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Feel yourself unwind as you float in lush waterholes with misty waterfalls nestled among dramatic landscapes.
Only a 60-minute drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best-kept secret.
The park is filled with stunning waterfalls and waterholes that are surrounded by monsoonal vine forests – all of which offer a cool respite on warm summer days.
A drive through Litchfield is full of contrasts and some of the most enormous termite mounds in the Top End. Cabin, camping and caravan sites are within a short drive of the park gates.
To avoid disappointment check availability ahead of your travels, and book online to secure one of many camping sites in and around Litchfield National Park.
Things to see & do in Litchfield
A water wonderland
Swim in the clear waterholes beneath magnificent spring-fed waterfalls. Wangi Falls is the best known and most popular attraction within the park. It’s both accessible and beautiful.
The spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool set in a pocket of monsoon forest. It’s a little slice of heaven and a refreshing swim.
Soak in the gentle three-tiered pools of Buley Rockhole. A picturesque area shaded by surrounding rainforest and only a short drive from Wangi and Florence. This is a popular spot with locals. If you visit on a weekday you might avoid the crowds and enjoy the magic.
Tolmer Falls is a highlight, but pack your walking shoes. The 1.6km loop walk follows the creek and you’ll see the rushing water before it drops 101m into the pool below.
Adventure your way
Take the road less travelled. Surprise Creek Falls is only accessible by 4WD as there are two river crossings along the way. There’s a short walk from the carpark through lush monsoon forest which leads you to a deeprock pool and small waterfall.
Along the same 4WD track you’ll find Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek). It’s a moderate 3.4km walk so bring your walking shoes. The falls are generally uncrowded. The plunge pool is shaded for most of the day and makes for a cool and refreshing swim.
Listen to the ancient lands as you set off on the several walking tracks the park has to offer. Suiting a range of different fitness levels, the walking tracks include the epic 39km Tabletop Track and its secret waterfalls, to the more serene 3.5km track to picturesque Walker Creek.
Engage your sense of adventure on your very own 4x4 outback adventure. Be sure to see the sandstone relics of The Lost City and gain a new appreciation for early pioneers at the ruins of Blyth Homestead.
Nature at its best
Take the boardwalk to a ‘graveyard’ of 2m tall headstones. These are magnetic termite mounds; feats of insect architecture oriented with the sun to keep the termites cool in baking conditions.
Keep your eyes peeled for hundreds of species of fauna. Wallabies, sugar gliders, quolls and flying foxes are all common, as is the dragon-like water monitor that can often be spotted basking on rocks.
Twitchers should keep their binoculars handy to spot the Yellow Oriole, Figbird, Pacific Koel, Spangled Drongo, Dollarbird and Rainbow Bee-eater that inhabit sheltered areas close to waterfalls.
Travellers’ stories
Entry cost
- Indicative Prices tickets from $10.00 to $60.00
Park entry fees - Parks Pass applies. (NT residents exempt). Camping and extended walk fees apply to all visitors. - Child tickets from $5.00 to $30.00
Park entry fees - Parks Pass applies. (NT residents exempt). Camping and extended walk fees apply to all visitors.
Facilities
- Barbeque
- Cafe
- Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites / Campsites
- Carpark
- Coach Parking
- Family Friendly
- Food and Refreshments
- Interpretive Centre
- Kiosk
- Lookouts
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
Activities
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Four Wheel Driving
- Hiking
- Scenic Drives
- Swimming
- Walks
Accessibility
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
Accreditation
- COVID Safe
How do I get to Litchfield National Park?
Litchfield is a comfortable 90 minute drive south from Darwin along a sealed road. You can also base yourself in the nearby town of Batchelor, or drive north along the Stuart Highway from Katherine.
If you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else, there are plenty of tour companies operating out of Darwin with regular trips to Litchfield.
Can Litchfield be done as a day trip?
Litchfield National Park is an excellent day trip destination from Darwin. There’s lots to see and do so it’s worth spending a couple of days, or making return visits. You can stay overnight in one of the many accommodation options around Batchelor, or camp in the park.
When is the best time to visit Litchfield?
The best time to experience everything that Litchfield National Park has to offer is May to October – the weather is dry and pleasant and all roads are usually open. Litchfield is generally accessible year-round, and there’s nothing like seeing the waterfalls in all their glory from November to April.
Do I need any passes or permits to visit Litchfield?
Entry into Litchfield National Park requires an NT Parks Pass. This is a separate pass to the Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta park passes. If you’re looking to stay in one of the camping areas, you must book online and pay a fee to camp. It is recommended that you do this before you go, as you won't be able to pay at the site.
How far is Litchfield National Park from Darwin?
Litchfield National Park is a comfortable 90-minute drive (115km) from Darwin on a sealed road. Don’t forget to stop for a rest and refreshments at the nearby town of Batchelor.
How do I get around Litchfield National Park?
You’ll need to drive to get around Litchfield. We recommend hiring a car or taking a tour from Darwin. If you decide to drive yourself, keep in mind that some areas can only be reached by 4WD.
While you’re in the area, Berry Springs is less than an hour’s drive away and is a great spot to stop for a picnic.
What are the major attractions in Litchfield?
Litchfield is a great place to visit for treks, tours, swimming and sightseeing. Popular attractions include the waterfalls at Wangi, Florence and Tjaynera/Sandy Creek Falls, take a dip at Buley Rockhole, or explore the Lost City by 4WD. Walk around the giant Magnetic Termite Mounds. If you’re feeling really adventurous, take a helicopter tour and see the splendour from the air.
What should I bring to Litchfield?
Bring a hat, water, sunscreen and insect repellent. A small first-aid kit can also come in handy.
The park’s swimming holes are fun for the whole family, so you may like to bring swimwear, towels, goggles, and an underwater camera. Make sure to only swim where signs indicate it’s safe to do so.
You can pack a picnic, or buy food in Batchelor and at Wangi Falls. Remember to bring a bag or two for your rubbish as there are no bins within the park.
Where should I go next from Litchfield National Park?
After Litchfield you can head east to Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. Head north to Darwin and Berry Springs. Alternatively, head south to Katherine, where you can explore Nitmiluk National Park and Nitmiluk Gorge.
Litchfield itineraries
Greater Litchfield
Visit these attractions in the wider Litchfield area
