The popular swimming spot is usually a torrent at this time of year, the senior district ranger for Nitmiluk National Park, Andrew McPhee, said. 

But the rain-less storms and clear skies we have been experiencing, more typical of the build up, has kept water levels low. 

However, this week's storm was just enough to tip the scales. 

"I can say that in the past 15 years [Edith Falls] has never been open this late. It is usually well and truly closed in December," ranger McPhee said. 

"[The plunge pool] reached a mark and under our safety plans we had to close it.

"We had a significant rain storm that was slow moving and for the first time got more rain than Katherine in just the right spot. 

"It is a bit abstract, but when the plunge pool gets to .5 it is definitely over our closing height. It got to that level this week." 

The senior ranger said the extra water turns the plunge pool into a murky mess, which is potentially dangerous for swimmers. 

"The flush from upstream turns the water into ice-coffee and there is lots of debris around," he said.  

"It is not a croc risk since we have put the barrier in, but if the water is murky it is a safety issue because someone could jump into a rock."

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The lack of a wet season this year has kept Edith Falls open to tourists and residents longer than any year anyone can remember, ranger McPhee said. 

And while the lack of monsoonal rain will not seriously impact Edith Falls this year, further upstream is a different story. 

"Usually Edith is about two-four metres higher than the dry season level at this time of year and flooding," ranger McPhee said. 

"But because we have had such a massive drop off so early in the wet season we are only running about one metre over the dry season average."

Edith River is unlikely to dry up because it runs through sandstone soaking up plenty of moisture.

The waterfall, however, could slow down to a trickle later on this year, and the lack of water flow could impact the water quality and environment. 

"[The dismal wet season] won't impact people's enjoyment at Edith Falls, they will still be able to visit and swim. But for people hiking the Jatbula, well the water levels will be low; anything upstream from Sweetwater will be dry and stagnant.

"Anything under 800ml [of rainfall] is a drought in the Top End. We need 1000ml plus to keep water flowing, and the trees and animals happy," ranger McPhee said. 

Some swimming spots are open nearby Katherine. 

If conditions allow rangers will re-open the plunge pool, but right now the top pool is open for swimming.

The Mataranka Thermal Pool is open as is the Southern Rockhole. 

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