The Hot Springs was closed by the Katherine Town Council at the first instance of rising water levels on January 4. 

But Edith Falls, Lily Pond Waterfall and the Southern Rockhole plus Bitter Springs are currently open.

Mataranka Thermal Pool has been closed today due to flooding but is expected to reopen on Thursday. 

“The opens and closures are rainfall dependent, so the late start to the wet season has meant the waterholes have remained open longer than the past couple years,” Department of Tourism and Culture, acting chief district ranger, Philip Cowan said. 

“Generally we would expect many of the main swimming spots would be closed by the end of the year.

“Rangers monitor river levels daily and close access to swimming when the river heights rise to a certain point that could allow crocodiles to travel upstream into the gorge system or into the plunge pool at Edith Falls.

“We also close certain swimming locations because of fast moving currents associated with river rises (such as the Upper Pools at Edith Falls) that make swimming too dangerous,” he said. 

According to the Department of Tourism and Culture, the Katherine River and Lily Ponds River are currently closed. 

Following is a list of waterholes close to Katherine which remain open:

The picturesque rockhole is an 8km round trip from the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre, on the Windolf bush walking track.

It is a seasonal waterfall which dries up after the wet season and is located near the top of the first gorge, in the Katherine River. 

The mostly-flat walk also passes a lookout with views to the first gorge. 

For those not quite up to an 8km walk, a ferry can drop you within 150m of the swimming area. 

Closure will depend on river height rises during the wet season. 

Leliyn/Edith Falls is located about 60 kilometres north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway.

Currently, Edith Falls, the Leliyn Loop Walk, Sweetwater Walk, Sweetwater swimming, swimming in the plunge pool, swimming in the upper pool and the campground are open. 

According to the caretaker, Jeff Brown, the water level only has to rise about 30mm more before the Plunge Pool could be deemed unsafe to swim. 

“The next good rain could possibly shut the Plunge Pool because rangers can’t guarantee what wildlife gets in,” Mr Brown said. 

“The Top Pool is open year round, however, and only shuts after severe rain due to the flow of the water, which would be that strong it could wash you away.

“We have beautiful grassy, shady lawns to have a picnic on and plenty of parking, and the Plunge Pool is only 100 metres from the carpark,” he said. 

Rangers monitor river levels on a daily basis and close access to swimming when the water level rises to a certain point which could allow access to crocodiles. 

Lily Pond Waterfall is a 19.8km round trip walk, which could take up to six hours, starting from the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre. 

The walk features views of the lower gorge and a rewarding, cool swim at the end of a hard long walk. 

While swimming in the river at Lily Pond is closed for the duration of the wet season, swimming at the waterfall is still open. 

Closure will depend on river height rises during the wet season. To keep up to date visit the website here. 

According to acting chief district ranger Philip Cowan, Mataranka swimming spots are generally only shut for short periods of time during the wet season. 

“If the water reaches a trigger point [the swimming spots are closed] and then reopened once it drops, whereas with the other swimming locations, once they are closed they remain shut for the season,” ranger Cowan said. 

“Every year is different, however this wet season has a later start than previous years, giving you even longer to enjoy them.”

Mataranka Thermal Pools have been closed today due to flooding.

According to a Department of Tourism and Culture spokeswoman, if there is no more rain in the catchment area it is expected to reopen on January 17. 

For up-to-date access visit the Elsey National Park information page here. 

The Katherine Aquatic Centre comprises of a 50m lap pool as well as a smaller pool for younger children. 

With an outside area, shade, BBQ facilities, tables and chairs and a canteen, the pool is a great cool-down option, which doesn’t require a long drive. 

The Katherine Aquatic Centre is currently open:

Monday to Friday – 6am – 8am and 11.30am – 7pm. 

Saturday and Sunday – 11am – 7 pm. 

To keep up to date with open swimming spots around Katherine visit the NT Government website here. 

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