Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Dan Moore
8 days of waterhole hopping in the Northern Territory
Wild swimming in Australia’s outback? Don’t mind if we do.
Trip Overview
The must-do experiences:
- Feel the mist of waterfalls on your face
- Dive into quiet, freshwater swimming holes
- Restore in soothing natural hot springs
Day 1: Alice Springs and Surrounds
Australia’s Red Centre might be one of the country’s driest landscapes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get wet – the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges hide sensational wild swimming pools in the gorges that weave through the ancient rocky landscape.
Day 2: The West MacDonnell Ranges
Venture a little further from Alice Springs to chase new waterholes – each one different from the last.
Day 3: Alice Springs to Katherine
Board a morning flight and head north from Alice Springs to Katherine, where it’s time to add invigorating natural springs to your waterhole trail.
Day 4: Katherine and Surrounds
Spend a day exploring Nitmiluk Gorge, just 20 minutes from the town of Katherine. Here, the Katherine River carves its way through red sandstone cliffs to form a chain of 13 scenic gorges.
Day 5: Katherine to Litchfield
When it comes to swimming in the wild, it doesn’t get much better than the pools of Litchfield National Park, around a three-hour drive north of Katherine on the way to the city of Darwin.
Day 6: Litchfield National Park
Soak up a second day in Litchfield National Park. With so many natural wonders to explore, you may never want to leave.
Day 7: Litchfield to Kakadu
One of the largest national parks in Australia, the World Heritage-listed Kakadu is made of nature to make your jaw drop.
Day 8: Kakadu
As if Kakadu’s waterholes aren’t enticing enough, this national park also boasts Aboriginal rock art galleries – some up to 20,000 years old. Spend the day marvelling at the ancient pieces of culture, then finish your trip by continuing on to Darwin.
