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 out-and-back hike located near Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory. The hike should take around an hour to complete, including swimming time.

About Robin Falls

Robin Falls is one of the Northern Territory’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 Stuart Highway from Darwin 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.

The trail starts at the end of the dirt road by the car park.

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!

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.

The rock scramble to the top pool shouldn’t be attempted by beginners.

Distance / Duration

1km return / 1 hour including swimming time

Essential Gear

• Camera
• 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 the 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 and dip in and out of the pool.

We rock scrambled up the side of 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 visiting 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!

Be aware, the climb to the upper pools is quite steep and usually very slippery, so take caution and only climb if you feel confident doing so.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

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 chuck 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 Northern Territory. 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

Where is Robin Falls located?

Robin Falls is located near Adelaide River in the Northern Territory, around 1.5 hour’s drive south of Darwin.

How do you get to Robin Falls?

To get to Robin Falls, take the Stuart Highway south out of Darwin towards Adelaide River. Once in Adelaide River, take the right hand turn down Dorat Road and follow it for 15km. The dirt road entry to Robin Falls will be found on the right.

When is Robin Falls open?

Robin Falls is open during the dry season (May-Oct) and can still be accessed during the wet season, however there may be seasonal closures if there’s too much water around.

Is Robin Falls good for beginners?

Robin Falls is fine for beginners as it’s quite a short walk, however it is on a very rocky and uneven surface, so make sure you’re steady underfoot.

How long does it take to complete the hike to Robin Falls?

It can take as little as 15-20 minutes to walk from the car park to the base of Robin Falls.

How long is the Robin Falls walk?

1km return

How high is Robin Falls?

The drop of Robin Falls is approximately 20-25 metres.

Can you swim at Robin Falls?

Yes! But during the late dry season, there may not be enough water to swim in and during the wet season, the flow may be too strong to swim in.

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 500 metre 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.

Is Robin Falls free?

Yep! Visiting and camping at Robin Falls is free.