We have thoroughly enjoyed three days at the lovely Edith Falls, which is at the northern end of Nitmiluk National Park. The Falls, which are a series of cascading waterfalls and pools on the Edith River, are approximately 60kms north of Katherine. For the very adventurous and fit, you can enjoy a 66km walk from here back to Katherine Gorge, where we were previously. The falls descend from an elevation of 577 feet above sea level, with the highest of the falls just 39 feet. The camp ground is very well designed, so that unlike most commercial camp grounds, campers are well spaced out, and each looks onto an almost private grassed area, and most importantly it is just a few hundred metres to the biggest of the pools, which would have to be 100m in diameter. And even at this time of year there is water flowing down the falls into the pool. It is soooo welcoming! Fish life is abundant, and apparently the fresh water crocodiles like to feed between 7pm and 7am…. We really aren’t sure if there were any, and it certainly didn’t stop us or any other campers from the compulsory frequent daily dips. Day time temperatures were hovering around 35/36 degrees.

There are two walks in the Park, and on Thursday, the four of us (Jane, Steve, Dearne and Rod) had an early start, setting off to conquer both the Leliyn Trail, a 2 hour circuit to the upper pool above the camp based falls, and the Sweetwater Pool Walk, which is 8.6km to a beautiful swimming pool further up the river.

Looking across at the Upper Pool, Leliyn. That’s Steve in the foreground.

Both of these walks are relatively easy ascending alongside the river and various falls and pools, passing through grasslands, bush, and boulders, and crossing over dry river beds. We were hanging out for the rewarding swim at Sweetwater pool, and again back at the camp at the end of the walk. We would recommend both these walks and the rewarding swim to be enjoyed with each.

Steve and Dearne at Sweetwater Pool before a cooling swim

We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon dipping in and out of the freshwater pool close to the camp. Evenings were spent with the obligatory 5.30 to 6pm drinks before an evening meal outside, followed by relaxing under the stars until the night time temps were cool enough for sleep.

On Friday we had a relaxing day, split between chores, swimming and reading before pre-dinner drinks with fellow campers, hearing travel adventures from both here and around the world. Last night we and the Berry’s combined cooking duties and enjoyed a hot evening meal under the bright night sky, plotting and planning the next few weeks of our travels.

This morning we left Edith Falls, fully intending to make today’s stop at Adelaide River, just south of Litchfield National Park. However it’s horse races today in Adelaide River and as a small town, this is a big event, resulting in every spare camp spot and more formal accommodation being snapped up. So we only ventured 40kms north to Pine Creek, a little town of around 600 residents, renowned for its early gold mining history, with its first discovery in 1871. Several mines have re-opened in recent years along with a new iron ore mine. Its most famous event is that it hosts the annual Goldrush Festival, featuring the NT Gold Panning Championships and Didgeridoo Jam. Sadly we will miss the Gold Panning Championships which take place on June 27th!

Old mining equipment on display in Pine Creek

There is an excellent display of old mining equipment in the town, however like many outback towns, it isn’t well maintained and is likely to deteriorate in coming years unless there is major investment in the town and the region. Normally we would pass through a town like this, stopping only to refuel or enjoy a spot of coffee at morning tea.

Tomorrow, instead of following our original plan to head to Adelaide River, we’ll head straight for Litchfield National Park, our last port of call before Darwin.