
There are no crocodiles in Buley Rockhole – it’s too high up the escarpment for them to reach. The water’s also too fast-flowing for their tastes. Crocs prefer slow, languid river mouths where they can’t be seen by potential prey.
7 great Darwin experiences to book before arriving
- Swim face to face with an enormous crocodile in the Cage of Death.
- Enjoy the romance of Darwin Harbour on a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch.
- Explore Darwin’s food and art scenes on a 3.5 hour walking tour – with lunch or dinner included.
- Flit between Darwin’s top attractions with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
- Combine a wildlife tour with the famous jumping crocodiles cruise.
- Get a history fix on a Bombing of Darwin WWII tour and harbour cruise.
- Get the adrenalin pumping on a high speed airboat or jetski tour.
More Northern Territory travel
What are the best stops on a Melbourne to Darwin road trip?
Visit the Cutta Cutta Caves on the Mataranka to Katherine drive.
Driving times in the Northern Territory.
Enjoy the swimming holes while camping at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park near Borroloola.
Stop at the Mataranka Hot Springs on the drive from Darwin to Daly Waters.