Popular swimming spot shuts in NT after tourist disappears

A popular swimming spot in the Northern Territory has closed as authorities search for a man who disappeared on Tuesday.

A popular swimming spot in the Northern Territory has closed as authorities search for a missing tourist.

The man in his 50s was last seen swimming at Edith Falls, also known as Leliyn, in Nitmiluk National Park — about 290km south of Darwin — on Tuesday.

On Tuesday night, police urged members of the public to avoid the area as officers investigated. They said the man was believed to have drowned.

NT Police Acting Commissioner Martin Dole told ABC Radio Darwin on Wednesday morning the missing person was last seen in the lower pool and police divers were being sent there to continue the search.

Edith Falls is closed as authorities search for a missing man. Picture: AAP Image/Caroline Berdon

All swimming holes, plunge pools and walking trails in the area have been closed “due to police operations,” according to the state government’s website.

That includes the Edith Falls plunge pool, the upper pool, Sweetwater pool, the Leliyn loop walk and the Sweetwater and Longhole walk. They are expected to reopen on Thursday.

The campground has remained open throughout the search.

The NT News reported the man was understood to be an Australian tourist who became separated from the group he was with on Tuesday afternoon.

Edith Falls is promoted as being a place for exploring picturesque waterfalls, an idyllic spot for a camping, with great swimming and bushwalking.