1 Day in Litchfield National Park Itinerary From Darwin
When exploring the Northern Territory, visiting Litchfield National Park is an absolute must! It’s one of the most accessible national parks in the Top End and only a 90-minute drive from Darwin – which makes Litchfield the perfect destination for a day trip! You can explore the park’s highlights without a 4WD, as the sealed road provides a perfect loop.
This guide offers the best one day in Litchfield National Park itinerary, highlighting some of the best stops along the way.
A Day Trip to Litchfield Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Litchfield National Park in the dry season? The one-day itinerary below is a great way to explore. Here are a few tips:
- Start Early: The park is most enjoyable in the cooler hours of the morning.
- Pack a Picnic: There are plenty of picnic spots throughout the park, so bring your own.
- Stay Hydrated: The Top End can get hot, so bring plenty of water.
- Respect the Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter and stick to the designated paths.
Important Note: As with all national parks in the Top End, be crocwise all year round and only swim in designated areas.
1st Stop: Litchy Sign & Termite Mounds
From Darwin, head down to Batchelor, and you’re already at the gateway to the park. Stop at the National Park sign for a quick photo before heading to the Magnetic Termite Mounds. It’s only a short stroll down a boardwalk to an open area with hundreds of termite mounds. Take a close look, and you’ll see the north-south direction that gave these mounds their name. Head back to the car park and walk over to the other side, where you’ll find two enormous cathedral termite mounds; their size is simply mind-blowing!
2nd Stop: Buley Rockhole
Your next stop will take you to the first swimming spot; there are even two right next to each other. The first one is Buley Rockhole, a series of shallow and deep holes, some of them perfect to sit in, others just asking you to jump in.
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3rd Stop: Florence Falls & Lost City
After your swim, head to Florence Falls for lunch. Pack a picnic and enjoy it at the nearby shaded tables. The double waterfalls at Florence Falls are picture-perfect, and you can take a short walk down to the plunge pool for a swim. The walk back up is a bit of a climb, but the view from the top is well worth it.
Alternatively, you can drive to the Lost City. The unique rock formations here provide a stark contrast to the lush greenery in other parts of the park. This site requires a 4WD to access, so if you’re equipped, it’s a must-see.
4th Stop: Tolmer Falls & Wangi Falls
After a rest, it’s time to explore the next highlight: Tolmer Falls. It’s not possible to swim here, but the views over the majestic falls are well worth the walk. The next swimming spot is around the corner, though, and it’s probably the most famous one: Wangi Falls. From the car park, follow the paved way down to the falls. There are a few walks, and one of them provides the perfect photo opportunity with Wangi Falls in the background. Again, some steps are to ease the way in and out of the pool. Take your floatie so you can relax in the water on your way to the falls on the other side.
5th Stop: The Cascades
The last stop on this loop will take you to a hidden gem! Considered a quieter swimming spot, you might only see a few other visitors at The Cascades. The walk to the Upper Cascades is a 3.3km moderate to difficult return hike offering stunning views from the Tabletop Plateau. You’ll see the rock pools as you make your way down. Depending on the season, you can also wander down to Curtain Falls. It is a perfect swim to wrap up your day exploring Litchfield National Park.
Have you visited any of those spots in Litchy? Comment below if you’ve been to Litchfield National Park or visited one of these top locations! Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following @litchfieldnationalpark on IG or on FB here.
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Cover photo by @aus_z8 on IG.
