Take a short 1.5 hours’ drive from Darwin and you will find yourself in stunning Litchfield National Park. There you will find yourself surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature. During the dry (May - September) you might be lucky enough to spot wild brumbies around the park, along with wallabies and birdlife.
Throughout the park you will find spring fed waterfalls and rock pools along with scenic lookouts and walking trails. But if you’re looking to get off the beaten track and explore something new, here are just a few spots found in Litchfield National Park that are a little more exclusive and truly breathtaking, best explored with walking shoes.
Surprise Creek Falls
Surprise Creek Falls is only accessible by 4WD as there are two river crossings along the way. The track is just a 40-minute drive off the main road and followed by a short walk to the falls through a beautiful monsoon forest. Walking along the trail the trees begin to clear, you emerge from the forest to deep, crystal clear cold rock pools and a small waterfall. This is often a quite relaxing spot with not too many others around at one time. Camping is available.
Photo Credit - Jake West
Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek)
Along the same 4WD track you will find Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek). To get into the falls it is a moderate 3.4km walk so make sure you bring along your walking shoes. The falls are generally uncrowded due its location in the park. The plunge pool is large, deep and crystal clear. The beauty of this pool is that for most of the day it is well shaded, making it a very cool refreshing swim after the walk in. Camping is available.
Photo Credit - Chloe Curtis & Tourism NT
Walker Creek
Walker Creek is an attraction often overlooked due to it being quite a bit further in the park than the main attractions. Make sure you bring your walking shoes for this moderate 3.6 kilometre walk. Along the way you will come across small private swimming spots surrounded by bush which are also accompanied by private bush camps. These camps are walk in only so make sure you check the reservations board before walking all the way! The beauty of staying the night is there is quite a distance between camp sites so no need to worry about noisy neighbours.
Tolmer Falls
While Tolmer Falls is one of the major attractions in the park make sure when you drop in to do the loop walk. The walk is a moderate 1.6km walk so make sure you bring along your walking shoes. The walk follows the creek along, it’s amazing to see the rushing power of the water before it drops 101 meters into the dark pool below. Make sure you look around at the natural beauty of the landscapes.
Photo Credit - Chantelle Scott
Blyth Homestead
Looking for a little history while visiting the park? Stop into Blyth Homestead (4WD track) which was once home to a family who’s lively hood depended on tin mining, see the ruins and read the stories of the family that once lived there. The tin mine is now closed but well worth the look if you have the time.
Photo Credit - Tourism NT
For a personalised tour of the area with local guides, take a look at the tours available in Litchfield National Park.
