Best Lagoons And Watering Holes In The Northern Territory

Lucinda Froomes Price shares her top four lagoons and watering holes in the Northern Territory

Hello! I’m Froomy – ‘NT It’s Newsworthy’ ambassador and certified watering hole connoisseur.

I took a cheeky trip to the Northern Territory in May and had the pleasure of going on a waterfall hopping expedition, scoping out some must-swim spots for the most (and least) intrepid visitors. Here are my top four picks of must-see sites.

#1 Maguk, Kakadu National Park

Connect with the oldest living culture on earth. The rugged and remote beauty of Kakadu has stories to share that will take your breath away and touch your heart.

Maguk is a magical little spot in Kakadu National Park. Like many of the most pristine spots in the Northern Territory, a bit of bush bashing is required to get there – but thankfully, it’s through a beautiful rainforest riverbed just one kilometer from the nearby carpark. Pack some snacks because it’s criminally easy to stay there all day, going for lil swims and lazing on rocks around the edges of the natural pool.

Plus, it’s one of the only waterfalls in the region that flows all seasons. Nature hack!

#2 Redbank Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 km west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay.

To me, the most iconic feature of the Northern Territory’s landscape are the red-rock cliffs and roads. A dirt road that is bright orange? Melbourne could never.

The aptly-named Redbank Gorge trades on this uniqueness with incredible, towering red cliffs that envelope a pure watering hole. Get your friends on board and make a day of it! Gorgeous indeed!

#3 Litchfield National Park

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading pools of Buley Rockhole.

This popular swimming spot, in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, is a great place to wind down after exploring the park. Wade through the pools, absorb the scenic bush surrounds or sit and relax, as the cool water rolls over your shoulders. Open for most of the year.

Florence Falls is one of my favourite spots in the NT, not just because it reminds me that the Dog Days Are Over. This one is deep in the rainforest – but the steel staircase down makes it a little more cityrat friendly for precious, suburban angels.

#4 Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell Ranges

Northern Territory — The popular Ellery Creek Big Hole.

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 km west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay.

Who doesn’t love a big hole? Ellery Creek delivers by name and nature, with an enormous waterhole that’ll cool you down instantly after the little trot it takes to get there. This area is giving drama, with enormous jagged cliffs, bright yellow sand and still, pure water. It’s very close to Mparntwe (Alice Springs), making it the perfect spot for an end-of-day wind down.

What are you waiting for, hun? Might see you there! Head to Jetstar.com to book a flight to the NT today. Jetstar’s Mid-Year sale runs from 12.01am AEST Thursday 16 June to 11.59pm AEST Tuesday 21 June and includes one-way fares from $89 (Melbourne (Tullamarine) – Uluru (Ayers Rock)).