Leliyn (Edith Falls)

Leliyn (Edith Falls) is a spectacular series of cascades and plunge pools set in the rugged, spinifex-clad ranges of Nitmiluk National Park, about 60 km north of Katherine. A side trip off the Stuart Highway, this is a refreshing oasis in the Top End’s dry season—a place where you can swim beneath a tiered waterfall, hike through escarpment country, and soak up the deep silence of the outback. The main pool, ringed by paperbarks and pandanus, is the kind of spot that makes you want to cancel the rest of your itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Upper Pool and Cascades: The short 2.6 km loop track (1–1.5 hours) climbs gently to the upper pool, where you can swim right up to the base of the waterfall. The clear, cool water is perfect for a dip, and the views over the escarpment are stunning.
• Main Swimming Hole: The large, deep pool at the base of the falls is the most popular spot—easy access from the car park, with a small sandy beach and plenty of shade. It’s a classic Top End swimming experience.
• Leliyn Trail: For a longer walk, continue on the 4.5 km loop that takes you above the escarpment for panoramic views of the surrounding sandstone country and the Katherine River valley. Look for wallabies, goannas, and birdlife.
• Butterflies and Birdwatching: The lush vegetation around the pools attracts a dazzling array of butterflies and birds, including rainbow bee-eaters, red-winged parrots, and whistling kites.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can easily enjoy the main pool and short walk in 2–3 hours, making it a perfect stop on a day trip from Katherine or Kununurra. If you’re keen on the full Leliyn Trail and a longer swim, allow a half-day (4–5 hours). Many travellers combine it with a morning at Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and an afternoon here, or vice versa. The site is best visited in the dry season (May–October); in the wet season, swimming may be closed due to crocodile risk or flash flooding.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) – The main attraction of the region, with spectacular boat cruises, canoeing, and walking trails through a series of 13 gorges.
• Katherine – The regional hub, with the Katherine Museum, hot springs, and the famous Katherine Outback Experience (horse and dog shows).
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park – A limestone cave system with guided tours, stalactites, and a resident colony of ghost bats, just 30 km south of Katherine.
• Mataranka Thermal Pools – Crystal-clear thermal springs surrounded by palm forest, about 100 km south—perfect for a relaxing soak after hiking.
• Elsey National Park – Home to the historic Bitter Springs and the iconic thermal pools, plus walking trails and birdlife, just south of Mataranka.

Please check official sources for current details.