The Northern Territory's Best Swimming Holes

"Gunlom Glory Located on Waterfall Creek in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, the Gunlom Falls infinity pool is the perfect combination of waterfall and plunge pool, with gum trees for shade, picnic areas nearby for snacking and camping, and hiking paths that provide panoramic views of the floodplains of southern Kakadu. The waterfall is at full throttle during the summer monsoon season, but access is limited so helicopters and floatplanes are your best bet to see the cascade show. But in the dry season, from April to October, travelers can drive and walk to the swimming holes, though four-wheel drive is often necessary. The pools are monitored for crocodiles, so check the signs before entering, even in the dry season when sightings are less likely."

"Jim Jim Falls Swimming Hole Kakadu's tallest waterfall turns on in the tropical summer (book a scenic flight to see it in full force), but in the dry season, between June and November, Jim Jim Falls transforms into a deep swimming hole surrounded by boulders and 500-foot cliffs. To get here, turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43 kilometers south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. Then travel 60 kilometers down a four-wheel-drive track, which easily takes two hours each way. Several tour companies include Jim Jim in their itineraries for travelers who don't want to drive on their own. Either way, the rewards far outweigh the trek, and the views are spectacular."

"Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park Just upstream from Florence Falls, the Buley Rockhole is probably the most fun travelers can have in Litchfield National Park, maybe the whole of the Northern Territory. While not as impressive as Wangi Falls since it's a section of river where cascades dump into deep pools, Buley Rockhole encourages sunbathing like lizards, pool hopping until you find the best hydrotherapy massage, cliff jumping (only if the water is deep enough), and sliding down a range of bumpy water slides. This place is sure to make you feel like a kid again."

"Hot Springs in Elsey National Park About 65 miles south of Katherine's famous gorges and waterfalls lies the local’s secret that is the Mataranka Hot Springs in Elsey National Park. Between May and September, the water is calm and, in some places, 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The best areas to soak are in the Bitter Springs and Mataranka thermal pools; the former is deeper and quieter while Mataranka forks off into a peaceful stream that reaches a bridge and ladder. In both places, the water is turquoise and transparent, shaded by Mataranka palm trees and festooned with wildlife such as barramundi and even freshwater turtles—don't forget your snorkel!"

"Escape the Heat at Ormiston Gorge If you find yourself sweating bullets driving or hiking through the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs, cool down in one of the many rock pools that grace the canyon walls. Ormiston Gorge, which you'll pass before reaching the Glen Helen Homestead, is a picturesque swimming spot set beneath red rocks and ghost gum trees, best enjoyed in the afternoon sun before the cliffs shade the pool."