Australia So Much to See

We found the start of the Leliyn 2.6 kilometre loop walking trail near the parking area for the plunge pool at the base of the escarpment. The first 500 metres climbing the scarp is steep before following light woodlands to the crest.

Heading north west along the Stuart Highway, forty kilometres from Katherine two high bridges crossed the Edith River. The highway became a divided road at the Edith River crossing, with two single laned bridges – old and new – forming the dual carriageway river crossing. Soon we turned east onto the twenty kilometre unsealed road that took us to Nitmiluk National Park again; this time to the busy Leliyn campground. We were lucky to find a spot we could easily fit our long rig into in this busy but pleasant environment. From the caravan we stepped out onto a roomy grassy area shared with a few other caravanners parked around it. The campground is well serviced.

After a steep climb to the crest, the roaring sound of the water told us we were nearing the falls. Then we caught a glimpse of Leliyn, Edith Falls.

When refreshed, we continued on the loop trail, which crosses the river between Edith Falls and the next cascades by a series of foot bridges.

We were alerted to the proximity of the waterfall by a roaring sound and as we reached the crest, Edith Falls could be seen below us. A short downhill walk and the trail reached the water’s edge. Time for a refreshing swim. The fast flowing water at the base of the waterfall was comfortably cool in contrast to cold water we have experienced at other waterfalls. The water tumbling down over a series of cascades and through the rocky pools. Edith Falls is just one of a series of cascades.

A short climb took us to the next lookout point with a seat to relax and look back on Edith Falls, the footbridge, the lower falls. In the opposite direction views downstream saw the river vanishes over the edge of the escarpment to make its way to the plunge pool back at the car park.

The trail meandered down through light woodlands, and crossed a few stream as the river seems to divide as it spreads across the plains.

The Nitmiluk National Park consists of five types of country; the sandstone escarpment, remnant pockets of monsoonal rainforest in sub gorges, open woodland, open forest and riverine. Each supports different eco-system of flora and fauna.

One of the streams we crossed once onto the plains was cool and shady, as seen from a footbridge on the walk trail.

We were lucky to have come on the right day for a Ranger talk, which occur at many Northern Territory Parks on set days during the tourist season as part of the Territory Parks Alive programme. This talk was about park management and wildlife.

One such example of local wildlife is the Hooded Parrot which is limited to an area ranging from Pine Creek across to Arnhem Land and south to Mataranka. Significant numbers occur and breed in Nitmiluk National Park. This species of parrot makes holes in termite mounds for nesting, as the mounds offer a degree of protection from the heat of wildfires. However with less frequent and more intense fires, the species is suffering.

A smaller stream had a crossing of stepping stones.

Looking down the stream from the crossing.

After leaving Nitmiluk, back on the Stuart Highway we headed north west towards Pine Creek

For those not adventurous enough to have taken the 58 kilometre Jatbula Trail from Katherine Gorge, near Edith Falls where the trails converges, a four kilometre walk upstream to a lovely swimming hole called Sweetwater Pool is another option. Continuing on the Jatbula Trail in this direction from Sweetwater Pool is not permitted. A permit must be obtained to take the Sweetwater Pool walk, and these are available from the kiosk at the campground. We did not take this additional walk, and the photo at left has been contributed by someone who did. Thank you for sharing the beauty.