Litchfield National Park
- Hours:Open daily
- Admission:Free. There is a fee for camping
Must-Do Experience, Nature & Wildlife, Off-the-Beaten Path, Swim & Snorkel, Walking / Hiking, National Park
3:17 PM Saturday, May 26
Sunny. Pleasantly warm.
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Renowned for its spectacular scenery, monsoonal rainforests, spring-fed streams and waterfalls, Litchfield National Park is perhaps best known for its magnetic termite mounds, immense sculptural cairns built by termites and aligned perfectly from north to south. They make quite the landscape feature - like miniature alien skyscrapers.
But it's the waterfalls, cascading from a sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range, which draw the crowds. Some of the most popular are Wangi Falls, a deliciously deep swimming spot fringed with rainforest; Florence Falls, surrounded by monsoonal forest; and Buley Rockhole, where you can lounge in rock pools as if in a cool jacuzzi. You can't swim in Tolmer Falls, but they're well worth a look.
It's worth devoting at least a few days to Litchfield. Come here to camp, take a few hikes up to get views of the valley, go on a ranger-guided walk to find out about the magnetic termite mounds and spend your afternoons lolling in the waterholes.
Latest Reviews All Litchfield National Park Reviews »
Fantastic day trip, if you do anything in Darwin do this trip. It allows you to see a lot and experience outside of Darwin. The guide we had was very informative and the day was well balanced, something for everyone, even a swim in the most incredible water whole...
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We visited Litchfield National Park on our way from Kakadu back to Darwin. It's an easy day trip and definitely worth it. In the park, we saw 2 different types of termites - the magnetic termite mounds and the cathedral termite mounds. The magnetic termite mounds, for which the park is famous, are pretty amazing! In addition to these, the park is a great place for a swim as there are lots of nice fresh rock pools, and no worry about crocodiles! Just need to check at the park entrance to make sure the 'gators are not sneaking in during rainy season! The Florence Falls were the nicest, not only because you can swim in, but there is a nice walk around that's worth it too.
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This trip was probably the best we have ever taken. The driver / guide, Max, was wonderful. His knowledge of the area and sites was remarkable, such that I at first thought he was playing a recording, but no, it was just his obvious love of the region that came over in his commentaries. The Crocodile Hotel was excellent, especially the evening buffet, which we felt was good value for money. The All Seasons hotel /lodge was adequate but was obviously showing signs of tiredness. The sheets were clean but were not sparkling white and had little holes in them. The river cruise along The Katherine river, and the buffet supper, were amazing. Overall though it was a brilliant tour and really added to our once in a lifetime trip round Australia and has given us some wonderful memories to look back on now we are back in the cold, wet UK. Thank you. Continue Reading »
Practical Info
Litchfield National Park is 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Darwin. You can generally reach it via Batchelor year-round, and from Cox Peninsula Road (which is unsealed) in the dry season. You can visit Litchfield in the wet season - in fact, this is when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular - but be aware that this some swimming opportunities will be limited. Wangi Falls, for instance, is closed for swimming when the water levels get too high.
