Plan Your Perfect 4WD Day Trip to Litchfield National Park
Want to cover as much of Litchfield National Park as possible in one day? We have your back! The best way to enjoy a day trip to Litchfield National Park is by four-wheel drive (4WD), which refers to a vehicle that distributes equal power to all four wheels.
Whether you’re navigating the iconic Reynolds River Track or uncovering the secrets of the Lost City, each route offers a new perspective on this stunning landscape. Buckle up, rev your engine, and get ready to explore the best 4WD adventures in Litchfield National Park.
Here is a flexible itinerary for a day trip to Litchfield National Park that covers a few of the top spots.
First Stop: Magnetic Termite Mounds
Start your day trip in Litchfield National Park at the Magnetic Termite Mounds. The Termite mounds are 133 km away from Darwin and 35.4 km away from Batchelor. These mounds were created by termites as housing. Made out of the sand, some of them even reach 3 metres tall! They get the name magnetic from the fact that the mounds all point north and south, similar to a compass needle.
2nd Stop: Buley Rockhole
After walking around in the hot sun, drive 9.2 km away to Buley Rockhole for a swim in the swimming pools. Buley Rockhole is a top attraction in Litchfield and one of the most visited. There are multiple swimming holes and waterfalls, and they are a short walk away from the free car park.3rd Stop: Florence Falls
Florence Falls is another swimming location nearby Buley Rockhole, as it is only 3.4 km away. This is a great spot to stop and picnic in the shade, however make sure to keep all glassware in the car since it is not allowed near the water.
4th Stop: Lost City
Once you are re-energized, take a short break from the water and head over to the Lost City. The Lost City is one of the more difficult locations to access in Litchfield. It requires a 4WD, and the 10 km road is rough. Nevertheless, it can be done with patience and by taking your time! Once you are there, walk around the 0.4 km loop to see the sandstone structures. These rock formations were created through erosion, however they can appear to be man made.
5th Stop: Tolmer Falls
Want to soak in Litchfield National Park on land rather than in water? One of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls, Tolmer Falls has hiking trails and wheelchair accessible viewpoints! Tolmer falls is 21.7 km away from The Lost City, and has plenty of shade.
6th Stop: Wangi Falls
Jump back in the water at Wangi Falls, which is a 10.9 km drive from Tolmer Falls. This is a great place to end the day with the waterfall and campground. After your day of adventure, you can stop for an overnight adventure. If you prefer to head back to a city at the end of the day, Batchelor is 66.4 km away and Darwin is 129 km.
7th Stop: Reynolds River Track
After soaking in the stunning views at Tolmer Falls, gear up for a thrilling 4WD adventure as you head towards the Reynolds River Track. This rugged route is known for its challenging terrain, offering creek crossings, sandy patches, and stretches of red dirt that will put your driving skills to the test. This top attraction in Litchfield National Park leads you through remote areas of the park that few visitors experience, including access to secluded swimming spots like Tjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls and Surprise Creek Falls.
Do you need a 4WD for Litchfield National Park?
While a 4WD isn’t necessary for a day trip to Litchfield National Park, it definitely enhances the experience by giving you access to some of the park’s more secluded and less-travelled areas. Many popular attractions, like Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, and Wangi Falls, are accessible by sealed roads suitable for standard vehicles. However, if you’re keen to explore beyond the main sites and venture to spots like the Lost City or the Reynolds River Track, a 4WD is essential. A 4WD vehicle lets you explore the park at your own pace and discover its less-visited gems.
We’d love your feedback on this page – please comment below if you’ve been to Litchfield National Park and which locations you’d add to this list. Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following @litchfieldnationalpark on IG or on FB here.
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Cover image by @roam_oz on IG.
