The Litchfield Explorer

After some time along the beautiful Adelaide River in search of some big crocodilians it was off to Litchfield National Park for more exploration.

Firstly i had to fill my belly. On my way to Litchfield there was a small bar/shop at the Banyan Tree Caravan Park. There isn’t anything really exciting to eat and the little selection they do sell is not always synonymous with quality, but the real draw here is the gorgeous Banyan tree and the easy access to refreshing booze on a hot Top End day.

Once i had satisfied my appetite, it was then finally time to see some stunning wet season waterfalls.

My first stop was at Wangi Falls. These falls are opened all year round, but during the wet season are closed off for swimmers as the currents can become dangerously hazardous (and there may be a very small risk of crocodile inhabitation). However, during the wet season (October to March) the falls become absolutely spectacular to see with the increased water volume and flow.

Wangi Falls remain one of my favorite places in Litchfield – but this is mostly as a result of the glorious wetland greenery surrounding the falls.

Next stop was the incredibly scenic Tolmer Falls. Getting to these falls requires a short but easy walk along a sealed path, but be aware that this path is not shaded and the Territory sun is relentless.

On arrival at the falls, it was pretty hard to not be blown away. The falls cascade into a beautiful plunge pool. Once upon a time this plunge pool was open for swimming, but has since been sealed in an effort to preserve the native flora and fauna in the area. The falls are open for viewing all year round but are much more beautiful during the wet season.

The Tolmer Falls provides some pretty incredible views over all of Litchfield.

After sometime out in the sun admiring the beauty of the Territory, the wet season weather began to wear me down. Visiting the waterfalls during the wet season calls for more beautiful views, but more unfavorable weather. During the wet season the humidity was at an all time high and the temperatures sit in the mid-30s (celsius) every single day. However the cure for such an ailment was not far away! There was a small swimming hole about five minutes away from Tolmer Falls. It isn’t the most scenic of swimming holes, but it is cool and crocodile free so it ticked each and every one of my boxes!

After sufficiently cooling off it was time for the final stop of the day – my absolute favorite spot in Litchfield – Florence Falls.

On this day the falls were closed for swimming due to recent heavy rainfall, but I have since returned can say that swimming beneath these falls is undeniably spectacular.

Strong swimmers will be able to swim past the current and get themselves directly underneath the stream on the right side. I am seriously unfit and uncoordinated on dry land – but feel in my element in the water, so I made sure to get myself underneath the stream multiple times.

Then it was time for the 90 minute drive back to Darwin. i left just in the knick of time too! Not long after leaving Florence Falls the skies opened up and monsoonal rains ensued. Litchfield is accessible almost all of the year – but heavy rains lead to flooding on some of the lesser elevated rains – to someone who wants to visit make sure you have emergency supplies in case you were to get trapped!

If you are plan a visit to Litchfield but worried about big saltwater crocodiles making a meal out of you in the swimming holes, rest assured, Litchfield is generally considered crocodile free. Read the signs at swimming holes, if it says they are safe to swim, they most likely are.