Camping at Leliyn (Edith Falls), Nitmiluk National Park, NT
Nestled within the breathtaking Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory, Leliyn (Edith Falls) is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This serene location offers a unique blend of stunning waterfalls, natural swimming pools and great hiking trails, and is our favourite national park campground in the Northern Territory!
(Credit: Northern Territory Tourism and Sean Scott)
Introduction to Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Leliyn, commonly known as Edith Falls, is a series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools surrounded by the rugged beauty of Nitmiluk National Park. The park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone escarpments, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Leliyn holds a special place within the park, offering a tranquil escape where you can immerse yourself in the environment and reconnect with nature. We would recommend spending 3 to 4 days to make the most of this stunning location.
A Detailed Guide to Camping at Leliyn
Planning your camping trip to Leliyn is easy with our comprehensive guide. The campground is well-equipped with a range of facilities to make your stay memorable, safe, relaxing and fun. Here’s everything you need to know:
Facilities
- Campsites: The main campground has over 50 well laid out sites, suitable for tents, caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes. There are many larger sites available so be sure to check the individual site dimensions before booking (as they vary from site to site), to ensure your vehicles will fit!
- Amenities: Clean flushing toilets, hot showers and laundry facilities, barbecues, drinking water and picnic tables. There is also a kiosk that serves a selection of light meals and drinks, as well as a small range of convenience, grocery and souvenir items. The kiosk also has free WIFI and it’s important to note there is no mobile phone service anywhere within the national park.
- Shade and Shelter: Many campsites back on to large grassy areas and are well shaded by native trees, providing a cool respite from the sun however, this may affect your solar panels, remembering that all campsites here are unpowered. Also, if you rely on Starlink internet for work or play, you will need to get creative with the positioning of your dish, as the large trees can definitely make finding a good connection extremely hard!
Booking and Permits
- Reservations: All campsites must be booked through the Northern Territory Parks Online Booking System. We would recommend booking your campsite well in advance, especially during peak season between June and September, to ensure there is a site available to suit your vehicles dimensions. If you are planning on doing an overnight hike to Sweetwater Pool (see details below), campsites must be booked in advance prior to walking.
- National Parks Pass: Ensure you have obtained a Northern Territory National Parks Pass as this is required when visiting any national park within the NT, and is separate to your camping permit. Passes can be easily booked online via the Northern Territory Parks Online Booking System.
Highlights of the Camping Experience
Camping at Leliyn offers a range of activities and natural wonders to explore. Here are some highlights:
Swimming in Edith Falls Natural Pools
The natural pools at Leliyn are perfect for a refreshing swim. The main pool, situated at the bottom of the falls, is easily accessible from the campground, kiosk and day use areas and offers cool, inviting waters.
For the more adventurous, the upper pools provide a more secluded swimming experience with spectacular views. Pack some snacks and plenty of drinking water, and make a day of it soaking up this breathtakingly beautiful environment. This is our family favourite and offers small pockets of safe and shallow swimming areas for the little ones, and a you can’t beat the main waterfall as the perfect backdrop to a perfect day.
Hiking Trails
Leliyn boasts several well-marked hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels:
Leliyn Loop Walk
- Distance: 2.6 km loop
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Grade 4 Moderate
- Highlights: This trail takes you up to the spectacular upper pools through diverse landscapes, including rocky escarpments and lush forests. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the falls and a chance to spot local flora and fauna. While you can walk the circuit in either direction from the campground, our tip would be to go in an anti-clockwise direction to get the steepest part of the walk out of the way first. Set off by mid-morning at the latest to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day, and enjoy as much time as you can relaxing in the upper pools!
Sweetwater Pool (and Longhole) Trail
- Distance: 9 km return
- Duration: day or overnight
- Difficulty: Grade 4 Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: This longer trek continues past the Upper Pools and leads you to Longhole Pool, a secluded spot perfect for a peaceful swim. We loved the sandy banks and shallow waters which are perfect for families with smaller children!
Continue on past Longhole Pool a further few kilometres to Sweetwater Pool for a more challenging hike that offers solitude and a deeper connection with nature. Overnight tent camping is available at Sweetwater Pool, however sites must be booked online prior to walking. There are basic toilet facilities at Sweetwater Pool, however campers must be fully self-sufficient with supplies, food and drinking water. We’d recommend taking a good water filter (we use a Sawyer Squeeze) to help reduce your hiking pack weight and, help provide safe drinking water while on the trail.
Wildlife Encounters
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife spotting.
Tips for First-Time Campers
To ensure a memorable and enjoyable camping experience at Leliyn, consider the following tips:
What to Pack
- Essentials: Whether you’re coming with your home on wheels, or setting up your tent or swag, make sure you are fully self-sufficient with plenty of food and water on board. There are limited supplies within the national park and the closest shops are located in Katherine, just over 60km south.
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. Walking poles are a great addition for hikes, and don’t forget your swimmers!
- Safety Gear: First aid kit that includes a snake bite bandage, insect repellent, sunscreen, personal locator beacon (we use a Garmin In-Reach Mini) and/or Starlink. Remember there is no mobile phone service within the national park.
Best Times to Visit
- Dry Season (May to September): This is the ideal time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.
- Wet Season (October to April): While the park generally remains open, periodic flooding can cut access to Leliyn for short periods in the wet season.
Safety Advice
- Swimming: Always check the safety signage, swim only where recommended, observe warning signs and avoid swimming alone. Pools may be closed due to dangerous conditions at times during the wet season.
- Wildlife: Respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Keep an eye out for the stunning Gouldian Finch and Hooded Parrot, or you may be lucky enough to watch a Greater Bower Bird building his bower along the campground fringes.
- Hiking: Stay on marked trails, carry sufficient drinking water, and inform someone of your plans. Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
- Be Crocwise: Pay attention to warning signs and avoid swimming in prohibited areas.
Camping at Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Nitmiluk National Park is a must-do for anyone seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Leliyn offers an enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore this stunning gem in Nitmiluk National Park!
Happy Trails.
For more ideas of some of the best things to do in the Northern Territory click here
