Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is a must see if you're in the Top End.
It's home to several stunning waterfalls that cascade into crystal clear pools, iconic magnetic termite mounds and clusters of weathered sandstone pillars at the Lost City.
Swimming under the falls and relaxing in waterholes is a favourite pastime for visitors and locals alike.
It is a popular day tour destination from Darwin or Katherine, but many visitors choose to stay overnight in one of the campgrounds.
Beautiful walks leave from most popular sites.
Read more about short walks in Litchfield National Park.
If you're looking for more of a challenge there is the 39km Tabletop Track or there are plenty of tricky four-wheel drive tracks.
Shelter from the heat in shady monsoon forest in the ancient gorges created over thousands of years ago. It is a haven for hundreds of native bird species and the plateau supports a rich range of woodland flora.
Get the Litchfield National Park fact sheet and map PDF (707.8 KB).
Get the swimming in Litchfield National Park information sheet PDF (620.1 KB).
Ranger Station phone: 08 8999 3947
| Park sites | Access | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litchfield National Park | Open | NA | |
| Park access | |||
| via Batchelor | Open | NA | |
| via Cox Peninsula | Closed | Access via Cox Peninsula Road is closed due to flooding. Access is via Batchelor only. | NA |
| Scenic Flights | Open | For more information go to ntair.com.au or airbornesolutions.com.au/tours/two-national-parks-in-two-days | NA |
| Buley Rockhole | |||
| Swimming | Open | NA | |
| Florence Falls | |||
| Florence Falls Lookout | Open | NA | |
| Swimming | Open | NA | |
| Shady Creek Walk | Open | NA | |
| Florence Creek Walk | Open | NA | |
| 2WD campground | Open | NA | |
| 4WD campground | Open | NA | |
| Tolmer Falls | |||
| Access | Open | NA | |
| Tabletop Track | |||
| Access | Closed | Tabletop Track is closed for seasonal weather conditions. You may access the track if you have a permit during this time. Please contact the Permits Office on 08 8999 4814. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. |
| 4WD tracks | |||
| Lost City | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. |
| Reynolds River Track | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. |
| Blyth Homestead | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. |
| Sandy Creek Falls | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. |
| Surprise Creek Falls | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. |
| Wangi Falls | |||
| Campground | Open | NA | |
| Loop walk | Open | NA | |
| Picnic area | Open | NA | |
| Cafe | Open | Information about the cafe is available at www.wangifallscafe.com.au | NA |
| Swimming | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions |
| Cascades | |||
| Lower section swimming | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions |
| Upper section swimming | Open | Access via walking track only | NA |
| Cascades Loop Walk | Open | NA | |
| Other sites in Litchfield | |||
| Walker Creek | Closed | Closed due to seasonal conditions. | Anticipated opening May 2020, dependent on weather conditions |
| Bamboo Creek Tin Mine | Open | NA | |
| Greenant Creek walk | Open | NA | |
All year round.
Check road conditions if you plan on driving the Cox Peninsula Road or the Reynolds Track.
The park is approximately 120km south-east from Darwin via Batchelor on a fully-sealed road.
It is also accessible during the Dry Season via Cox Peninsula Road, which has some unsealed sections, and the 4WD Reynolds Track from Daly River Road in the south.
You can do all of the following activities in Litchfield National Park:
- swimming
- camping
- bushwalking
- wildlife spotting
- visit scenic lookouts
- view historic ruins at Blyth Homestead and Bamboo Creek
- four-wheel driving
- ranger-guided activities.
Generators and pets are not permitted inside the park.
Camping is available year round at Wangi and Florence Falls. Wangi Falls also has non-powered caravan sites.
Four-wheel drive camping areas are available at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and Florence Falls.
There are walk-in camping sites along Walker Creek, though these are closed during the Wet Season.
Commercial accommodation is available just outside of the park.
Camping fees apply and are payable on-site.
Litchfield National Park has all of the following facilities:
- café at the Wangi Centre, Wangi Falls
- information signs
- ranger station
- 4WD roads
- fire pits
- public toilets
- disabled access
- picnic areas
- caravan sites
- accommodation
- showers
- walking tracks
- souvenir shop
- telephone.
When visiting the park, remember all of the following:
- bins are not provided so take your rubbish with you
- glass containers are not permitted within 10m of the water
- stay on marked roads and tracks
- cultural items and wildlife are protected
- pets are not permitted
- don't feed native animals
- nets, traps and firearms are not permitted
- be careful with fire and light fires only in fireplaces provided
- do not use soaps and detergents in or near waterways
- camp in designated camping areas
- collect fallen timber for firewood from the main Litchfield Park Road
- generators are not permitted
- follow all fishing laws
- check that you vehicle is not transporting weeds and pests like cane toads.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Litchfield National Park by doing all of the following:
- swim only in marked areas
- observe park safety signs
- carry and drink plenty of water
- wear a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen
- wear suitable clothing and footwear
- carry a first aid kit
- avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
- use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet
- take note of locations of Emergency Call Devices
- make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped
- beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.
Do not sit on bare ground or grass as scrub typhus is transmitted by microscopic bush mites on grasses and bushes. Read more on scrub typhus.
You should only swim in designated areas.
Call 08 8999 3973 or 08 8999 3947
Last updated: 06 February 2020