WET SEASON WATERFALLS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Between November to April, it feels like the floodgates of the heavens are opened and all the water in the world descends upon Darwin. The deluge of rain in the waterways make most of the great swimming spots unswimmable (for people - but extra-swimmable for crocs). But the rains also bring some magnificent waterfalls back to life and with it, a whole new set of croc-safe waterfalls open up to swim in. Some of my favourite swimming spots were ones I discovered in the wet season. When that burning NT sun comes out from behind the clouds, head to these limited edition wet season waterfalls before they trickle out in the dry season.

SOUTHERN ROCK HOLE

A three-hour drive south to Katherine is worth it to experience the most spectacular swimming spot in the Top End. Ferries run directly to Southern Rock Hole throughout the day but the hour walk in and out makes it feel like more of an adventure. You can stop to admire Katherine Gorge from Pat's Lookout - although the gorge looks a bit like a chocolate milkshake at this time of the year. Maybe I'm biased - Southern Rock Hole was my favourite day in the NT. It was the first clear sunny day of the Wet Season and because it was the only swimming spot open in January, it felt like everyone from Darwin had made the commute to a giant pool party. The crowds thin out when the last afternoon ferries leave so we got the best of both worlds.

A more private section is up above that tall waterfall. If you're walking in, you can veer off as soon as you see the water and follow the stream to your own private little waterfall.

Upper falls at Southern Rock Hole

EDITH FALLS (UPPER FALLS)

The Upper Falls at Edith Falls is gushing with water in the wet season. As long as you are a confident swimmer, you will enjoy getting swept away by the current which is like an aggressive, more thrilling, natural "lazy river." Check out the difference between the amount of water at the end of the Dry Season in September and in January after two solid months of rain.

Edith Falls at the end of the Dry

Edith Falls in the Wet season

MOTOR CAR FALLS, KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

A flat well-marked 4 km track through the wild Kakadu savannah leading to a cool plunge pool under a stunning waterfall. The Yurmikmik walk leading to the falls is a highlight in itself. They warned us about encountering some wild buffalos on the track but I would say the biggest risk is being stabbed by the offensively spiky grass. AWD/4WD is recommended but you can probably get through in a 2WD if you drive slowly and accept it is going to be bumpy ride.

Yurmikmik lookout walk

BOULDER CREEK, KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

A small waterfall and emerald green pools to cool down in on the trek back from Motor Car Falls. It is only 800m from the car park and you can do both in a day. If you are willing to clamber some rocks and wade through some water, you will get to the upper of the two pools - the perfect place to lie down, read and gawk at nature.

ROBIN FALLS

Robin Falls is an easy stopover on the way to/from Kakadu or Katherine or as its own day trip from Darwin. The best thing is that it's accessible by 2WD - if the turn off is a bit muddy, you can park your car on the side of the road and walk a short way to the start of the track. The short track involves trekking across some rocks. There are three swimmable tiers of the waterfall - my favourite is the one we are at here.

UPPER CASCADES, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

The Upper Cascades in Litchfield are open all year round but I only appreciated its beauty in the Wet Season when the cascading rock pools are full and flowing with water after the rain. There is so much space and water that you will find your own private rockpool to sit in. The water is relatively shallow so the pools are a great place to sit with reading material or with friends. Reaching the water requires a decent 3.6 km return hike in exposed terrain and there is not much shade near the water either so hats and sunscreen are essential.