First up, we have the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. This urban oasis is a local favourite - and for good reason. With its saltwater lagoon in addition to the Wave Pool, you can soak up the sun while enjoying a refreshing swim. Make the most of the surrounding restaurants and cafes at the precinct too - grab some tacos and a margarita at Hot Tamale, dig into some fresh seafood at Oyster bar, or indulge in a cold beer at the Precinct Tavern.
If you're a fan of poolside cocktail vibes with ocean views, head to the INIFITY pool at Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Open Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 8pm, spend your arvo indulging in happy hour specials, lounging on a sunbed, swimming and soaking up harbour views. This is also a social hot spot in Darwin, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays when the pool is buzzing with weekend energy.
Florence Falls stands as an undisputed icon among Darwin's wet season swimming spots. It's also less than a two hour drive from Darwin, making it an easy day trip destination. During the wet season the falls are at their most impressive, tumbling into the stunning plunge pool surrounded by lush tropical greenery. We recommend taking the stairs from the carpark to the plunge pool for great views of the falls. On the way back, opt for the 1km walk along Shady Creek (this is also a great way to avoid the walking back up the stairs).
Just a five minute drive from Florence Falls you'll arrive at another crowd favourite - Buley Rockhole. The natural rock formations at Buley create a series of cascading pools that are perfect for cooling off during the hot humid months. Float in the pools, sunbath on the rocks and soak in the Litchfield vistas.
If you're looking for an escape from the crowds at Litchfield, make your way to Upper Cascades. While the lower pools may be off-limits during the wet season, you can still embark on a scenic 2.6km round-trip hike to the Upper Cascade Pools. With fewer visitors around, you'll often have the chance to claim your own tranquil oasis, perfect for a rejuvenating swim and a leisurely sunbathing session.
There's few places in the Top End that are exclusively wet season swimming spots, but Motor Car Falls is one of our favourites. This pristine waterfall is a must-do if you want to experience the beauty of our wet season here in the Top End. The falls are only accessible by foot, so pack your walking shoes ready for the 7.5km return walk. The trail to the falls is a part of the interconnected Yurmikmik Walks, where you'll get to traverse stunning stone country and monsoonal forests to reach the plunge pool for your well deserved dip. For more details about this Kakadu gem, check out out blog about the
falls and the Yurmikmik Walks.
Another wet season only gem can be found in Nitmiluk National Park, just outside of Katherine. Southern Rockhole is nestled near the top of the first gorge, boasting a seasonal waterfalls that cascades between the sandstone cliffs and into the plunge pool. You can reach the rockhole by walking 4km (each way) or by jump on a ferry. To get the best of both worlds we recommend walking one way and ferrying the other.
Photo credits: Tourism NT/Peter Eve/Adrian Brown/Tourism Australia/Ashley Dobson/Shaana McNaught/Jason Charles Hill/Jarred Seng
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