Litchfield National Park covers about 1,500 km² in the Top End. The NT Government describes it as an ancient landscape shaped by water, important to the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat and Warray Aboriginal peoples. Their ancestral spirits formed the landscape, plants and animals, and are still present in it today.
Strictly speaking, Litchfield is tropical savanna rather than desert outback. But it's an essential stop on any Northern Territory road trip, and it sits right on the way south from Darwin.
The main sites
The NT Government lists these visitor sites:
- Florence Falls. A picnic area at the plunge pool and a walk along Shady Creek. The campground has showers and accessible facilities, and boil any water before drinking.
- Buley Rockhole. A popular swimming spot with a series of shallow and deep holes. It shares the Florence Falls access road.
- Wangi Falls. A large plunge pool with shady grassed areas, a café, gas barbecues, showers and a campground.
- Tolmer Falls. A trail around the rim of the falls and an accessible path to viewing decks. There's no swimming.
- Magnetic termite mounds. Tourism NT notes that some are 100 years old and 2 m tall. They're aligned north–south, hence the name.
- Greenant Creek. A shady walk upstream to the Tjaetaba Falls lookout. There's no swimming.
- Cascades. A quieter swimming area for keen walkers.
- Walker Creek. Picnicking and swimming by the creek, plus seven campsites along it.
4WD areas
- The Lost City: sandstone pillars that look like ruins, reached by a 4WD-only track. There's no swimming.
- Reynolds River Track: to Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek Falls) and Surprise Creek Falls, with camping. It's 4WD only and seasonal.
- Central Valley: a secluded 4WD campground next to the East Reynolds River.
4WD tracks can close during the wet season and reopen once conditions allow; check the park status first. See 4WD driving.
Walking
The Tabletop Track is a 39 km bushwalk for experienced walkers. Shorter walks link most of the main sites. The NT Government publishes distances and grades for each one.
Swimming safety
Litchfield's swimming holes are its biggest draw, but conditions change. The NT Government's swimming page lists where you can swim and how to be safe. Swimming areas can close, for example after rain or for crocodile management. Obey all signs. Never swim where it isn't permitted, and remember that saltwater crocodiles live in Top End waterways. See crocodile safety.
Passes and fees
Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass. NT residents are exempt, but may be asked for proof of residency.
| Pass | Adult | Child (5–17) | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | $10 | $5 | $25 |
| 2 weeks | $30 | $15 | $75 |
| 12 months | $60 | $30 | $150 |
Prices are from the NT Government's parks pass page. Tourism NT also lists 3-day and 1-month passes and concession prices. Camping fees are separate and must be booked online.
Camping
Campgrounds include Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Tjaynera Falls, Walker Creek and Central Valley. The NT Government says campground hosts are present at Florence, Wangi and Tjaynera Falls from May to September. Book and pay online before you go. See free camping rules for options outside parks.
Getting there
The NT Government says the park is about 120 km south-west of Darwin. It's reached from Cox Peninsula Road or through Batchelor. Tourism NT puts the drive at about 90 minutes, and all roads into the main sites are sealed. Many day tours run from Darwin.
When to go
- The dry (May–October): Tourism NT gives typical temperatures of 21–30°C. This is when most swimming areas and 4WD tracks are open, and it's the busiest season.
- Tropical summer (November–April): typically 25–32°C, with storms and big waterfall flows. Swimming areas and tracks can close.
See weather by month and the wet season and road closures.
Rules
Drones need a permit obtained before you arrive. Take your rubbish with you, don't feed wildlife, and use fireplaces only where they're provided.
Facilities and accessibility
The NT Government lists accessible facilities at several sites, including Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls (with an accessible path to the viewing decks), Wangi Falls and Walker Creek. Wangi Falls is the best-serviced site. It has a café, gas barbecues, showers, a phone and free wi-fi. Florence Falls and Wangi Falls both have showers and campgrounds suitable for camper trailers, and caravans at specific areas. At both, boil any tap water before drinking it.
Other sites, such as Buley Rockhole and Cascades, have toilets and picnic areas but fewer facilities. The 4WD areas are basic. The NT Government also publishes a free fact sheet and map, and a bird-spotting guide, for the park.
Litchfield with kids
Litchfield is one of the most family-friendly parks in the Top End. The termite mounds have an easy boardwalk, and Buley Rockhole's shallow pools are popular with families. The main sites are short drives apart on sealed roads. Supervise children closely at deep plunge pools, and follow all swimming signs. See the outback with kids.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the entry fee for Litchfield National Park?
Interstate and overseas visitors need an NT Parks Visitor Pass. A day pass costs $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 5 to 17 and $25 for families. Two-week passes cost $30, $15 and $75, and annual passes $60, $30 and $150. NT residents don't need a pass, and camping fees are extra.
Can you do Litchfield in a day?
Yes. It's about 90 minutes from Darwin, and the main sites (Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, the termite mounds, Tolmer Falls and Wangi Falls) are on sealed roads close together. A day trip covers the highlights. Stay overnight if you want 4WD tracks or a quieter swim.
Are there crocodiles in Litchfield?
Saltwater crocodiles live in Top End waterways, and swimming areas in Litchfield can close, particularly during and after the wet season. Only swim where the NT Government says swimming is permitted, obey all signs, and check the park status before you go.
Which is better, Kakadu or Litchfield?
They suit different trips. Litchfield is smaller (about 1,500 km²), close to Darwin and ideal for a day of waterfalls and swimming. Kakadu covers about 20,000 km², needs several days, and is known for its rock art, wetlands and cultural experiences. Many visitors do both.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Litchfield National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Litchfield National Park (trade) — Tourism NT
- Parks pass for national parks and reserves — Northern Territory Government
- The Lost City – Litchfield National Park — Tourism NT
