Crystal-clear swimming holes and pleasant bushwalking trails make Litchfield National Park a favourite among Darwin locals. Located just an hour-and-a-half drive south, 100 kilometers southwest of Darwin, the park features diverse environments from rugged sandstone escarpments to perennial spring-fed streams, monsoon rainforest, magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls and historic ruins.
Visitors to Litchfield Park will find several short trails that pass through a range of habitats and landscapes that are typical of the Top End. For the experienced, fit and well prepared bushwalkers, the multi-day Tabletop Track circuit offers the opportunity to experience the isolation of the Top End.
One of Litchfield National Park's most famous and unique sights is the hundreds of magnetic termite mounds standing up to two metres high. The mounds’ thin edges point north-south minimising their exposure to the sun, keeping the mounds cool for the termites inside.
Litchfield features walkways and information centres at each major point of interest throughout the park. A Ranger Station is located at Batchelor and Walker Creek. Most areas have an Emergency Call Device, toilet facilities and disabled access.
You can spend as little as one day in the park, taking a quick dip in each of the plunge pools and rockholes on the drive through, but to really experience the true beauty of Litchfield it’s best to stay at least two days.
Seasonal Considerations
Water levels in Litchfield National Park can vary depending on the season and rainfall. During the wet season (November to April), the area may be subject to flooding and potential closures. Before planning a visit, it's best to check the latest conditions with the park authorities.
Buley Rockhole is a picturesque and inviting spot that offers visitors a chance to cool off in pristine rock pools amid the lush surroundings of Litchfield National Park.
The swimming spot is a favorite destination for families due to its safe and family-friendly swimming areas. The shallow and gentle rock pools make it suitable for children to splash around and have fun.
Location
Buley Rockhole is situated in the northern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 110 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is one of the easily accessible and well-loved spots in the park.
Natural Swimming Pools
Buley Rockhole is renowned for its series of cascading rock pools and waterfalls formed by the flow of Florence Creek. The rock pools vary in size and depth, creating a picturesque and inviting setting for swimming and relaxation. The water in the rock pools at Buley is known for its clarity and freshness. Visitors enjoy swimming in the cool, clear waters on hot days.
Picnic and BBQ Facilities
Buley Rockhole offers excellent facilities for picnicking and barbecuing. There are shaded picnic areas equipped with barbecue pits, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty of the park.
Access
Buley Rockhole is easily accessible from the main car park, with a short walk to reach the swimming area. The walk is relatively easy and suitable for visitors of all ages.
Waterfall Hikes
For those seeking a bit more adventure, Buley Rockhole serves as a starting point for a hike along the Florence Creek Track. This trail leads to nearby waterfalls, including the Tjaetaba Falls and the Florence Falls, offering more opportunities to explore the park's natural beauty.
Cascades in Litchfield National Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. With its cascading waterfalls, swimming opportunities, and picnic facilities, it's a great spot for a day trip or a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Northern Territory's natural wilderness.
Location
Cascades is situated in the southern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is one of the many picturesque spots to explore in the park.
Natural Waterfall
Cascades is known for its stunning waterfall that flows over a series of terraced rock formations. The cascading water creates beautiful pools and small rapids, making it an inviting location for swimming and enjoying the refreshing waters.
Rock Slides
One of the unique features of Cascades is the opportunity for visitors to slide down natural rock slides, which have been formed by the flowing water over time. These natural waterslides offer a fun and adventurous experience for those seeking a bit of excitement.
Picnic Facilities
Cascades provides picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue facilities, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy a picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Walking Trails
The area around Cascades offers various walking trails that lead to different parts of the park. These trails provide opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Access
Cascades is easily accessible from the car park, with a short walk to reach the waterfall and swimming area. The walk is generally suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Greenant Creek is a hidden gem within Litchfield National Park, offering a tranquil and refreshing experience for those seeking a quieter and more secluded spot in the park. While it might not be as well-known as some of the other attractions, its natural beauty and inviting pools make it a lovely addition to any visit to Litchfield National Park.
Location
Greenant Creek is situated in the northern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is one of the lesser-known spots in the park, offering a quieter and more secluded experience compared to some of the more popular attractions.
Natural Pools and Cascades
Greenant Creek is characterized by a series of small cascades and rock pools formed by the flowing water. The creek flows over a rocky terrain, creating small waterfalls and inviting pools for swimming and wading.
Swimming and Relaxation
The natural pools at Greenant Creek offer visitors the opportunity to cool off in clear and refreshing waters. It is a peaceful spot to relax, enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, and escape the heat of the Northern Territory.
Picnic Facilities
While Greenant Creek is not as developed as some other areas in Litchfield National Park, it does provide some basic facilities for visitors. There are picnic areas with shaded tables, allowing visitors to have a picnic and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the creek.
Walking Trails
Greenant Creek can be accessed via a short walk from the car park. The walking trail leads visitors to the creek and offers glimpses of the surrounding vegetation and wildlife along the way.
Florence Falls is one of the most iconic and picturesque waterfalls located within Litchfield National Park. Florence Falls offers visitors a chance to experience the majesty of twin waterfalls, swim in a pristine plunge pool, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Australian outback. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers, adventurers, and families seeking a memorable experience in the heart of the Northern Territory's natural beauty.
Location
Florence Falls is situated in the northern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is one of the most popular and accessible attractions in the park.
Twin Waterfalls
Florence Falls consists of two stunning waterfalls that flow from a plateau above. The two falls create a beautiful cascade, with the water dropping into a large plunge pool at the base.
Swimming and Plunge Pool
The large plunge pool at the base of Florence Falls is a prime spot for swimming and cooling off on hot days.
Scenic Views
Florence Falls offers spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations. The lush tropical vegetation and tranquil ambiance make it an excellent place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
Walking Trails
There are several walking trails around Florence Falls that provide opportunities to explore the surrounding landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall. The walk to the viewing platform is relatively short and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Access
Florence Falls is easily accessible, with a short walk from the car park to reach the viewing platform and swimming area. The path is well-maintained and includes steps and handrails in some areas for added safety.
Tjaynera Falls, also known as Sandy Creek Falls, is a stunning waterfall and swimming spot located within Litchfield National Park offering visitors a chance to experience a less-crowded and more secluded waterfall and swimming spot.
Location
Tjaynera Falls is situated in the southern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is a bit further away from the main cluster of popular attractions, making it a quieter and less crowded spot.
Swimming
The large plunge pool at the base of Tjaynera Falls is a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. The water is cool and refreshing, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Picnic Facilities
Tjaynera Falls provides basic picnic facilities, including shaded areas with picnic tables. It's a great spot to have a picnic lunch and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Access
Access to Tjaynera Falls requires a 4WD vehicle as the road leading to the falls can be rough and unsealed. It's essential to check the road conditions and be prepared for a bit of off-road driving.
Bushwalking
To reach Tjaynera Falls, visitors need to hike a moderately challenging walking trail through the bush. The walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (round trip) and provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area and spot wildlife along the way.
Tolmer Falls is a magnificent waterfall and scenic attraction offering visitors a chance to view a spectacular waterfall that drops dramatically from a sandstone plateau into a deep plunge pool below. The falls are surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a breathtaking sight.
While swimming is not allowed, the viewing platform provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of this remarkable natural wonder.
Location
Tolmer Falls is situated in the northern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is one of the must-visit spots in the park and is easily accessible from the main road.
Viewing Platform
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tolmer Falls from a well-constructed viewing platform located near the car park. The platform offers a vantage point to appreciate the waterfall and its picturesque surroundings.
Sorry, no swimming here.
Unlike some other waterfalls in Litchfield National Park, swimming is not allowed at Tolmer Falls. The plunge pool is home to a colony of rare Ghost Bats, and the area is strictly protected to preserve their habitat and the delicate ecosystem.
Access
There is a short walking trail that leads from the car park to the Tolmer Falls viewing platform. The walk is relatively easy and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Wangi Falls is one of the most popular and iconic attractions in Litchfield National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of twin waterfalls, swim in a pristine plunge pool, and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Northern Territory's wilderness.
Location
Wangi Falls is situated in the northern part of Litchfield National Park, approximately 83 kilometers southwest of Darwin. It is one of the most easily accessible spots in the park and a favorite destination for visitors.
Twin Waterfalls
Wangi Falls is famous for its twin waterfalls that flow from the escarpment above into a large, deep plunge pool below. The two falls create a beautiful and picturesque setting.
Swimming
The large plunge pool at the base of Wangi Falls is a popular spot for swimming and cooling off, especially on hot days. The water is cool and refreshing, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Lifeguard Patrol
During the peak tourist season (typically from April to October), Wangi Falls often has a lifeguard patrol on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers.
Picnic Facilities
Wangi Falls provides excellent picnic facilities, including shaded areas with picnic tables and barbecue facilities. It's a great spot for visitors to have a picnic lunch and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Walks and Hikes
Wangi Falls offers various walking trails and hikes that allow visitors to explore the surrounding landscapes and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The most popular walk is the Wangi Falls Walk, which takes about 1.6 kilometers (round trip) and offers scenic views of the falls and the surrounding area.
Access
Wangi Falls is easily accessible, with a short walk from the car park to reach the falls and swimming area. The path is well-maintained and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Cultural Significance
Wangi Falls holds cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people, particularly the Wagait people, who are the traditional owners of the land. It is essential to respect the cultural heritage and significance of the area while visiting.
Self Drive visitors need a park pass to visit Litchfield National Park. If you are joining a tour to Litchfield Park the park pass will be included in the price.
Parks Passes were introduced in April 2023 and apply to national and international visitors. NT residents are exempt from the pass.
After purchasing your pass, you can visit all parks and reserves managed by the NT Government for the dates your pass is valid for.
Where to book your park pass
parkbookings.nt.gov.au
Day pass
2 week pass
Open pass - valid for 12 months
