Edith Falls

Waterfall Waterfall and swimming pools in Nitmiluk region

Near Katherine in the Northern Territory, Edith Falls (Leliyn) offers tiered cascades, deep plunge pools, walking tracks and a campground-common for swimming, short hikes and access into Nitmiluk country.

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Edith Falls (Leliyn) is a waterfall and series of plunge pools in the Northern Territory of Australia, located within the boundaries of Nitmiluk National Park. It is an important local natural attraction noted for its rock pools and short walking tracks.

The site comprises multiple cascades and deep swimming holes set along the Edith River, offering short walks and picnic spots suitable for day visits. Trails lead to a lookout above the falls and to several accessible pools; many visitors swim in the lower pools when conditions permit.

The area is part of the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people and carries the Aboriginal name Leliyn. It was incorporated into Nitmiluk National Park management to protect its natural and cultural values.

Sited in the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory, the falls lie within Nitmiluk National Park near the town of Katherine and are reached via park roads from the Katherine area.

  • Local name and features: Known locally by its Jawoyn name Leliyn and features a series of natural pools and cascades used for swimming and short walks.
Edith Falls
-14.1833, 132.1833
Park entry/permit fees may apply; check Parks and Wildlife Commission NT

How to Get to Edith Falls #

Edith Falls (Leliyn) is about 60 km north of Katherine, reached via the Stuart Highway and then the park road into Nitmiluk National Park. The road is sealed and accessible by conventional vehicles; check the Northern Territory Parks website for current access and vehicle requirements.

Tips for Visiting Edith Falls #

  • Early morning or late afternoon swims at the designated plunge pools avoid the midday sun and crowds.
  • The Upper and Lower falls have different access routes-Upper Edith Falls requires a walk along rocky terrain; check signage for safety.
  • Check park alerts: cycling, four-wheel driving and campfires are subject to seasonal restrictions and cultural site protections.

Best Time to Visit Edith Falls #

The dry season (May-September) is the best time for access and safe swimming; wet season increases flows and can close tracks.

Dry Season
May-September · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Clear, cooler days and accessible tracks; waterholes at their most inviting.
Wet Season (shoulder months)
April and October · 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Occasional storms and higher flows make the falls more dramatic but check for closures.

Weather & Climate near Edith Falls #

Climate

Edith Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in November) and warm winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C. Abundant rainfall (1030 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (260 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
24° 34°

Weather

260 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is hot with highs of 33°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (245 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 33°

Weather

245 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
23° 34°

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
22° 34°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
19° 33°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
16° 31°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
15° 31°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
16° 33°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
20° 36°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
31°C
Temperature
23° 38°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
31°C
Temperature
24° 37°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
24° 36°

Weather

173 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

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