| Cost | See Camps App |
|---|---|
| Location | Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory (near Darwin and Batchelor) |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Campgrounds at Florence Falls, Wangi Falls (with cafe), and Walker Creek. Viewing platforms, picnic areas, walking tracks |
| Vehicle Access | 2WD access to main attractions via sealed road circuit. 4WD required for Central Valley, Lost City, Reynolds River Track, and other remote sites |
| In Camps App | Yes – find detailed campsite info in the Camps Australia Wide App |
Our Tik Tok page has gone VIRAL this week, and do you know why? It was thanks to our recent visit to amazing Litchfield National Park, near Darwin, in the Top End of Northern Territory.
This is an ancient land, important to Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat and Warray Aboriginal people.
It doesn’t matter if you are travelling with your family, or with mates – these are our must see and dos, and you don’t need a 4WD!
Magnetic Termite Mounds
The first thing you will see driving from Batchelor is a must. These huge termite mounds are instaworthy, and the kids will marvel at them.
Signs explain differences between the magnetic and cathedral mounds, and their clever built in air conditioning. They stand up to 2 metres high!
Florence Falls
Check your weather reports – as we were relaxing in this amazing waterhole fed by two waterfalls, we didn’t notice the clouds come over until BANG! A momentous thunderclap heralded a summer storm.
How quickly we hightailed it out of there! All the way back up the long metal staircase.
You walk through rainforest to reach a pretty little creek and massive waterhole. The current was quite strong this time of year, but I managed to swim under the falls. So exhilarating. I was out of breath on my return.
Bring a picnic. Although there is not a lot of room outside the water, you can sink into a rockpool or sit on a rock cooling your feet whilst you eat and sip.
After that boom, I’ve never walked up 135 steps so quickly! This site has a 2WD and 4WD campground.
Buley Rockpool
Our family’s favourite, hands down. There are so many rockpools, even cool plunge like tubes in them – so bring your goggles. They are varying depths, but it is tempting to spend a whole day here – the walk in is short and easy.
Access into the water varies, and may require a little bottom sliding if you are like me. Also be careful – it is not just slippery rocks you are dealing with. The current almost whisked me over the edge on one of the cascades – until I shrieked and Heatley grabbed me. Luckily, only my pride was hurt!
This is another excellent place for FREE shoulder pounding massages under the torrent!
Cascades
Only the upper pools were open when we visited. These are heavenly, but it is certainly a walk in – 3.6 km return in the wet season (in the dry it is only 3.3 to the upper pool, 2.6 km to the lower cascades). Parks says it is for “keen” walkers, “graded moderate to difficult” – we say rugged and challenging. Please believe the caravan park operators when they tell you it really isn’t a thong sort of walk. Take water.
Also note, it may close in summer, due to flooding and risk of crocodiles. Lucky for us, it was open. We sank into those natural spas at the top, knowing we still had to climb back down but enjoying every cooling, bubbly moment.
We didn’t hesitate on our huge meals at Lil’ Ripper Cafe and Bar in Batchelor that night, so proud were we of our tasking workout.
Tolmer Falls
Due to a rare bat colonies, only the lookout is open – at any time of the year. It is an easy 400 m walk in to the lookout, and from here, you can also take the 1.6 km Tolmer Creek Walk.
Wangi Falls
The viewing platform and walk was open when we visited but the current was too strong for swimming. You also want to make sure there are no crocs! We had the best time here with the kids in the huge waterhole.
There is a campground and cafe, as well as spacious grounds and good facilities for picnics.
Another twin fall, there is a sweet little natural spa to be found on the left waterfall, just few metres from the waterline.
Greenant Creek/ Tjaebata Falls
Thankfully, we did this walk AFTER our massive effort to the Cascades. So the 2.7 km return walk seemed easy. It was pretty walking along Greenant Creek.
Swimming is only at the top of falls and do you know what? We had it ALL to ourselves. Absolute bliss and my new Litchy favourite!
Do take care, swimming is not recommended by Parks. I loved swimming from one side to the other, and I could just stick my head through the waterfall, with the water pounding my shoulders and head. We spent hours swimming and exploring just above the drop, it was amazing.
Under the falls, the plunge pool and downstream is a sacred site, so no swimming.
You can also check out the Bamboo Creek TIn Mine ruins, and walk in camping sites at aptly named Walker Creek.
However do bring a comfy pair of walking shoes, plenty of sunscreen, your togs and a BIG HAT!
We suggest you ‘do the circuit’ – starting from Batchelor and driving to the northern entrance, or vice versa – it is now sealed the whole way. Alternatively base yourself in Batchelor and drive in each day. Do check out closures for the wet season, before you arrive.
You do need a 4WD to access new camp sites at Central Valley, The Lost City, Reynolds River Track, Surprise Creek Falls, Blythe Homestead Ruins and Tjaynera Falls/Sandy Creek Falls.
Check out more to see, do and camp in Darwin, Humpty Doo and the Top End.
Find sites like this and more nearby in the CAMPS guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Litchfield National Park in a 2WD vehicle?
Yes! The main circuit road is now sealed all the way, providing 2WD access to major attractions including Florence Falls, Buley Rockpools, Wangi Falls, and the Magnetic Termite Mounds. However, you’ll need a 4WD to access Central Valley campsites, The Lost City, and other remote locations.
Is swimming safe at Litchfield waterholes?
Swimming conditions vary by season and location. Always check for crocodile warnings and current conditions before entering the water. Some areas like Tolmer Falls are closed to swimming year-round to protect rare bat colonies. The post mentions strong currents at some locations, so take care and check with Parks before swimming.
What is the best time of year to visit Litchfield National Park?
Check the Camps App for current details. Note that some walks and swimming areas may close during the wet season due to flooding and crocodile risk. The Cascades walk mentioned can be affected by seasonal closures.
How difficult are the walking tracks at Litchfield?
Track difficulty varies significantly. The Magnetic Termite Mounds are roadside viewing. Florence Falls involves 135 steps, Buley Rockpools has a short easy walk, while the Cascades is a rugged 3.6km return walk graded moderate to difficult requiring proper footwear and water. Greenant Creek/Tjaetbata Falls is 2.7km return.
Are there camping facilities at Litchfield National Park?
Yes, there are campgrounds at Florence Falls (2WD and 4WD), Wangi Falls, and walk-in sites at Walker Creek. Check the Camps App for current details on bookings, facilities and availability.
What should I bring for a day visit to Litchfield?
Bring comfortable walking shoes (not thongs), plenty of sunscreen, a big hat, swimming gear and goggles, water for longer walks, and a picnic lunch. The post recommends being prepared for sudden weather changes including summer storms.
Where is the closest town to Litchfield National Park?
Batchelor is the nearest town and a recommended base for visiting the park. You can stay in Batchelor and drive into the park each day. The park is also accessible from Darwin in the Top End.
Can I swim at Greenant Creek/Tjaetbata Falls?
Swimming is only permitted at the top of the falls. The plunge pool under the falls and downstream areas are sacred sites where swimming is not allowed. Parks does not officially recommend swimming here, so visitors should take care and respect cultural significance.
