Imagine a stunning national park, an easy day trip from Darwin. Visit Litchfield National Park, a feast for the senses. Enjoy waterfalls, plunge pools and monsoon forests with, let’s be real here, extraordinary massive termite mounds.
1. SCOOT BEHIND WATERFALL CURTAINS
Scoot behind waterfall curtains and relish the cool spray in the tropical climate. Arching bridal veil falls to thundering cascades spilling over rock faces. Waterfall watching is the top priority for many Litchfield National Park visitors.
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- Wangi Falls with a pop up cafe at the bottom of the falls stocking your favourite ice cream
- Florence Falls, cascading waterfalls plunging 30 m into pools. Safe swimming is captured on zillions of insta shots
- Tolmer Falls, the highest waterfall drop while does not allow swimming it is a spectacular sight nevertheless
2. EXPLORE THE MASSIVE TERMITE MOUNDS
Explore the massive termite mounds. Termite mounds are odd, unusual park attractions are not disappointing as you observe up to 2 metres in height. Termites are industrious and (do not poke the termite mound).
- The termites have cleverly designed their termite mounds as a compass following the shade. The thin edge points north-south and the broad back faces east-west creating a shady habitat
- The giant termite mounds are over 100 years old
- Termites use salvia, sand, droppings and leaf litter
- Cathedral termite mounds reach heights in excess of 4 metres
- The mounds can be viewed from accessible boardwalks off Litchfield Park Road. There are excellent information plaques for the curious
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3. SPLASH OUT ON A HELICOPTER RIDE
Splash out on a helicopter ride. From above monsoon forest, billabongs and pools interspersed by the characteristic ochre, burnt rust rock faces. The joy of landing at a lesser known waterfall. Swim n scenic is the stuff of holiday dreams.
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4. SPEND THE DAY WITH THE LOCALS
Northern Territory Indigenous Tours is wholly owned by locals. Listen to ancient stories, find out how to find bush tucker (food) and the resources needed to thrive in the park as the indigenous custodians. Swim in plunge pools and watch waterfalls fountain over cliff faces.
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5. SWIM IN BULEY ROCKHOLE
Need to cool down, enjoy the family friendly BULEY ROCK POOLS (HOLE). Largely waist deep pools are a series of cascading rock pools surrounded by bush and natural flowing streams.
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Getting to Buley Rockholes
Buley Rockhole has a dedicated carpark and if full take the access road to Florence Falls and enjoy the short walk to Buley RockholeIf the carpark is full you can park at Florence Falls and take the Buley Rockhole walk. There are toilets and picnic areas at Buley Rockhole.
3 km (one way) well signposted.
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Go early, make the rockpools your first stop as they can be busy, especially in the school holidays. You will need to walk over uneven, large boulders and rocks to access the pools.
6. VISIT BLYTH HOMESTEAD
Visit Blyth Homestead, a relic of European pioneer efforts to establish a tin mine. The abandoned home is restored with information plaques telling the story of the Sargent Family. The boom and bust, rust and dust of failed dreams. The historic Blyth Homestead is found in Litchfield National Park and is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle. Blyth homestead is off limits during the wet season (November to April).
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7. STAY AWHILE IN LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK – GO CAMPING
LItchfield National Park has designated campgrounds at Central Valley, Florence Falls and 4×4 access Tolmer Falls. Nearby in the settlement of BATCHELOR (32 km from Litchfield National Park entrance) are a number of accommodation providers.
8. GLAMPING – JUST OUTSIDE THE WESTERN ENTRANCE TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Litchfield Safari Camp is located outside the western entrance of the park. The camp grounds are 5 km from Wangi Falls and opposite the Cascades waterfalls car park.
9. THE LOST CITY
Geology has sculptured a labyrinth of sandstone formations that resemble the ruins of an ancient city. Take a walk among the towering pillars and intricate rock formations.
Access to The Lost City is via a 4WD access road from Litchfield Park Road between Buley Rockhole and Tolmer Falls. The 10km dirt track can be of varying difficulties depending on the time of year. The attraction closes during the wet season when the track becomes completely impassable … (source The Lost City | NT.GOV.AU)
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10. WHAT TO DO NEARBY LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK?
- Visit Batchelor Butterfly Farm and wait for an exotic coloured butterfly to alight
- Explore Berry Springs’ natural geothermal pools surrounded by a monsoon forest
- Spend time at Batchelor Museum with its eclectic collection of Aboriginal artefacts and memorabilia documenting the Federal Government agricultural plans of 1911.
- NT Adventure Park offers outback quad adventures through Rum Jungle near Batchelor and Litchfield National Park.
- Spend time exploring the settlement Adelaide with a well resourced museum documenting the travails of World War II on the district.
During World War II was a base for Pacific operations. Rum Jungle Uranium Mine was established in 1952. Until it closed in 1971, the mine supplied the US and British nuclear weapons programs. The mining operations caused widespread environmental pollution and destruction of significant Aboriginal places. (source National Museum of Australia)
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK LOCATION
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Litchfield National Park entrance is ust over 100 km. It will be a long day with a 6.30 am recommended start. You will have time to explore two waterfalls and the termite moulds. Litchfield National Park is more popular than Kakadu. This is likely due to the proximity of the park to Darwin.
Litchfield National Park has a number of popular walks and hikes. The Wangi Falls hike to the lookout and the Florence Falls walk to Buley Rock Pools.
Litchfield National Park has a cafe located at the bottom of Wangi Falls. The cafe is open in the dry season, April-September you can enjoy breakfast, brunch & lunch from 8am – 3pm
Entry into Litchfield National Park requires an NT Parks Pass. You will need a separate pass to the Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta park passes. If you’re looking to stay in one of the camping areas, you must book online and pay a fee to camp. There are roving park rangers who will ask to see proof you have paid the relevant park fees.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
Safety & the weather. Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and March. It can exceed 40 degrees celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Is a park open? CHECK beforehand to avoid disappointment if a park is open.
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Crocodile Safety – Be Croc Wise
Crocodile safety: Be Crocwise | NT.GOV.AU
Saltwater crocodiles are dangerous to people and pets. You should always be aware of the risk of a saltwater crocodile attack in all Top End waterways. It is never 100% safe to enter the water. Your personal safety is your responsibility.
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