60 kilometres north of Katherine on your way to Darwin is the cascading falls hidden gem of Edith falls and the trail to Sweetwater Pool. This natural paradise of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools are simply a must do for anyone exploring the top end of Australia.

​Starting at Edith Falls, the first attraction to come by is the massive lower pool, your spot to get an instant refresh, the upper pool offers new water. Peak hours can make this area busy with tourists coming for a quick dip. Luckily, they don’t know about the secluded Sweetwater Pool. The 9 kilometre return walk taking about 4 hours is a scenic trail starting with a steep climb. Here you will see a turnoff for the upper pool to the right. Keep going straight and the sandy trail plateaus along the escarpment to Long Hole Pool, a smaller and shallower swimming spot. The last 2 kilometres involves mild rock scrambling, but the reward is an extremely peaceful swim to wash away your hard work sweat.

​Camping at Edith Falls or Sweetwater Pool are options for those who want to maximise their time here or break up their 9 kilometre walk into 2 days. Sweetwater campground has a maximum of 10 people per night and comes with toilets. Edith Falls has more space, a kiosk selling food, toilets, and barbecue. Booking online early is essential to not be disappointed. If you miss out on these sites, Kame’s Campground can be a last resort free camp. 

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Important Information

Phone reception can be limited, with Telstra having a weak signal and Optus offering no service at all. However, Wi-Fi is available for purchase at the kiosk.

Remember to be a responsible traveller! Bring the supplies you need such as water, food, sun protection, and be mindful that there are no bins at Edith Falls, so pack it in and pack it out.

While freshwater crocodiles are present year-round, saltwater crocodiles may enter during the wet season. Safety measures are in place during the dry season (April-October) when swimming is permitted. However, always check for closures before you go, as these are common during the wet season (November-April).