Trail Fast Facts

Sweetwater Pool is a 9km, grade 4 return hike in Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.

Length: 9km

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Edith Falls Campground

End: Edith Falls Campground

Location: Nitmiluk National Park

State: Northern Territory

Nearby town: Katherine

From state capital: 293km

Latitude: -14.17925896

Longitude: 132.18872307334235

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Warning

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

The area is great for hiking with the 9 kilometre return walk to Sweetwater Pool, a tranquil swimming hole. Sweetwater Pool return hike It can be done as a day or overnight walk.

You can only camp at Sweetwater campground. There is a maximum of 10 people per night at this campground. There are toilets at the pool camping area. The camping area combines 2 campgrounds and is shared with other walkers.

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.

Contact: Edith Falls (Leliyn) Campground and Kiosk on 08 8972 2884

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Map and GPX file

Sweetwater Pool Hike (9km)

Total distance: 8733 m
Max elevation: 206 m
Min elevation: 141 m
Total climbing: 162 m
Total descent: -162 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Sweetwater Pool Hike (9km)

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.

Get directions

Photo gallery

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.

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Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

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Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!

Reviews

Sweetwater Pool Hike (9km)

3 Reviews on “Sweetwater Pool Hike (9km)”

Overall rating

Kim Michelle Tonnet

I’ve been there. Great swimming spot.

30/04/2024, 22:08

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1. Darren Edwards
  
  Kim Michelle Tonnet me too. Was an awesome spot to relax at the end of the Jatbula.
  
  30/04/2024, 23:11
  
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2. Kim Michelle Tonnet
  
  Darren Edwards agree. Some people rushed along to the end but I stayed the 5th night there and enjoyed swims and reading by the water. Then a leisurely walk out next morning with another swim at the upper falls before shuttle back to the luxury of a hotel & pub meal in Katherine. Good times.
  
  30/04/2024, 23:53
  
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