Litchfield National Park in 4 days

On our explorations of the Northern Territory, we stayed at the Banyan Tree Caravan Park located just outside Litchfield National Park.

Being only 5 minutes from the start of the National Park, the Banyan Tree provided the perfect base for us to get a head start on the day trippers from Darwin heading into Litchfield during the school holidays.

We spent a wonderful 4 days taking in panoramic views of gorges and waterfalls, walking along streams through monsoon forest, lazing in rock pools, swimming in crystal clear waters under cascading waterfalls, and diving into natural plunge pools.

This unique property has more of a country farm vibe than a traditional caravan park with farm animals such as cows and goats roaming freely around the property alongside horses that are always happy for a pat – just remember with this many animals about to mind your step!

After a busy day exploring Litchfield it was a relief to escape the school holiday warriors and head back to relax under the big shady sites, cool off in the small swimming pool, or relax listening to live music under the atmospheric fairy lights adorning the restaurants and bars huge Banyan tree.

A few of our highlights of Litchfield National Park include;

Upper Cascades

We were crazy enough to start it in the heat of the middle of the day and it was a tough uphill hike without the relief of shade. We also passed a couple of people who looked unlikely to make it to the top alive!

The reward at the top was a secluded swimming hole virtually to ourselves – keep in mind these falls are best visited at the end of the wet season whilst there is still plenty of water but are a good spot to escape the crowds if you happen to visit during school holidays or a peak period.

Florence Falls

It’s an easy three-minute walk from the car park to the scenic viewing platform high above the falls for panoramic views of the gorge, open valley, Florence Falls, and the waterhole below.

Naturally, we preferred the 1km Shady Creek walk, along a stream through the rainforest-filled gorge, then through the woodlands back to Florence Creek where you can also swim or take a picnic.

Swimming here under the pounding waterfalls in the clear water was so refreshing and the kids enjoyed some rock jumping (although not from the crazy heights we saw some people attempting)

We were one of the first to arrive, however, take note the plunge pool quickly fills up after 9.30 am at holiday time.

Tolmer Falls

These were our favourite falls in the park with 2 viewing platforms at the top of the gorge, opposite the most spectacular waterfall. The falls are accessible via a short path, however, we chose to take the 1.6 kilometre Tolmer Falls loop walk – an easy walk (that is rocky in parts) that takes about 45 minutes. Following the path through typical Top End sandstone country, along Tolmer Creek and a tributary and past pristine rock pools.

Buley Rockhole

There is a network of layered shallow plunge pools, but being one of the most popular swimming spots in the park it was just too busy for us, so we had a look but didn’t stay for a swim.

Magnetic Termite Mounds

No visit to Litchfield is complete without getting a photo with the Magnetic or Cathedral Termite mounds that abound in the park, sometimes in their hundreds. Some of these mounds are 100 years old and can stand from 2 – 4 metres high.

Wangi Falls

We took the 3 kilometre loop track that takes you up and over the falls through the monsoon rainforest and with views of the rocky escarpments. The plunge pool was still closed for the wet season as the currents were still a bit strong and the crocodile situation had not been confirmed as low risk!

Overall we loved Litchfield National Park, being able to swim in natural swimming pools is such a treat up here in the top end where the risk of crocodiles is real, as are the daily temperatures and humidity in April!

We recommend at least 2 days/ 3 nights to really explore all Litchfield has to offer and staying close by allows extra time and to get to all the popular spots early.

Our top tip is to visit outside of the school holidays if you can, if not head out to the swimming spots either early or late in the day to avoid the main crowds.