Quicklinks:
1. Florence Falls
2. Buley Rockhole
3. Wangi Falls
4. Walker Creek Track
5. Greenant Creek to Tjaetaba Falls
6. Cascades
7. Tjaynera Falls and Sandy Creek
9. Tolmer Falls
10. Magnetic Termite Mounds
11. Blyth Homestead Ruins
12. The Lost City
13. Tabletop Track
14. Where to Stay
15. Suggested Itinerary
16. Tips for Visiting
Litchfield National Park, located just an hour and a half from Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory. We had a heap of people tell us to just do a day trip from Darwin. Given we love to hike and don’t know what a ‘quick dip’ is we opted to stay in the park a few nights and we are so glad we did. It’s quite a small park only covering 1500 square km’s, so everything is relatively close and assessable to one other. We entered the park through Batchelor and exited through Berry Springs doing a loop.
Litchfield is known for its natural beauty. The stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and fun 4WD tracks. This guide will help your family plan and get the most out of your visit to Litchfield National Park exploring all the gems and must-see attractions. I’ve added suggestions on where to stay and even a proposed itinerary at the bottom.
1. Florence Falls
Florence Falls is a dual waterfall that cascades into a refreshing plunge pool, perfect for swimming. The falls are surrounded by monsoon forest, offering a picturesque and serene setting.
- Distance: 1 km (return) from the car park via a 135-step staircase.
Description: Enjoy a swim in the cool waters or relax on the rocks while taking in the natural beauty. There is also a viewing platform that offers a stunning view of the falls and the surrounding forest. This waterhole gets BUSY!
2. Buley Rockhole
Buley Rockhole is a series of cascading waterfalls and rock pools that provide an idyllic spot for swimming and picnicking.
- Distance: Only a short stroll from the car park.
- Description: Spend the day hopping from one rock pool to another, each offering its own unique charm. The shallow pools are great for families with children. We arrived early and got the place to ourselves. We started further up the falls in the sun.
3. Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the park, featuring a large swimming area surrounded by lush rainforest.
- Distance: A short walk from the car park.
- Description: The falls flow year-round, making it a great spot for swimming and picnicking. Swim to the waterfall on your left and scramble up a few rocks to find a warm water plunge pool. There are also several walks surrounding Wangi Falls that give you different vantage points.
4. Walker Creek Track
- Distance: Rocky Falls – 1.2km return and Walker Creek Track 3.5km return
- Description: Both grade 3 walks you can enjoy walking along the creek. Stop for a swim at Rocky Falls Day Use Area or at the picnic area near the carpark.
5. Greenant Creek to Tjaetaba Falls
Located in Greenant Creek, Tjaetaba Falls is a lesser-known gem offering a peaceful retreat.
- Distance: 3.4 km (return) hike.
- Description: The hike to Tjaetaba Falls is moderately challenging but is a lovely walk through monsoon rainforest. This is a sacred Aboriginal site so no swimming. It’s a great spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
6. Cascades
- Distance: Upper Cascades 3.6km return (can be done as a loop when lower cascades are open 3.3km) Lower cascades 2.6 return – closed at time of writing
- Description: A decent grade 4 walk with loose rocks under foot. Would swap the sandals for joggers or walking boots for this one. A series of inclines to get you to beautiful little waterfalls and a heap of different swimming holes. A quieter and less accessible Buley.
7. Tjaynera Falls and Sandy Creek
- Distance: 1.7km each way
- Description: Head to the Sandy Creek 4WD track. Make sure to stop at the information board before starting the track to check water crossing depth to ensure your 4WD is suitable for the conditions. 9km from the gate is the trail head for Tjayner Falls. Grade 3 and nothing too serious gets you to a great uncrowded plunge pool.
8. Surprise Creek Falls
- Distance: Short stroll from the carpark
- Description: Continue from Tjaynera to Surprise Creek Falls. You’ll find a large pool to swim in, but the real surprise is if you can scramble a few rocks, you’ll find the hidden pools above. A real show stopper.
9. Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls is known for its dramatic drop into a deep plunge pool, surrounded by rugged cliffs.
- Distance: Several different options here from a 500m and 800m grade 1 walk to a 1.6 km (return) walk to the viewing platform.
- Description: The viewing platfom is quite a way from the falls, offering an elevated vantage point. Swimming is not allowed here, but the hike to the viewing platform offers nice views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
10. Magnetic Termite Mounds
- Distance: Short Stroll
- Description: There are 2 accessible places to see magnetic termite mounds. The first being at a designated pull in heading from Batchelor to Florence Falls. The second is on the Sandy Creek 4WD track which we think is the best.
11. Blyth Homestead Ruins
- Distance: Short stroll
- Description: Take a walk around the old homestead, where you can learn about the Sergent family who built the property in 1929.
12. The Lost City
The Lost City is a series of fascinating sandstone formations that resemble the ruins of an ancient city.
- Distance: Accessible via a 10 km 4WD track.
- Description: The track is rough and only suitable for high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The formations are truly spectacular and worth the journey.
13. Tabletop Track
The Tabletop Track is a challenging multi-day hike that takes you through the heart of Litchfield National Park.
- Distance: 39 km loop.
- Description: The track offers stunning views, remote campsites, and a chance to experience the park’s diverse ecosystems. It’s recommended for experienced hikers and should be attempted during the dry season.
Where to Stay
- Off-Grid Camping
Litchfield National Park offers several campgrounds at a cost per person dependant on the facilities. All bookings and payment are made online through the NT Booking System.
Florence Falls Campground: There are two campgrounds at Florance falls. One is accessible to 2WD and one is classed 4WD only. There are both super close to Florence Falls, offering easy access paths to the plunge pool. We stayed 2 nights at the 2WD site. There were 25 campsites in total with very clean flushing toilets and showers. We were on site 1 which was by far the smallest site – but we still fitted out 17f van on it no worries. There were allocated firepits with cook-tops and it was so nice and quiet. We would highly recommend. Be mindful it’s shady, so solar can get tricky.
Wangi Falls Campground: Close to Wangi Falls, with a large grassy area for tents and caravans.
Litchfield Bush Campsites: If you are fully self-contained there is an option to stay on private property just 8km from Wangi Falls. For $25 a night you have access to a safe, quiet, flat place to park, with access to toilets. We opted to stay here for 2 nights to access the other side of the park (and because we could only get 2 nights at Florence Falls). Was a lovely stay with only 5 other vans. Well priced, epic star viewing and friendly staff at the café out front!
- Caravan Parks, Cabins and Lodges
For those looking for more comfort, there are cabins and lodges available just outside the park.
- Litchfield Safari Camp: Offers a range of accommodation options, including glamping, cabins and powered/unpowered campsites. Pets are welcome, there’s a camp kitchen, swimming pool and most sites have fire pits.
- Litchfield Outback Resort: Over on the Batchelor side of Litchfield. Space is out the back of the pub which offers a good feed. Theres a pool, hot showers and laundry facilities.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: As you enter Litchfield National Park be sure to stop past the Magnetic Termite Mounds before heading to set up camp at Florence Falls Campground.
- Afternoon: Swim and relax at Florence Falls.
- Evening: Use the Campsite firepit to make a delicious dinner.
Day 2: Off-Road Adventure
- Morning: Up and out early. First stop Tjaynera Falls via Sandy Creek 4WD track before continuing to Surprise Creek Falls.
- Afternoon: Drive the 4WD track to the Lost City and explore the sandstone formations. If you spent too much time chasing swimming holes and waterfalls omit the Lost City this afternoon and add it to tomorrows itinerary.
- Evening: Return to your campsite and rest up after a huge day
Day 3: Waterfalls and Walks
- Morning: Start the morning with a dip at Buley Rockpools. Before heading back to hitch up the caravan or pack up the tent.
- Afternoon: Stop at Tolmer Falls and enjoy the views from the viewing platform, before completing the Greenant Creek to Tjaetaba Falls trail.
- Evening: Check in at Litchfield Bushcamp and get comfortable.
Day 4: More Waterplay
- Morning: Head to Wangi Falls early. Beat the rush of people. Have a swim, chill or choose to hike.
- Afternoon: Head back to camp for a coffee at KIN café. This afternoon, take on the Cascades hike and find the perfect waterhole for a swim.
- Evening: Grab a beverage and enjoy the lack of light pollution as you take in the stary night sky.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Pack up for departure. If time allows stop at Walker Creek on your way out of the park.
- Afternoon: Although not in Litchfield NP, we would highly recommend a stop off at Berry Springs on your way to Darwin.
Tips for Visiting
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and all attractions are accessible.
- Safety: Be croc wise! A lot of the walks aren’t shaded so ensure you have enough water, food, and sun protection. There is no fuel in the park with the closest petrol station being in Batchellor. Make sure you have enough fuel, especially when venturing off-road.
- Book your Stay: National Park sites book out quickly. If you know when you’ll be there, make sure you book your campsites then too.
Experience Litchfield National Park like a local and create memories that will last a lifetime. From stunning waterfalls to adventurous hikes, this natural paradise has something for everyone. We LOVED it here and we hope you do too!