From Wikitravel

Litchfield National Park is in the Northern Territory (Australia), 69 km south of Darwin. The park's main attractions are the waterfalls and the clear pools of water they cascade into.

During the hot dry season the park is a magnet for people looking for a refreshing swim. Crocodiles do not seem to be as much a threat in Litchfield as they are in other Top End parks, such as Kakadu National Park.

Other features of the park include the termite mounds and the "Lost City", an area of bizarre sandstone block and pillar formations which have been sculpted by wind and rain over thousands of years.

[edit] Understand

Litchfield National Park is approximately 1500 sq km in size and is an important conservation reserve in the Northern Territory. Typical of Top End habitats, there are a number of waterfalls which fall from a sandstone plateau, the Tabletop Range. There are large termite mounds, historical settlement sites, weathered sandstone pillars such as the Lost City, and Aboriginal culture to learn about.

[edit] History

[edit] Landscape

[edit] Flora and fauna

[edit] Climate

[edit] Get in

Litchfield National Park is easily accessed by sealed roads from Darwin. It is possible to see the many of the sights in the northern end of the park in a day trip. To enjoy the sights which are 'off the beaten track', a few more days and a 4WD will be necessary.

[edit] Fees/Permits

There is no entry fee for the National Park. Camping fees are charged per person per night.

[edit] Get around

The National Park has a network of sealed and unsealed roads. The northern end can be visited by 2WD on bitumen roads. To visit the southern end, it is necessary to have a 4WD due to several river crossings and the variable nature of the road conditions. Note that during the wet season (Dec-Mar) access by road may be not be possible as the 4WD tracks are closed due to flooding.

[edit][add listing] See

• Magnetic Termite Mounds
• Geology
• Waterfalls and plunge pools
• Bird life

[edit][add listing] Do

• Picnicing - Wangi Falls has a day picnic area with a kiosk
• Bush walking - ranging from short strolls to multi-day options
• Bird & Nature watching - large variety of birds to spot plus reptiles, insects, plant life
• Swimming in fresh water plunge pools - the populuar swimming locations are Wangi Falls (most accessible for those with limited mobility), Buley Rockholes (short 5 minute walk with steps staggered along the route) and Florence Falls (15-20 minute walk along formed path with a long series of steep steps)
• 4WD driving - off roading is limited to formed tracks which vary in difficulty. The Lost City would be the most challenging of 4WD drives available.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There is a small kiosk located at Wangi Falls where refreshments can be purchased. Basic food staples can be purchased at the nearby town of Batchelor.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There is a kiosk in the day picnic area of Wangi Falls, within the National Park.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Lodging

• Hotel/Motel style accommodation in the vicinity

[edit] Camping

• Caravan parks in the vicinity
  • Commercial park just beyond Wangi Falls, outside the park
  • Commercial park en route to park in Batchelor vicinity
• Camping grounds with the National Park
  • Wangi Falls - the only area suitable for caravan access. No power available. Basic flushing toilets, solar showers, dishwashing facilities. Limited number of sites. Note that campers are expected to share camping sites with a first in - first served basis applying. No prior bookings are possible. National Park camping fees apply with a self-registration, honour box system.
  • Buley Rockhole - basic camping facilities with limited number of sites
  • Florence Falls - basic camping facilities with limited number of sites

[edit] Backcountry

• Bush camping grounds with the National Park
  • 4WD camping areas are (dry season only) at:
    • Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek)
    • Surprise Creek Falls
    • Florence Falls - downstream
  • Walk-in campings grounds
    • Walker Creek (dry season only)

[edit] Stay safe

Saltwater Crocodiles (also known as Estuarine Crocodiles) exist but are less numerous than in Kakadu, Darwin and the surrounding areas. Even so, they ARE present and swimming wherever you fancy is not advised. Freshwater Crocodiles seem to be more common than Saltwater Corocdiles in Litchfield and they pose little or no threat to humans. The Park Rangers have a comprehension crocodile management program in place which involves baited crocodile traps in recognised swimming areas. Post-wet season, swimming areas are 'sweeped' by Park Rangers for any Saltwater Crocodiles that may have migrated during the floods. As with anywhere in Australia, poisonous snakes are present but the chance of an encounter is rare.

[edit] Get out

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