Robin Falls is a Northern Territory Hidden Gem

An adventurous hike through a forest and a swim in a tropical waterfall followed by catching a couple of fish for dinner. Sound like a good day? Then Robin Falls in the Northern Territory could be your next adventure.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Kungarakan Nation, the traditional Country of the Kungarakan people who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Robin Falls trail is an easy 1.5 km loop hike located in the Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory. The hike should take around 15-25 minutes to complete.

About Robin Falls

Robin Falls is one of the NT’s hidden gems. Most people head out to Litchfield National Park to chase waterfalls, but what most people don’t know is that just outside of the boundaries of Litchfield lies an amazing adventure at Robin Falls.

How To Get To Robin Falls

Robin Falls is about a 1.5 hour drive south of Darwin. Follow the National Highway 1 from Darwin all the way south to Adelaide River (112.3km). The turnoff for Robin Falls is just past the petrol station and pub at Adelaide River onto Dorat Road. Follow this for 15km and the dirt road to Robin Falls will be on your right.

Places To Stay Near Robin Falls

Robin Falls Campground

The Robin Falls Rest Area can be used for more than just a little spell. There are a bunch of campsites that sit alongside the stream that are FREE to use and offer a gorgeous spot to sit and read by the water.

There are no bookings for this campground – it’s just first in best dressed.

As Robin Falls lies outside of any national park boundaries, the rest area and track are not as regularly managed, which means there’s often a lot of rubbish around and overflowing bins.

Don’t be that guy – just take your rubbish out with you and drop it back at Adelaide River.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Things To Do At Robin Falls

Walk the meandering, rocky trail beside the creek that leads to Robin Falls. The trail ends at the bottom of Robin Falls where there is a plunge pool that is perfect for a relaxing dip to cool those aching muscles.

If fishing is your thing, pack your rod and throw a line in the creek, you’re bound to catch something if you’re patient.

In the dry season when there is little water flowing down the three-tiered waterfall, Robin Falls is an excellent place for rock scrambling. There’s a pool up at the top so if you’re keen and careful you can climb up the waterfall and look out over the valley.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

The walk along the stream to Robin Falls is quite easy, however, there are moments when you have to cross parts of the stream and climb over rocks and logs.

Distance / Duration

From the car park, Robin Falls is about 1.5km along the stream one way / 15-25 minutes depending on how high the stream is.

Essential Gear

• Camera & tripod
• Swimmers & towel (in the dry season)
• Fishing rod (optional)
• Hiking boots (I did it in thongs, probably not the best idea)
• Salt – for the leeches in wet season!
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• First aid kit

What It’s Like To Visit Robin Falls

The day we went there was quite rainy, which probably isn’t the safest time to go out to this waterfall because it’s possible you’ll get flooded in. However, Robin Falls has about three times as much water in it after rain, so it looks insane!

When you first arrive, you’ll find yourself at Robin Falls Rest Area. This is where you can park your car, or if you’re keen to stay the night, claim one of the campsites right by the stream.

From the car park, hike up along the stream for about 15-20 minutes through rocky, forest-like landscape until you hear the roar of the thumping water from above. The track follows alongside the stream but does involve manoeuvring between or climbing over rocks.

You may need to cross the creek at some stage as well, so be aware of crocs! These are more likely to be around in the wet season though.

Read more: How To Stay Safe in Croc Country

Once you reach the waterfall, you’ve got a few options up your sleeve. Hang out on the rocks, dipping out of the pool.

We hiked up the waterfall as much as we could, but as all the rocks were extremely wet and slippery, we couldn’t get too high. But if you’re here during the dry season, you can rock scramble to the top and go for a swim at the pool at the top of the falls and look out over the valley the Robin Falls flows into. It’s incredible!

It’s important to note this adventure will be very different depending on the season you visit – wet season may mean it’s not safe to swim, whereas towards the end of the dry season may mean there’s not much water left to swim in at all.

If you’re a keen fisher, pack your rod and chick a line in the creek. There’s a high chance you’ll catch a couple of fish. We did!

Robin Falls is definitely one of my favourite waterfalls in the NT. If you like adventurous hikes through forests, swimming in tropical waterfalls, and catching a couple of fish, you’ll love it here!

Tips For Visiting Robin Falls

Visit in the dry season so you have pleasant temperatures to walk in and are able to swim in the pools at the bottom of the waterfall.

Robin Falls FAQs

When should I go to Robin Falls?

The best time of year to visit Robin Falls is in the dry season (May-October). During the wet season, the amount of water flowing down the falls will most likely make it unsafe for swimming. However, make sure you don’t visit too close to the end of the dry season or there may not be enough water to swim in!

Are there crocodiles at Robin Falls?

It’s complicated. This is why the dry season is the best time to go as you can pretty much guarantee that you won’t have any unwanted encounters with crocs. Due to the seasonal nature of the creek however, in the wet season you should not swim and be wary of creek edges.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Robin Falls?

No. The trailhead begins just by the campground and car park, which is located on a short 500m dirt road. Sometimes the potholes in the road can be significant and there may be puddles to drive through. If so, it’s possible to leave your 2WD at the start of the dirt road and walk to the trailhead from there.