Litchfield National Park

Feel yourself unwind as you float in lush waterholes with misty waterfalls nestled among dramatic landscapes.

Only a 60-minute drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best-kept secret.

The park is filled with stunning waterfalls and waterholes that are surrounded by monsoonal vine forests – all of which offer a cool respite on warm summer days.

A drive through Litchfield is full of contrasts and some of the most enormous termite mounds in the Top End. Cabin, camping and caravan sites are within a short drive of the park gates.

To avoid disappointment check availability ahead of your travels, and book online to secure one of many camping sites in and around Litchfield National Park.

A water wonderland

Swim in the clear waterholes beneath magnificent spring-fed waterfalls. Wangi Falls is the best known and most popular attraction within the park. It’s both accessible and beautiful.

The spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool set in a pocket of monsoon forest. It’s a little slice of heaven and a refreshing swim.

Soak in the gentle three-tiered pools of Buley Rockhole. A picturesque area shaded by surrounding rainforest and only a short drive from Wangi and Florence. This is a popular spot with locals. If you visit on a weekday you might avoid the crowds and enjoy the magic.

Tolmer Falls is a highlight, but pack your walking shoes. The 1.6km loop walk follows the creek and you’ll see the rushing water before it drops 101m into the pool below.

Adventure your way

Take the road less travelled. Surprise Creek Falls is only accessible by 4WD as there are two river crossings along the way. There’s a short walk from the carpark through lush monsoon forest which leads you to a deeprock pool and small waterfall.

Along the same 4WD track you’ll find Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek). It’s a moderate 3.4km walk so bring your walking shoes. The falls are generally uncrowded. The plunge pool is shaded for most of the day and makes for a cool and refreshing swim.

Listen to the ancient lands as you set off on the several walking tracks the park has to offer. Suiting a range of different fitness levels, the walking tracks include the epic 39km Tabletop Track and its secret waterfalls, to the more serene 3.5km track to picturesque Walker Creek.

Engage your sense of adventure on your very own 4x4 outback adventure. Be sure to see the sandstone relics of The Lost City and gain a new appreciation for early pioneers at the ruins of Blyth Homestead.

Nature at its best

Take the boardwalk to a ‘graveyard’ of 2m tall headstones. These are magnetic termite mounds; feats of insect architecture oriented with the sun to keep the termites cool in baking conditions.

Keep your eyes peeled for hundreds of species of fauna. Wallabies, sugar gliders, quolls and flying foxes are all common, as is the dragon-like water monitor that can often be spotted basking on rocks.

Twitchers should keep their binoculars handy to spot the Yellow Oriole, Figbird, Pacific Koel, Spangled Drongo, Dollarbird and Rainbow Bee-eater that inhabit sheltered areas close to waterfalls.