LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Litchfield National Park is a jewel of the Top End in Australia’s Northern Territory, famed for its spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and iconic magnetic termite mounds.
This park offers a quintessential Australian tropical escape, providing easily accessible natural beauty and adventure only an hour and a half south of Darwin.
Most Popular Attractions
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes
Buley Rockhole: A series of cascading plunge pools and spa-like natural whirlpools, perfect for a relaxing soak.
Florence Falls: A magnificent double-plunge waterfall with a large, deep swimming hole, accessible via a viewing platform or a descent down 135 steps.
Tolmer Falls: A dramatic waterfall that plunges over a sheer escarpment into a deep pool below (swimming is not permitted to protect the resident ghost bats and orange-nosed bats).
Wangi Falls: The park’s most famous and largest waterfall, featuring a large, stunning monsoon rainforest-fringed plunge pool, sometimes closed during the wet season due to flooding or strong currents.
Surprise Creek Falls: A less-visited but equally beautiful series of waterfalls and pools, offering a more secluded experience (requires a 4WD track).
Tjaetaba Falls: A smaller, sacred waterfall near the park entrance at the Tjaetaba Cascades walk, with a plunge pool at the top (swimming is restricted to the lower pool).
Greenant Creek: A lovely, secluded swimming spot accessible via a 1.5 km loop walk, offering quiet rock pools and cascades.
Geological and Natural Wonders
Magnetic Termite Mounds: Thousands of iconic, thin, wedge-shaped termite mounds, up to two meters high, perfectly aligned on a north-south axis to minimize sun exposure.
Cathedral Termite Mounds: Huge, towering termite structures that resemble large, intricate stone pillars, some reaching up to four meters in height.
The Lost City: A fascinating, remote area of large, sandstone formations that look like the ruins of an ancient civilization (requires a 4WD track).
Bamboo Creek Tin Mine: The ruins of a historic tin mine, offering a glimpse into the region’s mining past amidst the tropical bush.
The Tabletop Range: The large sandstone plateau from which the park’s famous waterfalls cascade, offering spectacular views and a challenging multi-day hike.
Copperfield: An old mine site along the 4WD route, providing historical interest for the adventurous visitor.
Walks and Viewing Platforms
Shady Creek Walk: A short, shady walk near Wangi Falls, leading through a section of monsoon forest.
Walk to Florence Falls Plunge Pool: The most popular walk, involving stairs to descend to the stunning swimming hole.
Walk to Florence Falls Lookout: A very short walk to an elevated platform providing panoramic views of the waterfall and gorge.
Tjaetaba Falls Walk: A short walk to the sacred falls, with interpretive signs detailing the significance of the area to the local Wagait people.
Wangi Falls Loop Walk: A circuit walk that takes you to the top of the falls and through the surrounding monsoon forest.
Tolmer Falls Walk: A short loop walk to two viewing platforms for the falls, plus a longer walk into the gorge area (viewing only).
Tabletop Track: A challenging, 39 km multi-day hike for experienced bushwalkers, traversing the plateau and linking the main falls.
Blyth Homestead Ruins: Ruins of a historic homestead, accessible via a short detour, telling the story of early pioneer life in the area.
Activities & Experiences
Swim at Wangi Falls: Litchfield’s most popular spot, offering a large, beautiful plunge pool beneath twin waterfalls. A great place for a refreshing swim and a picnic (check for seasonal closures due to high water/crocodiles).
Relax at Buley Rockhole: A series of cascades and tiered rock pools perfect for wading, sitting, and relaxing in the cool, clear water. Ideal for families and unwinding after a walk.
Take a Dip in Florence Falls Plunge Pool: Walk down the stairs (or the longer, shadier track) to this stunning double waterfall that feeds a large, natural plunge pool surrounded by monsoon rainforest.
Marvel at the Magnetic Termite Mounds: Walk amongst hundreds of towering, blade-like termite mounds, oriented precisely north-south for thermo-regulation. Don’t miss the enormous, rounded Cathedral Mounds nearby.
Hike the Tabletop Track (Section): For serious bushwalkers, tackle a section of the 39km circuit walk, or choose one of the shorter return walks, like the one to the top of Wangi Falls.
View Tolmer Falls: Visit the viewing platforms for a breathtaking look at this spectacular single-drop waterfall cascading into an inaccessible, deep pool and the Limestone Gorge. Note: Swimming is not permitted here.
4WD to Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek): Take a four-wheel-drive vehicle down the rugged Reynolds Track to access this secluded, beautiful waterfall and plunge pool, which is often less crowded.
Explore The Lost City: Drive a 4WD vehicle to see this unique collection of weathered sandstone pillars and rock formations that resemble ancient ruins or a miniature stone city. Note: This is a 4WD-only track.
Find Solitude at Surprise Creek Falls: Accessible via a 4WD track, this remote waterfall, swimming hole, and campsite offer a tranquil escape and a chance to truly unwind away from the main tourist hubs.
Walk to the Cascades: Take a moderate 3.3km return walk through the bush to reach the upper or lower Cascades, a series of beautiful rock pools and small waterfalls offering a quieter swimming experience.
Visit the Blyth Homestead Ruins: Step back in time by visiting the remains of a historic tin mining homestead, accessible via the 4WD track, and learn about the Top End’s early European settlement history.
Join a Guided Tour: Book a day tour from Darwin, which often includes transport, lunch, and a visit to the main highlights, providing a stress-free way to experience the park.
Local Tips & Transport
Self-Drive is Best: The most popular and recommended way to explore Litchfield is by rental car from Darwin (approx. 90-minute drive).
Vehicle Type: Most major attractions (Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Magnetic Termite Mounds) are accessible via sealed roads and can be reached with a regular 2WD vehicle.
4WD Access: A 4WD is required to access some of the more remote, rugged, and rewarding areas, such as Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls, and The Lost City.
Fuel: There is no fuel available inside the park. Fill up in Darwin or the nearby town of Batchelor before entering.
Tours: Guided day tours operate regularly from Darwin, offering an excellent option for those without a car or who prefer an expert guide to handle the logistics.
Road Conditions: Always check the NT Parks website for the latest road and waterfall opening conditions, especially during the Wet Season.
Safety is Paramount (Be Crocwise!): The Northern Territory is home to Saltwater Crocodiles. Only swim in clearly marked and designated swimming areas in Litchfield National Park. Park rangers constantly monitor these popular waterholes, and they are closed if a crocodile is sighted. Never enter restricted areas.
Aboriginal Culture: Litchfield National Park is the traditional land of the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat, and Warray Aboriginal people. Treat the area with respect. You may see interpretive signs sharing their connection to the land—please read and respect this cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit: The Dry Season (April to September) is the most popular time to visit, with ideal weather, lower humidity, and all roads/falls typically open. The Wet Season (October to March) brings dramatic storms and overflowing waterfalls, but some tracks and swimming spots may close due to flooding or crocodile risk.
Pack Water and Sun Protection: The Top End is hot. Always carry ample water, wear a hat, sunglasses, and use high-factor sun protection. Start your hikes early to avoid the midday heat.
Camping: Litchfield offers several excellent campgrounds at key spots like Wangi Falls and Florence Falls. Booking ahead, especially during the Dry Season, is highly recommended.
Stay Overnight: Consider staying at least one night to enjoy a sunset/sunrise, which enhances the experience, and allows you to visit the popular spots either early or late, avoiding the main day-trip crowds from Darwin.
Hidden Gems (Requires 4WD or Longer Walk):
Green Ant Creek & Tjaetaba Falls: A beautiful, quiet walk up to a lookout over the falls, which is a site of significance to the local people. Swimming is usually permitted below the falls.
Walker Creek: A less-visited area with a lovely walking track that leads to several small, private swimming spots and secluded bush campsites along the creek.
Central Valley: A 4WD-accessible campground and swimming spot on the East Reynolds River, offering a true wilderness feel.
The Tolmer Falls Loop Walk: A moderate walk around the top of Tolmer Falls which provides incredible views of the escarpment and gorge country, a landscape often overlooked in the rush to the swimming holes.