Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 195m
Min elevation: 135m
Total Ascent: 108m
Essential information
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April. It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily. Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Hike overview
Leliyn/Edith Falls is located on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), A 63 kilometres drive north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. The lush, grassy campsites in a scenic bush setting make Leliyn/Edith Falls an idyllic spot for a camping and a well-appointed Kiosk provides a welcome meal for those who have just finished walking the Jatbula Trail or those just hungry after a swim.
You can enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls most of the year, although it may be closed to swimming at times between November through to April. Wet season conditions can limit access, reducing the walk to a return trip to the first lookout and top pool.
The area is great for hiking with the 2.6 kilometre Leliyn Trail offering a challenging walk along a steep, rocky loop. There is a chance for a refreshing swim in the upper pool of Leliyn / Edith Falls half way around the trail. Leliyn / Edith Falls is the finishing point of the 62 kilometre Jatbula Trail walking track, which begins at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
Features of this walk include views of the waterfalls and Edith River from two lookouts and swimming in the upper pool.
Not suitable for people with mobility issues. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Suitable for energetic children.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 195 m
Min elevation: 135 m
Total climbing: 108 m
Total descent: -114 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Nitmiluk National Park.
Leliyn/Edith Falls is located on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), A 63 kilometres drive north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Adelaide River, Barunga, Beswick, Daly Waters, Edith Falls, Jabiru, Jilkminggan, Katherine, Larrimah, Leliyn, Mataranka, Pine Creek
About the region
Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with spectacular cliffs that glow in the changing light.
Nitmiluk National Park, just 30 kilometres north-east of Katherine, covers a vast area, including 13 impressive gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country which stretch for as far as the eye can see.
Explore the world-famous park and gorge country on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter.
Accommodation is available within the National Park. Choose from camping, to chalets through to the upmarket Cicada Lodge. Nitmiluk National Park has something for everyone.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Nitmiluk National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.





