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Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is just an hour-and-a-half drive from Darwin and features a myriad of diverse environments including rugged sandstone escarpments, perennial spring-fed streams, monsoon rainforest, magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls and historic ruins.
This 1,500 square-kilometre park was the original home of the Wagait Aboriginal people. The Finniss exploration was the first European connection to the area and the park was named after Frederick Henry Litchfield, a member of the expedition. For 75 years until 1955, the area was the centre for tin and copper mining. It then fell under a pastoral lease until it was designated a national park in 1986.
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.
Litchfield National Park’s major attractions are linked by a sealed road, although a four-wheel drive is necessary to access some of the more remote natural attractions. It is also possible during the dry season to travel by four-wheel drive down the Southern Access Track to the Daly River Road.
The crystal-clear swimming holes and pleasant bushwalking trails make this park a favourite among Darwin locals. Meals and refreshments are available inside the park at Monsoon Cafe and the Wangi Kiosk, and you can stay overnight at a number of places in the park that offer permanent tents or in the small township of Batchelor – the gateway to Litchfield.
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Must do:
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Jump in a four-wheel drive and discover the dramatic splendour of Tjaynera(Sandy Creek) Falls, Blythe Homestead Ruins and the weathered sandstone columns of the Lost City.
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Magnetic termite mounds. Thousands of two-metre high mounds reveal the architectural feats of these intriguing insects that build their mounds aligned north and south to minimise exposure to the sun and maximise temperature control.
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View the spectacular double waterfall set amid the monsoon forest, 160 steps lead down to the plunge pool at Florence Falls.
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Cool off at Buley Rockhole, a series of cascading waterfalls and rockholes located just 80 metres from carpark.
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Visit Wangi Falls – one of the park's best swimming and picnicking spots.
Florence Falls - 2WD accessible
Just past Buley Rockhole. Open all year round. Free entry. Camping fees apply
The spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool, set in a pocket of monsoon forest. Take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool, and then enjoy a scenic walk to the viewing platform high above the Falls, which affords panoramic views of the open valley and the waterhole below.
Shady Creek Short Walk
Florence Creek Short Walk
Buley Rockhole - 2WD accessible
Buley Rockhole is a series of waterfalls and rock-holes, where you will find your own spot to swim and relax. Open all year round, camping is available with toilet facilities only and camping fees will apply. Additional Florence Creek Walk (start at Buley Rockhole or upstream at picnic area of Florence or), approx 3kms one way, 1.5 hrs in duration, level (easy)
Wangi Falls - 2WD accessible
Off Litchfield Park Road Open all year round. Swimming not always possible due to water levels. Free entry. Camping fees apply.
Wangi Falls is Litchfield’s most popular and easily accessible attraction. An interpretive walk to the top of the falls commences near the pool and offers a great opportunity for photography. Wangi has a campground with all amenities including toilet, shower and kiosk and barbecue facilities.
Wangi Falls Short Walk
Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) - 4WD only check road conditions
9 km from southern access track. Litchfield National Park. Open May to November - 4WD only. Free entry, camping fees apply
Nestled in an open valley, luxuriant with paperbarks, the Falls can be found by walking along a 1.7 km trail. Relax and enjoy the usually uncrowded plunge pool.
Sandy Creek Short Walk
Surprise Creek Falls - 4WD only check road conditions
Surprise Creek Falls is a place to relax and enjoy a swim in an un-crowded waterfall. Camping facilities are available.
Tolmer Falls - 2WD accessible
Off Litchfield Park Road. Open all year Free entry
Tolmer Falls cascades over high escarpments into a deep plunge pool. With a viewing platform at the top, access to the bottom of the Falls has been restrictedto protect the habitat of colonies of ghost bats and orange horseshoe bats.
Tolmer Falls Short Walk
Greenant Creek – 2WD accessible
Greenant Creek Walk through rainforest to another attractive plunge pool. Typically un-crowded (start at the bridge across Greenant Creek), approx 2.7kms return, 1.5hrs duration, level (moderate, however steep in sections)
Greenant Creek Short Walk
Bamboo Creek and Walker Creek – 2WD accessible
Until the early 1950s, the park was site of several tin and copper mines and relics of this mining era can be seen at Bamboo Creek Tin Mine. The wide variety of remains which survive are in good condition. From Bamboo Creek carpark it is a 1km walk to view the sites. Additional Walker Creek Walk (start at carpark), approx 3.5kms return, 2 hrs duration, level (moderate)
Walker Creek Short Walk
Blyth Homestead - 4WD accessible
Off Sandy Creek Rd Open daily. Check road conditions in the Wet.
The historic Blyth Homestead is the location of an old tin mine, which is now in ruins, and serves as a reminder of the tough conditions faced by pioneers in remote areas. The homestead has been untouched since it was abandoned in the early 1960's. Access is by 4WD only.
The Table Top Track
This excellent, long distance bushwalk offers the opportunity to experience the isolation of the Top End. You’ll hike through extensive woodlands,along creeklines to scenic waterfalls and pools. The 39 km circuit is suitable for experienced, fit and wellprepared bushwalkers willing to carry their own supplies, water, and camp with minimal facilities.
Link walks which connect to the Tabletop Track at Florence Falls, Greenant Creek, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek. These link walks may be used to take shorter walks on sections of the main Tabletop Track. The track is normally closed between September and March for the wet season, to access the track at this time a permit must be obtained. At other times the threat of bushfires may necessitate closure of the track. If you are planning an extended walk involving overnight camping, you must obtain a permit prior to your trip and camp only in the three designated camping spots provided along the Tabletop Track.
Permits can be obtained from the Parks and Wildlife Office in Batchelor. Overnight walkers are strongly urged to register with the Overnight Walker Registration Scheme by calling 1300 650 730. Day walkers should advise someone of their intended route and expected return time. It is also recommended that your group carries a detailed topographic map of the area ‘Australia’s Northern Territory Litchfield National Park - Edition 5’. Copies are available from the Batchelor General Store.
Magnetic Termite Mounds – 2WD accessible
Litchfield Park Road. Open all year round Free entry
One of Litchfield National Park's unique sights is the hundreds of termite mounds standing up to two metres high. The mounds’ thin edges point north-south minimising their exposure to the sun, and keeping the mounds cool for the termites inside. An information shelter provides a fascinating insight into these remarkable creatures and their habitat.
For more information on Litchfield National Park please click here.
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