Katherine to Edith Falls: Distance and driving time

The Katherine to Edith Falls drive is 63km in distance, with a driving time of around 46 minutes. If coming from Katherine Gorge, the distance is 91km.

Leliyn (Edith Falls) is one of the top attractions in Nitmiluk National Park. What tends to confuse people, however, is that it’s not all at that near Katherine Gorge, the park’s main attraction.

In fact, to get to Edith Falls from Katherine Gorge, you need to leave the national park, drive around the outside and re-enter.

Katherine to Edith Falls distance and driving time

From the town of Katherine, it is a 63km drive to Edith Falls. The Katherine to Edith Falls drive should take around 46 minutes.

You need to head north-west up the Stuart Highway, past the Kintore Caves Conservation Reserve, then turn right down the Edith Falls Road.

The turn-off is about 40km north of Katherine.

Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls distance and driving time

If coming from Katherine Gorge, it’s a longer drive, as you have to go into Katherine then come out again. The Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls drive is 91km long, and takes around an hour and seven minutes.

The waterfall is now officially known by its Indigenous name, Leliyn, although in practice most people still call it Edith Falls. It’s possible to go swimming at Edith Falls for most of the year. However, due to the risk of crocodiles moving in, the natural pool at the base of the falls is usually closed between November an April.

Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. Photo courtesy of Tourism NT/James Maddock.

Edith Falls walks

It’s also possible to go for a bushwalk here. The 2.6km Leliyn Trail is steep and rocky, but rewards you with a swim in Leliyn’s upper pool.

There’s also the longer 9km to Sweetwater Pool, a calm swimming hole deeper inside the national park. Find further information on the NT Government website.

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.

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