The Best of Litchfield National Park

Located approximately an hour and a half south of Darwin city, it is an oasis of waterfalls and hikes of a variety of difficulty levels. Unreal scenery throughout the park through lush rainforest. The Top End of Australia experiences monsoonal weather, making the best time of year to visit Litchfield during the “dry season” falling between May and September.

We visited the park travelling in our 4wd and camped within the park while there. A four-wheel drive vehicle is definitely not a necessity for majority of this park but would be advisable for visiting certain areas.

We spent a total of 4 nights and 3 days in the park this was more than enough time. There are multiple campsites within the national park which can be booked through the NT parks website, We stayed at Florence Falls 4WD camp ground which was so beautiful as well as Wangi Falls campground.

Favourite hikes

Green-ant hill

This was a moderate hike which took approximately half an hour to complete. A steep section at the final part of the walk leading to a deep plunge pool at the top of a waterfall. Important to note, visitors must not swim in bottom pool as this is a sacred Indigenous site. Has a spectacular view out over rainforest. While we did not see anyone else on the walk another group did join us while swimming at the top. This spot felt a lot more private and special as was less popular than other swimming holes we visited.

Cascades

the longest walk which we completed during our Litchfield trip, I would recommend starting early particularly on hot days as it is a rather steep hill climb and required some level of fitness. A great view of the surrounding bushland from the top of the hill. The walk was beautiful however and quick different to other areas of the national park we had visited. At the end of the walk a stream of water cascading through shallow pools, hence the name cascades.

tolmer falls

A short easy walk along a bush trail boasting spectacular views of very tall waterfall. The caved area at base of water fall is home to a rare species of bat so may only be viewed from a distance for their protection. Still spectacular to see from the viewing platforms at a distance.

Favourite Swimming holes

buley rockhole

A favourite for almost everyone on our trip. Buley has multiple different, little rock pools ranging in depths. There’s a perfect rock pool for everyone regardless of whether you want to sit in the shallows and relax, jump off the rocks and splash around or lay out on a rock. It can get very busy as it is a popular site however it there is plenty of room available. Only a short walk from the car park.

Florence falls

gorgeous deep pool at bottom of two waterfalls flowing into a more shallow stream. A large staircase down from the main carpark with a viewing platform part way down for the best views of the waterfalls from above. The walkway into the pool is paved and even ground making for an easy walk. Highly recommend for swimming.

Wangi falls

This waterfall was closed for swimming during visit due to a crocodile sighting. While crocodiles inhabit the national park swimming in designated areas is generally considered safe due to regular surveys, monitoring and management from park rangers.

Reynolds track came highly recommended for our trip, which provided access to sandy creek and surprise creek falls. Unfortunately, we were visiting early in the dry season the track was still closed due to high water crossings and damage to the track from rains that still required some repair. This recommendation came up multiple times and by all accounts is VERY worth visiting.