Recently we spent three weeks in Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield National Park where we swam in some amazing water holes, wave pools, hot springs and lap pools.
When we returned I wrote about these fabulous swimming spots in a story published in The Weekend Australian last Saturday, 4 July. You can read the story, Pooled Resources here.
While discussions about crocodiles are a regular topic of conversation in the Top End, and there are many places off limits for swimming, there are lots of safe alternatives sans crocs and stingers.
While each place was special, one of the highlights was an unnamed pool near Buley Rockhole in Litchfield National Park where I had a fantastic back and shoulder massage.
Another favourite were the Katherine Hot Springs. While mud from the wet season covered the paperbark trees and pandanus surrounding the springs it was very relaxing in the warm, crystal clear water. It was also where we made friends with three local Aboriginal boys who enjoyed exploring the underwater paradise with my goggles.
And at Wangi Falls it was fun discovering a hidden pool on the rock face where I managed to climb up to and plunge in, and encountering the marine life in the pool beneath Florence Falls.
4 comments
Those photos make each pool look so tempting. One day…
They are Jen and the weather up there is warm enough for even you to dip in!
Enjoyed reading your stories. We camped and swam at Gunlom 25 years ago, it was called UDP falls then. Buffalo walked through our camp during the night. Lee
Thanks Lee. It’s a lovely spot the camping area at Gunlom. Trust the buffalo didn’t come too close to your tent! We want to return to the Top End as there’s so much to see and so many lovely places to swim!