Is it safe to swim at Edith Falls, Northern Territory?
It is not 100% safe to swim at Edith Falls, Northern Territory. Saltwater crocodiles can potentially move into the plunge pool during the wet season. That said, you’re extremely unlikely to encounter them during the dry season.
Leliyn (Edith Falls) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Northern Territory. On the western side of Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine, this waterfall is famed for the pool at the bottom.
Book in advance for the best rates on Katherine accommodation.
The Edith Falls pool is fringed with pandanus and paperbarks, giving a gloriously Australian tropical setting. Understandably, it is one of the most popular places for a swim in the Northern Territory.
But is it safe to swim at Edith Falls?
Is it safe to swim at Edith Falls?
Well, no. Not entirely. This is wild swimming. It’s not like it’s a regulated pool with lifeguards. Some sections of the water are deep, and the floor is rocky and uneven.
But the main issue with swimming at Edith Falls is crocodiles. Freshwater crocodiles are regularly found here, although they are generally not considered a risk to humans. They can give a nasty bite, but will generally only consider biting a human if they feel threatened. The freshwater crocs will generally hang out on the bank, well away from where anyone goes swimming.
Are there saltwater crocodiles at Edith Falls?
However, in the wet season, saltwater crocodiles sometimes take advantage of the flooded landscape and move into places they wouldn’t go near in the dry season. Saltwater crocs have been spotted at Leliyn. Not often – it is rare that they get this far. But it can never be 100% guaranteed to be croc-free.
That said, national park rangers monitor the site carefully, and traps are set for any meandering saltwater crocs. It is extremely unlikely to encounter a saltwater crocodile at Edith Falls in the dry season. And, in the wet season from November to April, the pool is closed off for swimming anyway.
The drive from Katherine to Edith Falls is 63km long.
Other things to do in Katherine include dipping at the Katherine Hot Springs, enjoying the Katherine Outback Experience and getting a cultural education at the Top Didj Cultural Experience.
Katherine experiences to book in advance
- Two gorge boat cruise through Nitmiluk National Park – with commentary on nature, wildlife and Aboriginal Dreaming stories.
- Half day Nitmiluk Gorge canoe hire – get closer to nature, paddling through at your own pace.
- Outback show with live music, horse and working dog demonstrations.
- Top Didj Aboriginal cultural experience – learn about ancient customs and feed baby wallabies.
- Cutta Cutta Caves guided tour – spot bats and birds in the limestone cave system.
Best Katherine accommodation
The best Katherine accommodation choices are:
- For a pool-based resort: Knotts Crossing Resort.
- For location next to Katherine Gorge: Nitmiluk Chalets.
- For really good value: Pine Tree Motel.
- For a solid holiday park: Big4 Breeze or Discovery Parks – Katherine.
- For glamping with a view: Gorge View Bush Retreat.
More Northern Territory travel
Eat big steaks at the Char restaurant in Darwin.
Go birdwatching at Fogg Dam.
What to see on the Tennant Creek to Darwin drive.
Take a day trip from Darwin to Crab Claw Island.
Get booze before entering Kakadu at the Corroboree Park Tavern or Bark Hut Inn.