Average Winter Temp: 27°C
Average Summer Temp: 33°C
Traditionally inhabited by: Jawoyn people
Located in the western section of Nitmiluk National Park, Edith Falls makes for a fitting culmination to the rather challenging Jatbula Trail. The area puts together an almost surreal picture of perfection, with rock pools, waterfalls, lush greenery, and clear blue skies enveloping it all. This mesmerising ecosystem is also home to an array of unusual fauna, including birds such as ospreys, great bowerbirds, red-tailed black cockatoos, white-gaped honeyeaters, red-winged parrots, and even the endangered Gouldian finches.
Tourists love Edith Falls. And not just for the stunning views and idyllic setting it offers. There’s a lot more to do here besides swimming in the cool waters of the pool or picnicking in the lush landscapes around. The area can be scaled via hikes of varying difficulty levels, notable among which is the Leliyn Trail that meanders through forests and rocky terrain (speaking of which, the area is also known for its abundance of Aboriginal rock art sites). And last but not least, Edith Falls is also a major crowd-puller on account of being a prominent camping ground for Nitmiluk National Park.
So the next time you’re caravanning around Alice Springs, dedicate a few days to Edith Falls and Nitmiluk National Park. While any time of the year is good for a visit, the dry months of May through September would be ideal if swimming tops your to-do list.
Attractions & Activities:
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Overnight Camping
- Aboriginal Rock Art
- Bushwalking
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Spotting
- Photography
- Scenic Lookouts
- Boating (with permits)
- Jatbula Trail
- Leliyn Trail
- Sweetwater Pool
- Katherine Gorge
Caravan Parks / Accommodation:
Leliyn (Edith Falls) Camping Area
Nitmiluk, NT
The Leliyn Camping Area has the best seats in the house if you’re looking to explore Edith Falls and other sights in Nitmiluk National Park. A sprawling expanse of lush greenery, punctuated by shady trees, houses a number of unpowered sites for caravan and tent campers. Comes with well-managed facilities including a toilet and shower block, a laundry area, and electric and gas barbecues. Sites are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis, though, so you might need to get there early in the peak season.
$8.80/night for 1 person, unpowered sites; $4 per child (on-site collection)
Nitmiluk Camping and Caravan Park
Nitmiluk, NT
Another popular camping area within Nitmiluk National Park, this area is located right next to the Visitor Centre. Which means that in addition to camping, you can also enquire about (and book) tours, boating/canoeing permits and seek information on how best to go about exploring the enchanting landscape around. Another selling point of this campground is the availability of powered caravan sites. A bunch of perks including modern facilities and a swimming pool further sweeten the deal.
$33/night for 2 persons, unpowered sites; $10.50 per child
$47.50/night for 2 persons, powered sites; $20 for every additional person; $10.50 per child
Shady Lane Tourist Park
Katherine South, NT
A popular stop for caravanning tourists looking to explore Katherine, Shady Lane Tourist Park is an hour’s drive from Nitmiluk National Park, located just off the highway past the Post Office. Its serene location by the river makes it a lovely setting to spend a night or two, surrounded by nature and yet never too far from convenience stores and fuelling stations. Accommodation options here include powered caravan sites as well as a variety of cabins. Amenities include modern toilets, showers and laundry facilities, a camp kitchen with free barbecues, a swimming pool, and tour booking services.
$40/night-$46/night for 2 persons, powered sites (tariffs vary season to season); $16 for every additional person; $8-$10 per child
Boab Caravan Park
Katherine South, NT
Located right on Victoria Highway about an hour’s drive from Nitmiluk National Park, Boab Caravan Park is a popular refuelling station offering accommodation facilities to boot. In addition to 36 large concrete powered sites, the property also offers cabins and motel rooms. Amenities include well-appointed toilet and shower blocks, modern laundry facilities, a shaded barbecue area, a swimming pool, a convenience store, and a restaurant offering both dine-in and takeaway.
$40/night for 2 persons, powered sites; $10 for every additional person
Free Camping / Low Cost Camping:
The Edith Falls Camping Area is by itself a good low budget option, but if you miss out on a spot due to peak season rush, the Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Nature Park (further north west, west of Hayes Creek) offers basic camping facilities with toilets at $4.50 per person. Locations of rest areas in the region can be looked up on the
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
