Litchfield National Park offers a variety of attractions, including rock formations, natural pools, waterfalls, and rainforests. It may not have the same level of recognition as Kakadu, but there are plenty of reasons to visit. Whether you go on a tour or explore independently, here is everything you need to know.
Located 115 kilometres south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a popular tourist destination. It is easily accessible, offers affordable accommodation, and has attractions worth visiting multiple times. Visitors can easily explore the main waterfalls and be back in Darwin by sunset as it is just an hour and 20 minutes away by car. However, it is recommended that you take your time and thoroughly enjoy all that Litchfield has to offer.
For a great experience at Litchfield, consider staying in the park and waking up early to avoid crowds at the waterfalls. Grab a quick breakfast and head to your chosen plunge pool for some quiet time.
The route from Darwin to Litchfield National Park
The recommended way to explore Litchfield is with a 4WD and camping equipment or by renting a campervan from the Britz/Maui branch in Darwin. Litchfield is accessible to 2WD vehicles, but having a sturdier vehicle allows you to explore more of the (unsealed) roads in the area. Be sure to check the rental branch’s seasonal opening hours.
Litchfield waterfalls and swimming spots are popular attractions.
Litchfield National Park is known for its impressive waterfalls and natural swimming holes that are worth visiting.
Florence Falls
Florence Falls is a popular attraction in Litchfield, known for its twin cascades, where visitors can enjoy swimming and rock climbing.
The spring-fed falls near Florence are accessible from both the campground and the main car park, with a lookout offering great views, although it can get crowded with tourists.
Wangi Falls
Wangi is another popular spot in Litchfield. The pool below the double waterfall is large, with a spacious timber platform nearby. A boardwalk and trail offer water views and lead into the rainforest. For some exercise, follow the path up the mountain, over the waterfall, and then back down to the pool below. This walk is best suited for those who are agile and fit but can also be enjoyed by determined toddlers.
Visitors to the falls can enjoy the picnic area and free wi-fi, while the nearby Wangi Falls Cafe offers a convenient dining option.
Buley Rockhole
Buley Rockhole is a popular swimming spot known for its series of pools, making it ideal for families with young children. The top pools are shallow and safe for toddlers, while teens enjoy the deeper holes. The fresh, crystal-clear water provides a refreshing start to the day.
Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls is a popular choice for visitors staying in the area for a few days and looking to explore lesser-known waterholes. It features a 100-metre drop and can be accessed via a sealed road and a 1.6-kilometre loop walk. Although swimming is not allowed, visitors can enjoy the views from two viewing platforms.
Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls are two waterfalls
Two lesser-known waterfalls, Tjaynera Falls (also called Sandy Creek Falls) and Surprise Creek Falls, can only be accessed by 4WD. Tjaynera Falls has a 3.4-kilometre trail surrounded by paperbarks and is drier than the other areas. It offers a quieter and more secluded option for visitors. Surprise Creek Falls also provides a secluded experience but requires crossing rivers.
Attractions
In addition to waterfalls, Litchfield National Park offers various unique experiences, such as termite mounds, a lost city, and a butterfly farm.
Magnetic Termite Mounds
When you arrive in Litchfield, you will see a field of termite mounds. Some of them can reach up to two meters high, creating a unique photo opportunity. The termites have strategically built their mound homes with a flat surface facing east and west to maintain a stable temperature in the hot Northern Territory weather. Even taller cathedral termite mounds reach up to four meters and are best observed from the boardwalk.
The Lost City
The Lost City is a series of large sandstone towers eroded by the elements, forming maze-like patterns. They are named for their resemblance to a long-forgotten city. The formations are fascinating and great for letting your imagination run wild, especially for creative kids. Accessing the Lost City requires being skilled at driving, as the single-lane 4-wheel drive track is rough and can be impassable in the wet season.
Blyth Homestead
Visitors to the park can explore the historic Blyth Homestead, a former residence built by pioneers in the 1920s. Abandoned in the 1960s, the property also housed a tin mine. Accessible only by 4WD and closed during the summer, entry is free.
Butterfly Farm
Visitors to the Batchelor Butterfly Farm and Petting Zoo can learn about Australian species on daily tours. The farm is located a 30-minute drive from Litchfield National Park and offers an off-beat tourism attraction.
Litchfield camping
The Old 4WD Florence Falls Campground, now accessible by 2WD vehicles, provides campers with a convenient and well-maintained base. The sites can accommodate vans, campers, and tents, and a shower and toilet block is available. Another 2WD campground is located nearby.
Long-term travellers interested in staying in national parks for free can check out nt.gov.au for volunteer campground host opportunities. These positions can be arranged up to a year in advance and involve keeping the park clean in exchange for accommodation.
If you would like a tour organised, contact Litchfield National Park Tours. Our experienced guides will organise an unforgettable holiday for you.