Epic Northern Territory Waterfalls You Have to See to Believe

On my trip to Australia’s Northern Territory, we timed it just right (in April 2024) that the wet season was wrapping up, and the waterfalls were roaring, but not in a way that was dangerous to visit. This allowed us some incredible opportunities to swim, explore, and photograph stunning Northern Territory waterfalls.

Coming from the United States, I had no idea the Northern Territory had sights like this! I was truly blown away and couldn’t believe it!

Australia’s Epic Northern Territory Waterfalls!

We fortunately had a flightseeing tour that allowed us access to the first four. The following ones were accessible via our legs.

Jim Jim Falls

This is the most popular and well-known waterfall in Kakadu National Park. The easiest way to access Jim Jim Falls is via a helicopter tour. If you don’t, you need to take a long 4×4 road that first needs to dry out, and by then, the waterfall could be less impressive.

The best part of the hourlong heli trip was the pilot got us close enough to the water that we got misted! It was crazy cool.

Twin Falls

This is also on the helicopter flightseeing tour, and it’s a stunning sight! In the past, you could drive and hike out here. But they closed it years ago, leading to a trail currently porous and overgrown. It’s unknown if or when they will even reopen it.

Unnamed Falls

A double waterfall flowing into a pool below. — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The water wasn’t strong for this one, but I liked how it looked with two separate skinny waterfalls coming into the basin below. Given the amount of rain the Kakadu National Park region receives, it’s pretty crazy how many Northern Territory waterfalls there are.

Double Falls

This was the final waterfall on our flightseeing tour with Kakadu Air. The only way to reach it is to be dropped off, as it’s inaccessible unless you plan a multi-day trek (and maybe even that isn’t possible). Our guide said this one is sacred to the Aboriginal people, though it’s unknown why, as it’s been kept a secret.

Overall, the heli-flightseeing trip was incredibly worth it. Our pilot taught us about the history of the land and aboriginal people and answered all our random questions. It was super cool and informative. I highly recommend it!

Edith Falls (Upper Pool)

The high power waterfalls at Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park. — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

There are multiple pools at Edith Falls, though we went to the Upper Falls. Early in the year, I believe the lower ones are known to have crocodiles in them, so we figured, why not hike a bit for a safe place? It was a short, albeit warm, hike to the top, capped off with a lovely swim.

My watch had the hike at 1.20 miles round trip, with 320 feet of elevation gain.

Motor Car Falls

Motor Car Falls was the best Northern Territory waterfall we experienced. The trail, just short of four miles and slightly more than a gentle uphill climb (320 feet of gain in all), led to a magical oasis. Outside of the first 10 minutes, we had the entire area to ourselves and swam to our heart’s delight! If this was in the US, the place would have been packed!

Keep in mind that we hiked in hot and humid conditions, so bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Otherwise, it’s a doable hike for any hiker.

Southern Rockhole

Down in Nitmiluk National Park, Southern Rockhole is a small yet must-visit waterfall. You can reach it by ferry or by hiking. We originally planned to take the ferry there and back but missed it by a few minutes, so we had to hit the trail to reach this beautiful Northern Territory waterfall.

It wasn’t a hard hike by any means, just hot. We sprinted on the trail, getting there in around 40 minutes. At the same time, it would have been nice to take a chill ferry, though jumping in after a hot hike felt so good!

Florence Falls

On our way back to Darwin, we squeezed in our final Northern Territory waterfall adventure! Similar to the others, this one is a short hike, though you’ll have plenty of elevation to and from the falls. My watch said 1.6 miles round trip with 270 feet of gain. Most of it is stairs, so you’ll get a nice leg burn before and after your dip.

Florence Fallas has a strong current near the base of the waterfall, so you’ll have to work hard to reach the far side. Otherwise, it’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy the day.

Other Top-End Northern Territory Waterfalls That Look Amazing

I didn’t get to these, but they look phenomenal.

Tolmer Falls
Tjaetaba Falls
Wangi Falls
Robin Falls
Boulder Creek Falls
Sandy Creek Falls
Gunlom Falls

High above Twin Falls, one of the most stunning of the Northern Territory waterfalls. — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch – Alaska 2024

A Map of Northern Territory Waterfalls

Here’s a map of Australia’s Northern Territory waterfalls. Click here for the interactive map.

A map of waterfalls in the northern territory of Australia.

Drive time from Darwin to these Northern Territory waterfalls:

Kakadu National Park: 3 hours
Litchfield National Park: 2 hours
Nitmiluk National Park: 3.5 hours

Be Croc Safe

As you explore and adventure in the Northern Territory’s waterfalls, remember to be crocodile-safe and check the most recent update for sightings. Furthermore, you’ll want to check if the swimming is even open as local officials may close the if a crocodile has been spotted.

Cascading falls in the northern territory in Kakadu National Park — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Final Thoughts on the Northern Territory Waterfalls

I had the most amazing time swimming in and photographing Australia’s Northern Territory waterfalls. They’re incredibly picturesque, the water temperature is perfect, and most of them have zero crowds. Thankfully, we ran into no croc issues, though we did check all websites before visiting to make sure we were safe.

So, when you plan out your trip to the Top End, make sure to add these epic waterfalls to your itinerary!

Until next time, adventurers, take care and be safe.

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