The Litchfield National Park Guide You Need To Read

Rock formations, stunning natural pools, thundering waterfalls and monsoon rainforest: it may not be as well-known as its bigger neighbour, Kakadu, but there are a lot of reasons to visit Litchfield National Park. Whether on a tour or on your own, here’s everything you need to know.

In a territory literally swathed in wild landscapes brimming with some of the world’s most striking wildlife, the fact Litchfield is at the top of tourists’ must-visit lists says a lot. Simply put, the park has the NT trifecta: it’s easy to reach, offers affordable accommodation, and its attractions are worthy of repeat visits. Located 115 kilometres’ south of Darwin, it’s easy enough to rise in the city early, tick off the main waterfalls and be back in your harbourfront hotel by sunset as it’s only an hour and 20 minutes by car. But our advice is to slow it right down: Litchfield deserves more and so do you.

My biggest tip for a truly awesome Litchfield experience is to stay in the park and get out of bed not long after the sun comes up every morning. The waterfalls can become crowded by noon, so opt for a light breakfast and fast-track to your designated natural plunge pool so you have it all to yourself for a little while.

Waterfalls at Litchfield National Park — The beautiful Litchfield National Park (photo: Sarah Mackie).

Darwin to Litchfield National Park

The best way to “do" Litchfield is with a 4WD and tent, camper trailer or caravan – or, if you need to hire a vehicle, a campervan. There’s a Britz/Maui branch in Darwin; be sure to check its seasonal opening hours. One of the best things about Litchfield is that it’s accessible to 2WDs, however, the sturdier your vehicle the more (unsealed) roads you’ll be able to venture down. For more on road-tripping in the NT, check out AT’s guide.

Driving in the NT — Many of the Northern Territory’s most stunning sites, and a few of its more direct routes, are 4WD access only.

If none of those options work, you can join a tour: AAT Kings offers short-break Kakadu and Litchfield itineraries, and NT Air runs helicopter tours of numerous park attractions if you feel like splurging. If you opt for a self-guided tour, the closest service station and convenience store to Litchfield is at Batchelor.

Get set for real adventure and connect with nature at Litchfield National Park. At just over an hour from Darwin, it’s every local’s favourite day trip.

What you need to know about Litchfield weather

When planning your trip, you need to give serious thought as to what type of experience you want, as Top End weather will play a big role in which campgrounds, attractions and roads are open. The peak tourist season is winter or “the dry" (May to October) because this is when you can roam fairly freely and swim in the waterholes without fear of spying a pair of croc eyes within arm’s reach. However, campgrounds can book out, so it’s best to plan ahead. In the tropical summer (November to April), some roads and walking tracks close, but most of the park is open year-round and there are viewing platforms from which you can watch the falls.

Litchfield waterfalls and swimming spots

Litchfield National Park is famous for its thunderous waterfalls and natural swimming holes and there are a handful of truly spectacular ones you really don’t want to miss on your visit.

Florence Falls

The twin cascades of Florence Falls make it undoubtedly Litchfield’s star attraction. Families splash about in a rockery, big kids scale rock walls so they can backflip into the abyss, and everyone else bobs about in the cool, dark drink, in inflatable rings, occasionally being lured to the waterfalls for a shoulder pummelling.

The spring-fed falls are easy to reach and if you have a couple of days at Florence you should greet them from both angles: walk alongside the creek from Florence Falls Campground (4WD-only) and down the (160) stairs from the main car park above the falls. From the car park, there’s also a path that leads to a small lookout which commands great views that you will have to jostle alongside busloads of tourists to enjoy.

Florence Falls Litchfield — Litchfield’s star attraction, Florence Falls.

Wangi Falls

The other big name in Litchfield is Wangi. The pool at the base of the double waterfall is much bigger than Florence and there’s also a large, timber platform to spread out on. A boardwalk skirts part of the water’s edge, while a trail leads away into monsoon rainforest. If you’re craving some holiday exercise, follow the path up the mountain and over the top of the waterfall before descending back to the cool pool below. You’ll want to be reasonably agile and fit to enjoy the walk, although it is suitable for tenacious toddlers.

I also love the grassy picnic area at the entry to the falls, which is a top spot for chilling out; expect free wi-fi. If you don’t feel like packing your own lunch, check out Wangi Falls Cafe near the car park.

Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park — Breathtaking Wangi Falls at sunset.

Buley Rockhole

One of the most accessible swimming spots is Buley Rockhole, which is also the best for young families due to the fact it comprises a series of pools. The top pools are fairly shallow and safe for toddlers, while teens will love the lower, deeper holes. The fresh water is crystal clear and makes for a deliciously revitalising start to the day.

Buley Rock Pools in Litchfield National Park.

Tolmer Falls

If you’re staying a few days and are keen to venture beyond the three most popular waterholes, there are a few others you can check out. Tolmer Falls is considered by some visitors as the most spectacular in the park due to its 100-metre drop, and can be reached via a sealed road and the 1.6 kilometre (45-minute) Tolmer Falls loop walk. You can’t swim here but you can soak in the views from two platforms.

Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls

There is also Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek Falls) and Surprise Creek Falls, both of which can only be reached by 4WD. Tjaynera is a little different to the rest in that the 3.4-kilometre (return) trail in is surrounded by paperbarks and fairly dry in comparison to the monsoon forest of the other areas. It’s also a quieter option if you’re after somewhere secluded, as is Surprise Creek Falls. To reach the latter, you’ll have to tackle river crossings.

Buley Rockhole, Northern Territory — Float inside a network of peaceful waterholes at Buley Rockhole.

Litchfield National Park attractions

Waterfalls aren’t the only reason to visit, there are many more unique experiences to be had in Litchfield National Park, from termite mounds to a lost city and a butterfly farm.

Magnetic Termite Mounds

As you enter Litchfield, you’ll notice a field of termite mounds. Some rise as high as two metres and there are hundreds of them, making a pretty quirky photo op. The termites have cleverly built their knife-like homes so the broad backs of the mounds face east and west, and the temperature inside remains stable in the NT’s heat. There are also cathedral termite mounds that rise up to four metres; they’re best viewed from the boardwalk.

The Lost City

If strange formations fascinate you, also make time for The Lost City, a series of large sandstone towers eroded by the elements. With maze-like patterns, the pillars get their name for their resemblance to a long-forgotten city. It’s the perfect place to let your imagination run wild, and creative kids will love it. Note: you will need to be adept behind the wheel to reach this captivating place as the single-lane 4WD track is rough and often impassable in the wet season.

Make sure to stop off at the Magnetic Termite Mounds.

Blyth Homestead

Finally, you can add a little history lesson to your park stay by dropping into historic Blyth Homestead, the former residence built by a family of pioneers in the 1920s. Abandoned in the 1960s, the property was also the site of a tin mine. Again, you’ll need a 4WD to reach the homestead, which is inaccessible during summer; entry is free.

Butterfly Farm

If you’re teaching your kids about metamorphosis or simply want to experience an off-beat tourism attraction (something the Territory is famous for), call into Batchelor Butterfly Farm and Petting Zoo at the end of your Litchfield stay. Journalist Jennifer Pinkerton describes the enclosure as “slightly weird, but absolutely beautiful" and you can learn about Australian species on daily tours. The farm is a 30-minute drive from Litchfield National Park.

Litchfield camping

The small and tidy Old 4WD Florence Falls Campground (now 2WD accessible) offers the best base for campers. Sites are suitable for vans, campers and tents, and there’s a clean and modern shower and toilet block, too. There is another 2WD campground up the road.

If you’re a long-term traveller keen to hang around, check out nt.gov.au for any openings for volunteer campground hosts. These positions can be taken up to a year in advance but, if you’re organised and snag one, you can stay in one of the best national parks in Australia for free, in exchange for keeping it spic and span.

For more incredible sites and attractions to see nearby, read our travel guide to Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

The Litchfield National Park guide you need to read