It’s that time of year again! As the humidity and temperatures rise, so do the water levels – which renders some of our fave swimming spots off-limits!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you, check out this list of well-known favourites and hidden gems to keep you cool for the next few months!
On our doorstep
Wave lagoon and Waterfront Precinct
The Darwin Waterfront Precinct Wave lagoon is the best spot to hit if you are missing the feeling of rocking in the waves down south. Hear us out… the Wave Pool is FUN!! It’s safe swimming no matter your age – and it’s actually pretty fun even as an adult! Get a board or a tube and surf the waves in, we promise you’ll get a laugh or two out of it! There is also a café and seating around the lagoon to relax for the day.
Next door is ‘the beach’ – a man-made lagoon where you can relax on some lounge chairs and safely go for a swim in salt water! There’s even an inflatable waterpark for kids, big and small!
#LocalsTip – join the Darwin Dippers at 6:30 am on Wednesday mornings for a refreshing morning dip, meet some new people around town and grab a coffee afterwards at one of the cafes!
INFINITY
An obvious choice – the Mindil Beach Casino Resort INFINITY pool. The ‘beach club’ of Darwin’s pools – the combination of an infinity pool overlooking Darwin’s most iconic beach and a row of palm trees gives you the ultimate cocktail-sipping, sun-soaked experience.
Located at the casino and surrounded by other bars, restaurants and a beautiful grassed area that commonly holds events – you can order from the QR code at your pool lounge or table and settle in for the day. With beats playing from the pool’s DJ decks – it’s a definite weekend afternoon vibe.
Keeping it close to home
Litchfield National Park (Litchy) has so many spots to park up, is close to home and perfect for a day trip – only 120km or roughly a 90-minute drive down the Stuart Highway.
The roads are now sealed for the whole loop so it’s very accessible – but still be careful on the roads if it’s rained a lot!
Florence falls
The walk into Florence falls is spectacular – especially in the wet – as you will be able to see the waterfall in full flow from the viewing lookout, before you take on the (many) stairs!
Florence only closes for minor flash flooding / heavy currents, so you’re free to relax on the rocks or explore the main pool and waterfall almost year round… just make sure to bring a noodle or inflatable to maintain full relaxation mode!
Buley rockhole
Much like Florence, Buley only closes after the occasional torrential downpour if it is deemed too fast flowing – but it will open again as soon as safe, so just make sure you check the parks website! The walk from the entrance to Buley rockholes is short and sweet – and the Rockhole itself features many levels with a main pool at the bottom and a smaller pool and waterfall at the top.
A weekend away
A bit further out of Darwin, the perfect getaway for a weekend of unwinding is down in the Katherine Region: Elsey National Park. About an hour further down the Stuart Highway from Katherine – so 4 hours from Darwin – you’ll find the Mataranka Thermal Pools and Bitter Springs. Only closed during times of flash flooding – both of these naturally heated pools have pristine, turquoise water, surrounded by palms – and are still surprisingly refreshing despite being ‘heated’!
Later in the season
Southern Rockhole
A late Wet Season favourite – head out to Nitmiluk Gorge and embark on the walk to the lovely Southern Rockhole. It’s about a 4km walk in, and relatively flat until you descend over rocks to get into the plunge pool.
There are water stops on the way (so bring a reusable bottle) and some great vantage points! If you’ve never done the Baruwei lookout before, we recommend doing that at the start – it only adds an extra few hundred metres! And our local’s tip? Before you leave the visitor centre book a ferry back for $17, they leave at either 12.30 or 3.30 and that means you only have to do the walk once and can relax after all the swimming!
Motorcar Falls
Kakadu’s hidden gem takes a bit of a walk in – and in the wet you might need some clearance to get down the road in, as its unsealed and can occasionally have washouts – but its worth it!
This waterfall is a favourite in the Tropical Summer when the larger falls are inaccessible – it’s a 7.5km round trip, but the trek takes you through monsoon forest, across plains and over creeks to access this jewel on the Yurmikmik walks.
Before heading off on a great adventure, make sure you check whether your swimming spot is open – as some are closed after heavy rains or during storm activity. And always be crocwise!
Happy swimming!