Sweetwater Pool is a 9km, grade 3 return hike, located in the Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take approximately 3.5hrs to complete.

Hike Summary

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.

The area is great for hiking with the 9 kilometre return walk to Sweetwater Pool, a tranquil swimming hole. Leliyn / Edith Falls is the finishing point of the 62 kilometre Jatbula Trail walking track, which begins at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)

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

Getting there

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.

About the region

Nitmiluk National Park

You’ll be drawn to the majestic beauty and sheer size of the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge.

Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, rock art sites dot the park and dreaming stories bring the silent gorge walls to life. You can learn about the Jawoyn people’s association with the land at the Nitmiluk Centre or by taking a boat cruise of the first few gorges. Take sunrise or sunset cruises and see the gorge turn all shades of mauve and red.

There are canoes for hire or you can get a permit to use your own canoe from the Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre. You can canoe to the fourth, sixth and ninth gorges and camp overnight, but make sure you book ahead of time by calling Nitmiluk Tours on (08) 8972 1253 or 1300 146 743.

You can use fishing lures in areas of the Katherine River, but fishing is not permitted in Edith Falls. Walkers have plenty of trails to choose from and waterfalls to see, but the ultimate trek is the 62km Jatbula Trail. To fully experience Nitmiluk Gorge, take a helicopter ride and get set down for a swim in one of the harder to reach gorges.

For more information on these trails please visit the Do the NT.