Litchfield National Park: Best Things to Do
One of the most popular national parks in the Northern Territory in Australia, Litchfield National Park, welcomes visitors with arms wide open. There are so many best things to do in Litchfield National Park, such as waterfalls, water holes, and huge termite mounds. This travel guide also includes tips on how to get to the park, where to stay, and when to visit.
Welcome to our article about best things to do in Litchfield National Park, Australia!
We remember the day we visited Litchfield National Park vividly. It was the last day of the year. December, offseason, mosquitos, high temperatures, humidity. The day before we explored Nitmiluk National Park (formerly known as Katherine NP), spent a hot night in our car (so hot, that we went out of the car every thirty minutes), and absolutely exhausted, arrived in Litchfield National Park.
The area is famous for waterfalls, insanely high termite mounds, crocodiles, and refreshing water holes. You can guess where we spent the majority of our time.
Here, sitting in the water pools, enjoying the cooling effect of flowing water we promised ourselves, that the next year would be at least similarly wonderful as the previous one - which we spent in New Zealand - and when we look at it retrospectively, it was. So thank you, Litchfield, we'll come again.
Litchfield is a wonderful national park in the area called the Top End.
The Northern Territory of Australia offers its visitors many highlights, but because Litchfield is well-accessible from Darwin, it is quite enough to spend here only a day or two to enjoy the top attractions.
As there are plenty of things to do in Litchfield NP, it’s a popular destination with both, locals and international tourists traveling through Australia's Red Center.
Another great thing about Litchfield National Park is that all of the best things to do are close to each other.
We did not take it for granted, having just traveled all the way from Melbourne, where we road tripped the Great Ocean Road, as the distances in Australia are really vast. You do not need much for visiting the park.
An adventurous spirit, appetite to discover this wonderful part of the north of Australia, and the love for nature will do.
In this travel guide, we've covered the best things to see and do in Litchfield National Park, but we will also share with you tips on where to stay, how to get there, when is the best time to visit the park, what to pack, and how much time to spend in the national park is enough.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Litchfield National Park is rich in natural wonders, most of them are connected with water.
Waterfalls and water holes are the highlights, but you should not miss termite mounds (you will see them along the way as well), 4WD tracks, hiking trails, and all the wonderful scenery that can be seen from above on a helicopter flight.
Here's the list of top activities and best things to do in Litchfield National Park.
It is possible to park the car very near to all top things, therefore visiting the park is suitable for all age categories.
WANGI FALLS
Wangi Waterfalls is arguably the best thing to see in Litchfield National Park. There are actually two waterfalls running down the red rock escarpments to the spectacular pool beneath.
The falls are approximately 50 meters high, and the combination of the waterfalls and the possibility of swimming attract the biggest amount of visitors to the park.
The pools are surrounded by monsoon rainforest which creates a wonderful backdrop for the photos as it enhances the colors.
Except for viewing the waterfall and swimming, you can also take approximately three kilometers long loop that will take you around the top of the falls. From the viewing point, it is possible to get yet another view of the area from a different angle.
Even though we said it is possible to swim in the pool and cool down, it all depends on the weather.
Usually during the wet season between October and March the pool is closed because of the high water level, dangerous currents, and possible sightings of crocodiles.
The closure can happen even in the dry season, for example, after a strong storm. But no worries, Wangi Falls is worth visiting any time of the year.
TOLMER FALLS
A fairly short walk from the parking lot will take you to the amazing view of Tolmer Falls and expansive wetlands. The falls consists of two drops that are together over a hundred meters high.
Even though Tolmer Falls is quite thin most of the year, the scenery of the water running down a narrow gorge surrounded by a steep escarpment into the pool is stunning.
Unlike at Wangi Falls, it is not possible to swim in Tolmer Falls' pool.
The viewing platform is a popular sunset spot because the light touches the tops of the rock, and the change of the color together with the landscape is must-see.
BULEY ROCKHOLE
We recommend you to visit Buley Rockhole when you start feeling tired either from your travels that day or the omnipresent heat. This place is popular with both tour groups and independent travelers, and during peak times, it can get quite crowded.
But no worries, there is room for everyone.
And what Buley Rockhole is? It is a series of cascades that create small pools and water holes, some deep some shallow, where you can sit and relax and enjoy the scenery around. It is really a perfect place to relax.
You do not need just to sit here, it is possible to wade through the pools. Be careful, the rocks are slippery.
FLORENCE FALLS
Florence Falls is a place where people usually hang out for a while. The place is so photogenic, that no one wants to leave therefore, the area can sometimes feel a bit crowded.
To avoid that, arrive as early as possible.
From the car park, 135 steps will take you to two waterfalls that fall into a plunge pool. It is the most popular swimming spot in Litchfield National Park, so pack a swimsuit.
The water here is crystal clear, and you will soon understand why we think this park is one of the must-visit places in Australia.
MAGNETIC TERMITE MOUNDS
If you've never seen termite mounds before, you'll be really impressed. If you have, you'll be fascinated anyway. Even though all the waterfalls and plunge pools in the park are amazing, the thing that sets Litchfield National Park apart is the termite mounds.
There are hundreds of them spread around the area, but you will for sure not miss them as a large portion stands near the road.
It seems almost impossible that such small creatures can build mounds that can be over two meters high.
The mounds often stand in groups, and near the biggest fields are also informative boards where you can read more about the termites and the organization of their work.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT
If you are looking for a unique way how to see Litchfield National Park, here you go. A helicopter flight will show you the park, waterfalls, and its unusual ecosystem from above. There are several providers.
The cheapest option is to take only the six minutes flight starting right from the park. But you can also enjoy the helicopter flight from Darwin.
4WD TRACKS
You do not need a four-wheel drive to see the most of the top places in Litchfield National Park, but you need it for a few tracks that are specifically designed for 4WD.
A multi-day Raynold River Track or shorter Lost City Track are the favorites.
The Raynold River Track requires a skillful driver as it is necessary to cross several rivers (the water level depends on the season), while Lost City Track is rough and rocky, and even though it is not easy, it is doable even without extensive experience.
HIKING
If walking from the car park to waterfalls is not enough for you and you are looking for something more challenging, you can opt for a multi-day Tabletop Track.
This 39 kilometers long loop requires backpacking experience and truly adventurous soul, but you will be rewarded by a very unique off-the-beaten-path experience.
The trail is closed during the wet season, so check out the conditions before you set off.
IS IT SAFE TO SWIM IN LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Litchfield, the must-visit place in the Top End is very attractive to the travelers because of the possibility of swimming.
But is swimming in Litchfield National Park safe? Well, first you should remember that swimming is possible only in the marked areas. Do not try your luck when it is expressly forbidden.
Designed areas are for example Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole, and Florence Falls.
The wet season in Australia's Northern Territory lasts between October and April, and during the monsoon season, when you can expect heavy torrential rains, swimming areas are usually closed, because of the possibility of flash floods and saltwater crocodiles in the area.
We visited Litchfield in December, and it was ok to relax in Buley Rockhole, though.
From our understanding, closures depend on the current situation, and you might be able to enjoy swimming in the wet season as well, although it is not guaranteed.
To be honest, when we saw the crocodile signs warnings, we really were not interested in jumping in the water anyway.
If you are a swimmer and the main reason for your visit to Litchfield National Park is dipping in the pools and jumping off rocks to the water, it is much better to plan your visit for the dry season between May and September.
Again, an unexpected heavy rain can close the area for the swimming even during these months.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Litchfield National Park is well-accessible, and thanks to it, the park is a popular stop on every Australia itinerary.
You do not need 4WD to get to Litchfield, but it is necessary to have a car or campervan to get there and to explore the top sights as it is necessary to drive between places, even though they are not that far from each other.
Sometimes roads can be closed in the wet season because of flash floods, so check the road conditions before you go.
To get to Litchfield, drive along sealed Stuart Highway, and then turn to road number 30, which will take you to the heart of the park via gateway township of Batchelor. Continue driving until you reach the sign, Litchfield National Park.
There is no entrance fee to the Litchfield National Park.
The park is less than two hours' drive south of Darwin. Because of the proximity, it is a popular one-day or an overnight trip.
As we traveled from the south, we arrived in the park from Katherine (Nitmiluk) National Park that is a little bit over two hours drive.
TOURS
If you don’t want to drive in Australia, do not despair. There are still plenty of Litchfield National Park tours you can choose from.
Most of the tours leave from Darwin, and as you would expect, the most popular ones are day tours, though this region offers more options for those who have more time to spend there.
Litchfield National Park Day Tour from Darwin | This full-day tour will allow you to see the best natural sights of the national park in a stress-free way. You will have the chance to explore the Florence Falls, monsoon forests, rock formations, swim in a plunge pool, or enjoy lunch.
Litchfield Park Tour and Jumping Crocodile Cruise from Darwin | The best-rated and most popular tours from Darwin also include jumping crocs. Moreover, you will see the best places of Litchfield National Park as you would on other tours as well. We leave the decision of whether it's worth it or not to you.
3-Day Top End Safari | If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, then this tour around Litchfield and Kakadu national parks will be perfect for you. Explore the best places in Australia's Top End on a 3-day 4WD camping tour from Darwin with an expert guide.
GETTING AROUND
When driving in the park, your first stop will be Magnetic Termite Mounds.
Then follow Litchfield Park Road, and turn right to Buley Florence Road. First visit Buley Rockhole, and then drive a little bit further to Florence Falls.
Then you have to get back to the main road, and drive for a while to Tolmer Falls car park.
Once back on Litchfield Park Road, drive deeper to the park until you reach the Wangi Falls branch. Here turn right, and arrive at Wangi Falls car park.
ACCOMMODATION IN LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Depending on your plans, you can stay in the park, very close to the entrance in Batchelor, or either in Katherine or in Darwin.
The options in the park are limited, so your best bet to get a room and fair price are in Darwin.
Of course, camping in Litchfield National Park is also available, and if you are able for a night or two give up a bit of your comfort, this will be an amazing experience (and you'll save money as well).
We've handpicked the best accommodation in every location to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Rakula | Lodge Hideaway Litchfield - This luxurious villa is in the park, close to Wangi Falls, and if you are looking for a private hideaway, this is a perfect place to stay.
Batchelor | Litchfield Tourist Park - A basic holiday resort offers clean bungalows and a perfect atmosphere. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool and enjoy sitting in the garden. Tents and campervan sites are available as well.
Katherine | Pine Tree Motel - Centrally located motel offers clean and modern rooms, air-condition, buffet breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
Darwin | Travelodge Resort Darwin - True oasis in the center of Darwin. Rooms are clean, modern, and air-conditioned (super important in this city), and facilities include a pool and fitness center.
Camping | There are six super-cheap campsites in Litchfield National Park, all working on the first-come-first-served basis.
Two-wheel driving camping options are available at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rockole.
Wangi Falls is available also for campervans and facilities here are the best (showers available), so it is also the most popular option among visitors.
Four-wheel driving camping options are available at Tjaynera Falls, Surprise Creek Falls, and Florence Falls.
For adventure travelers, there are walk-in campsites along Walker Creek, but these camps operate only during the dry season. Price per night varies between 3.30 AUD to 6.60 AUD per night and is payable only in cash.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Litchfield National Park can be visited all-year-round, but you can experience here two distinct seasons.
May to September is the dry and less humid season. The temperatures are still high, but the weather is much pleasant than during the wet season. This time of the year is super-popular, and pools by the falls and campsites fill up quickly.
On the other hand, rainy days are rare, and you can enjoy swimming in the park to the fullest.
October till April is the wet season in the northern territory.
We were traveling in Australia at the end of December, and especially here, in Litchfield National Park, the humidity and high temperatures were almost unbearable.
We slept in a car without air-con running at night, and I must admit that one night I really had a breakdown because of the incredible heat (we were not able to sleep as we were burning up all night plus the mosquitos did not help), and the next day after visiting Litchfield we were headed to Darwin, where we paid for a room with air-con.
These window shades would have been lifesavers, as they can be used as a bug net. Unfortunately, we didn't have one.
On the other hand, we enjoyed the park despite the heat, and the waterfalls were super-impressive because of the amount of water.
Even though it was the rainy season, it did not rain that day of our visit, and we could even relax in Buley Rockhole.
Other pools were closed because of crocks danger.
WHAT TO PACK FOR LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Regardless of the season, you are going to visit Litchfield, there are several things you should always pack with you.
First, it is essential to have a swimsuit, even in the wet season, you never know. The weather in the park changes often, so a rain poncho or umbrella is a must.
Because of the high temperatures and humidity, bring a lot of water to prevent dehydration - this water bottle is our all-time favorite for traveling.
Other than that, you will need comfortable runners, a daypack, and a camera.
As many activities take place near the water, you might want to consider bringing either action camera, or at least a dry sack to keep your valuables dry.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
We spent in Litchfield National Park one day, and we think it was enough time to see the best things the park has to offer.
Thanks to our rental car we were able to drive to all the sights ourselves.
Even though Litchfield National Park in one day is absolutely doable (you do not have to even stay in the park overnight), two to three days will give you a chance to go off-the-beaten-path.
Camping in the park is a unique experience, so if time allows, it is for sure a good idea to stay longer.
The advantage of staying longer is that you can plan your day more carefully and avoid the other travelers as well.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
