Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is a recreational paradise about 120 km south-west of Darwin, celebrated for its easily accessible waterfalls and idyllic swimming spots:contentReference[oaicite:69]{index=69}:contentReference[oaicite:70]{index=70}. The park encompasses 1,500 km² of the Tabletop Range. Here, several spring-fed waterfalls plunge off the sandstone plateau rim – Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and Tolmer Falls are among the most popular, each with well-maintained walking tracks and viewing platforms. Florence and Wangi also have large plunge pools at their base where swimming is permitted (seasonally) in refreshingly cool, clear waters surrounded by rainforest pockets:contentReference[oaicite:71]{index=71}. Buley Rockhole offers a chain of smaller cascading pools perfect for a soak. Beyond waterfalls, Litchfield is famous for its magnetic termite mounds – fields of tall, thin mounds aligned north-south like gravestones, an adaptation for temperature control, which can be seen from a boardwalk viewing area:contentReference[oaicite:72]{index=72}. The park’s varied habitats support monsoon vine forests, tracts of savanna woodland, and rugged escarpments with “Lost City” rock formations. Bushwalking trails range from short strolls to the 39 km Tabletop Track for experienced hikers. 4WD tracks lead to more remote sites such as the Tjaynera/Sandy Creek Falls and Blyth Homestead (a historic tin mine relic). Campgrounds are available near most main attractions, with picnic facilities and some BBQs provided. Wildlife in Litchfield includes wallabies, flying foxes, countless bird species, and freshwater crocodiles in some waterways (Wangi Falls’s pool may close if crocs are present). Unlike Kakadu, Litchfield has no entry fee, and its compact circuit of highlights plus sealed-road access make it a convenient and unforgettable Top End destination – often done as a day trip or overnight from Darwin, and highly favoured by locals:contentReference[oaicite:73]{index=73}:contentReference[oaicite:74]{index=74}.