The 6 Best Helicopter Tours in Litchfield National Park
If you’re itching for a bird’s-eye view adventure, sign up for one of the best helicopter tours in Litchfield National Park!
From cascading waterfalls to ancient rock formations, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy in Litchfield National Park. But to truly appreciate the vastness and grandeur of this natural wonder, you’ve got to take to the skies. Imagine soaring over iconic landmarks like Wangi Falls and Tolmer Falls. You’ll glide through the air, soaking in panoramic views that few get to witness.
Get ready to see this natural wonderland from a perspective few ever do!
Want to know all about planning your trip to Litchy? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Why See Litchfield National Park by Helicopter?
Seeing Litchfield from the ground is incredible, but taking to the skies gives you a completely different perspective. A scenic helicopter flight reveals just how vast and diverse the landscape really is, from rugged sandstone escarpments to monsoon forests and winding creeks. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular waterfalls of Litchfield, many of which are difficult or impossible to fully appreciate from walking tracks alone.
From above, you can also spot unique natural features like the magnetic termite mounds, which look even more impressive when seen stretching across the floodplains in perfect formation. Many tours also extend beyond the park itself, offering views over the Adelaide River and deeper into the wild landscapes of the Top End, giving you a much broader sense of the region.
Are Helicopter Tours Worth It?
Helicopter tours are definitely a premium experience, but for many travellers, they’re a once-in-a-lifetime highlight. Instead of spending hours navigating rough roads or hiking in the heat, you can access remote locations via helicopter in a fraction of the time. That means more time actually enjoying the scenery—whether that’s landing beside a private waterfall or taking part in a secluded private swim far from the crowds.
They’re especially worth it if you’re short on time or want to elevate your trip beyond the usual viewpoints. Compared to a standard scenic flight, the ability to land, explore, and experience hidden parts of the park makes helicopter tours far more immersive.
Things to Know Before You Book
Before booking, it’s worth understanding what’s included in your tour, as experiences can vary quite a bit. Some flights are quick loops over the park, while others include extended itineraries with landings or even luxury add-ons like stops at Finniss River Lodge. If you’re hoping to combine your flight with a Litchfield swim, double-check that your tour includes time on the ground.
You should also consider factors like weight limits, weather conditions, and departure locations, which can affect availability. Some operators offer routes that extend toward Kakadu, so if you’re interested in seeing more than just Litchfield, it’s worth exploring those options in advance.
When Is the Best Time to Take a Helicopter Tour?
The best time to fly is during the dry season (May to October), when clear skies and lower humidity provide ideal flying conditions and excellent visibility. This is when waterfalls are still flowing but access on the ground is easier, making it a great balance for aerial and land-based experiences.
That said, the wet season offers its own unique appeal. The landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise, and waterfalls are at their most powerful. While some areas may be inaccessible by road, a scenic flight during this time can showcase the region at its most dramatic—just be prepared for more variable weather and the possibility of rescheduling.
Best Helicopter Tours in Litchfield National Park
Litchfield Waterfall Tour
📍 Darwin and Litchfield National Park, NT
⏰ 3 hours (approx.)
💰 From $1,195
Explore the best of Litchfield National Park on the popular Litchfield Waterfall Tour. The helicopter tour takes off from Darwin, so you’ll have the chance to marvel at the city’s skyline, Darwin Harbour, and the vast Aboriginal lands of the Cox Peninsula. You’ll touch down at Crab Claw Island Resort for a relaxing drink. Then, you’ll fly over the Finniss River Wetlands as well as iconic natural wonders like Tolmer Falls, Wangi Falls, and Florence Falls, along with the mesmerising Cascades. Cap off your adventure with a stop at Darwin River Tavern for afternoon refreshments. This is one of the best helicopter tours for seeing the park’s highlights!
Litchfield Fly & Swim
📍 Darwin and Litchfield National Park, NT
⏰ 3 hours (approx.)
💰 From $1,260
Discover the best of Litchfield National Park on the thrilling Litchfield Fly & Swim helicopter tour departing from Darwin. Experience the stunning beauty of the park’s waterfalls from above before landing at Sandy Creek Falls. You can take a refreshing dip in the rock pools and savour the tranquility of the surrounding setting. The three-hour tour is a memorable one-day adventure – it’s also a perfect choice if you’re planning a proposal or celebrating an anniversary!
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Finniss Flavours and Litchfield Swim
📍 Darwin and Litchfield National Park, NT
⏰ 5 hours (approx.)
💰 From $1,470
This premium half-day experience combines the natural beauty of Litchfield National Park with an elevated outback escape. Departing from Darwin, you’ll take to the skies for a breathtaking flight over the park’s iconic waterfalls and rugged landscapes before landing at the secluded Sandy Creek Falls. Here, you’ll have time to unwind, explore, and cool off in crystal-clear rock pools—far from the usual crowds.
After your time in the wild, the experience shifts to pure indulgence with a gourmet lunch and drinks at the stunning Finniss River Lodge. Set against sweeping floodplains, this exclusive stop adds a refined “touch of the Territory” to your adventure. With a total duration of around five hours, this tour is perfect for those looking to combine remote exploration with a relaxed, luxury finish.
Litchfield Swim & Pub Tour
📍 Darwin, Crab Claw Island, and Litchfield National Park, NT
⏰ 7 hours (approx.)
💰 From $1,495
If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back and social, this full-day helicopter adventure blends iconic Top End scenery with classic Territory pub culture. After departing Darwin, your first stop is Crab Claw Island Resort, where you can soak up the coastal atmosphere with a drink before heading back into the air. From there, you’ll soar over Litchfield’s waterfalls before touching down at Sandy Creek Falls for a refreshing break among secluded rock pools and bushland.
The day continues with a true outback twist, flying on to Darwin River Tavern for a relaxed lunch stop (at your own expense), followed by a visit to the iconic Goat Island Lodge. Set right on the river, this legendary spot offers the chance to spot crocodiles, buffalo, and wild horses along the way. Running from mid-morning through the afternoon, this tour is perfect for those wanting to experience Litchfield from the air while ticking off a few of the Territory’s most unique watering holes.
Darwin’s Big Day Out
📍 Darwin, Crab Claw Island, and Litchfield National Park, NT
⏰ Option dependent
💰 From $1,735
Experience the ultimate Northern Territory adventure with the “Big Day Out” helicopter tour. Fly, fish, swim, and explore some of the Top End’s most iconic locations—all in a single, action-packed day. Tailor your tour to suit your time and interests:
Option 1 – Standard Adventure
- Flight Time: ~2 hours | Total Time: 6 hours
- Heli Fishing at Cape Hotham (1.5 hrs)
- Fly over Mary River Wetlands
- Stop at Goat Island Lodge (1 hr)
- Relax at Crab Claw Island Resort (1 hr) before returning to Darwin
Option 2 – Add Jumping Croc Cruise
- Flight Time: ~2.2 hours | Total Time: 7 hours
- Includes everything in Option 1 plus a 1-hour Jumping Crocodiles cruise
Option 3 – Add Litchfield Waterfalls
- Flight Time: ~2.5 hours | Total Time: 7 hours
- Includes heli fishing and wetlands flyover
- Airboat experience (dry season only)
- Lunch at Darwin River Tavern
- Fly over Litchfield National Park waterfalls
- Stop at Crab Claw Island Resort before returning to Darwin
Option 4 – Full Experience
- Flight Time: ~2.7 hours | Total Time: 8 hours
- Combines Options 2 and 3: Heli fishing, Jumping Croc Cruise, Litchfield Waterfalls
- Swim at Sandy Creek Falls
- Lunch at Darwin River Tavern
- Crab Claw Island Resort stop before returning to base
Three National Parks in Two or Three Days
📍 Darwin, Kakadu, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield National Park, NT
⏰ 2 or 3 days
💰 From $5,740
This is one of the most immersive helicopter experiences in the Northern Territory, taking you across Kakadu, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield National Parks in a seamless, multi-day journey, designed to cover vast, remote landscapes that would otherwise take days to explore by road.
Fly over wetlands, river systems, and escarpments, with opportunities to spot wildlife and land at key locations. Experiences include visiting Aboriginal rock art in Arnhem Land, cruising through Yellow Water Billabong, and exploring Nitmiluk Gorge by boat—making it a well-rounded mix of aerial sightseeing and on-the-ground experiences.
Accommodation isn’t included as standard but can be added as an upgrade, including a stay at the luxurious Cicada Lodge.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a unique way to explore the beauty of Litchfield National Park, these top-rated helicopter tours have got you covered. Which helicopter tour do you want to book? Let us know in the comments below!
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Heading to the Litchy? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. We always find great options for trips, and it saves so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to Litchy. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel to Litchy and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore Litchy and the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting Litchy, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
