Litchfield National Park
Discover Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is in the Northern Territory, 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.
Taste of Litchfield National Park...
There are only two restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the park: The town of Batchelor is approximately 15 km from the park. On the Litchfield Park Road, coming from Batchelor, there are a few commercial camping grounds just before the park entrance. The grandly named "Litchfield Tourism Precinct" consists in entirety of the Litchfield Cafe (see Eat) and one place to sleep: In the park, there are a few public camping grounds (fees may apply) with toilets and, for some, showers: Drink plenty of water; at least one litre of water for every hour of walking in very warm weather. Ensure you have an adequate fitness level for the bushwalk you plan to undertake. Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day or walking alone, register with the overnight bushwalking register if you plan an extended walk. Carry a map of the area you're walking or camping in and know how to read it; tell someone your plan and when you expect to return Bring a DEET based repellant if camping or walking in the evening. Snakes can be in the long grass, and crocodiles in the waters not declared safe.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Litchfield National Park into what it is today.
The Park’s traditional owners are the Wagait Aboriginal people, many of whom live in the area. The region has a colourful pioneering and pastoral history and places like the ruins of Blyth Homestead, built in 1929 but abandoned in the 1960s, are a reminder of the tough conditions faced by pioneers. For visitors, Litchfield National Park's main attractions are permanent spring-fed waterfalls (Florence, Tolmer and Wangi), cascades at Buley Rockhole, magnetic termite mounds, and a wildlife cruise along the majestic Reynolds River. The Northern Territory supports a wide diversity of native animals including birds, insects, reptiles, marsupials and mammals. This tropical environment is prolific with barramundi and produces the most exciting sportfishing in Australia. The Top End, which includes Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land, has a tropical climate. Darwin has an average temperature of 32°C all year, with varying humidity. The tropical summer, from December to March, is considered by many to be the region's most beautiful time of year. The summer rains bring the natural landscape to life and deliver the picturesque storms and sunsets the Northern Territory is renowned for. The dry season, from May to October, has warm, sunny days and cool nights. At the end of the year, the build up, or pre-monsoon season, begins and humidity levels start their rise. The following chart outlines Darwin's monthly temperature averages as an indicator for the whole northern region....
Climate
The Top End, which includes Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land, has a tropical climate. Darwin has an average temperature of 32°C all year, with varying humidity. The tropical summer, from December to March, is considered by many to be the region's most beautiful time of year. The summer rains bring the natural landscape to life and deliver the picturesque storms and sunsets the Northern Territory is renowned for. The dry season, from May to October, has warm, sunny days and cool nights. At the end of the year, the build up, or pre-monsoon season, begins and humidity levels start their rise. The following chart outlines Darwin's monthly temperature averages as an indicator for the whole northern region. There are only three roads into Litchfield National Park. The only paved access road is via the small town of Batchelor off the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Katherine.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are only three roads into Litchfield National Park. The only paved access road is via the small town of Batchelor off the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Katherine. The other two options are dirt roads, one north to Darwin via Berry Springs, the other along the south edge of the park to Daly River. The north side of the park can be fairly comfortably covered from Darwin in a single day (figure on 300 km), but to enjoy the sights which are 'off the beaten track', a few more days and a 4WD will be necessary. Visitors to the NT require a parks pass which costs up to $10 a day. There is no entry fee for NT residents. Camping fees are charged per person per night. The National Park has a network of roads, with varying kinds of surfaces. 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The National Park has a network of roads, with varying kinds of surfaces. 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. During the wet season (Dec-Mar) access by road may not be possible as the 4WD tracks are closed due to flooding. This three-to-five day bushwalk will allow you to experience the lush woodlands, tumbling waterfalls and swimming holes that make the region a special nature playground. The track is recommended for experienced bushwalkers with a good level of fitness. Obtain a permit prior to your walk from the PWCNT office. Phone: +61 8 8999 4524. Section 1 Wangi Falls to Walker Creek Enter Tabletop Track from the link walk at Wangi Falls. Allow 7 hours to walk the 18.5-km trail to Walker Creek. There are great views winding up and down along the edge of the escarpment.
Where to Stay
The town of Batchelor is approximately 15 km from the park. On the Litchfield Park Road, coming from Batchelor, there are a few commercial camping grounds just before the park entrance. The grandly named "Litchfield Tourism Precinct" consists in entirety of the Litchfield Cafe (see Eat) and one place to sleep: In the park, there are a few public camping grounds (fees may apply) with toilets and, for some, showers: Drink plenty of water; at least one litre of water for every hour of walking in very warm weather. Ensure you have an adequate fitness level for the bushwalk you plan to undertake. Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day or walking alone, register with the overnight bushwalking register if you plan an extended walk. Carry a map of the area you're walking or camping in and know how to read it; tell someone your plan and when you expect to return Bring a DEET based repellant if camping or walking in the evening.
Money & Budget
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. There are only two restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the park: The town of Batchelor is approximately 15 km from the park. On the Litchfield Park Road, coming from Batchelor, there are a few commercial camping grounds just before the park entrance. The grandly named "Litchfield Tourism Precinct" consists in entirety of the Litchfield Cafe (see Eat) and one place to sleep: In the park, there are a few public camping grounds (fees may apply) with toilets and, for some, showers: Drink plenty of water; at least one litre of water for every hour of walking in very warm weather.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Drink plenty of water; at least one litre of water for every hour of walking in very warm weather. Ensure you have an adequate fitness level for the bushwalk you plan to undertake. Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day or walking alone, register with the overnight bushwalking register if you plan an extended walk. Carry a map of the area you're walking or camping in and know how to read it; tell someone your plan and when you expect to return Bring a DEET based repellant if camping or walking in the evening. Snakes can be in the long grass, and crocodiles in the waters not declared safe.