Litchfield National Park
Overview
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Litchfield National Park is an aesthetically stunning landscape, shaped by water and time, culturally rich and steeped in history.
Come and explore the thundering falls, the walking tracks, rainforest pockets, historic sites, the intriguing magnetic termite mounds,
pandanus-lined pools and 4WD tracks.
Litchfield National Park Upgrades
In the 2008-09 Budget, the Northern Territory Government announced a $7.5 million staged capital works program for Litchfield National Park.
Stage One upgrade was completed at a cost of $4.4 million, and included upgrades to the day use and camping areas at Wangi Falls.
The $700,000 Stage Two upgrade included works at Cascades, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. The works at Cascades are now complete and the Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole works should be completed in 2011.
Stage Three of the Park upgrades will see the construction of a new multi-functional Centre at Wangi Falls. The Territory Government released the concept design for the Centre for public comment in June 2010 for 6 weeks and concluded on 3 August 2010.
The design consultation saw a number of suggestions and recommendations from the report incorporated into an architectural review of the concept.
Join the email newsgroup
To receive updates and news items about the upgrades to Litchfield National Park send an email to parkplanning.NRETAS@nt.gov.au with "Register for Litchfield Newsgroup" in the subject line.
For more information call Parks and Wildlife on 8999 4555
How to Get There
Near Batchelor, 100 km south-west of Darwin, the Park is generally accessible all year (sealed roads) via Batchelor. In the dry season it is also possible to get to the Park via Cox Peninsula Road (which is unsealed).
When to Visit
This Park is spectacular at any time, though most 4WD tracks are closed during the wet season. Some swimming areas such as Wangi Falls, become unsafe after heavy rain and are closed for swimming but kiosk and picnic facilities remain open.
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What to See and Do
There are many camping areas located throughout the Park, as well as picnic areas and bushwalking tracks. Some waterholes are safe to swim in.
Please Remember
Safety and comfort
- Observe park safety signs.
- Note locations of Emergency Call Devices.
- Swim only where recommended (pdf 713Kb), observe warning signs.
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Wear a shady hat, insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Avoid sitting on bare ground to protect against tropical disease (further information).
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Carry a first aid kit.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
- Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped.
- Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.
Please remember
- Put your rubbish in the bin or take it away with you.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks.
- All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
- Pets are not permitted.
- Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted.
- Take care with fire, light fires only in fireplaces provided. Camp stoves preferred at Walker Creek.
- Avoid using soaps and detergent in or near waterways.
- Camp only in designated camping areas.
- Collect firewood (fallen timber only) before arriving at your picnic or campsite.
- Generators are not permitted in this Park.
- Observe all fishing regulations.
- Check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and Cane Toads.
Visitor Facilties
Shady spots for picnicking are available at Florence Falls, Tabletop Swamp, Greenant Creek, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek. A kiosk is located at Wangi Falls.
Litchfield boasts many improvements to enhance your viewing pleasure. There are walkways and information centres at each major point of interest throughout the park. A Ranger Station is located at Batchelor and Walker Creek. Most areas have an Emergency Call Device, toilet facilities and disabled access. Refer to map for these locations.
Environmental Education Campground
An Environmental Education Campground at Litchfield National Park has been created by Parks and Wildlife to provide a stimulating and safe place for teachers to bring young students face to face with nature. Bookings are essential though. Download the handbook (pdf 1.7Mb) for more information.
Fact Sheet
- Download fact sheet (pdf 666Kb)
Recreational Activities
There are many pleasant spots to swim throughout the Park. Popular spots include Wangi, Florence, Tjaynera Falls and Buley Rockhole. There is NO SWIMMING in the Reynolds River.
Enjoyable walks leave from most popular sites. Signs in the carparks and along the tracks will show you the way. The walks vary between short strolls and walks of 1 km to 3 km.
- Short Walks (pdf 796Kb)
If you are planning an extended walk, other than the Tabletop Track (pdf 686Kb) please obtain a permit prior to your visit from the Parks and Wildlife Office in Batchelor.
- 4 x 4 Driving
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Camping Permitted
- Camping is available at Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls.
- 4WD camping areas (dry season only) at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and downstream from Florence Falls.
- Walk-in camping sites are available along Walker Creek (dry season only).
- Most campgrounds are managed by 'Campground Services'. Camping fees apply. (A 'Park Fees' brochure is available for further details).
- Accommodation and camping are available outside the Park at several commercial sites.
Environmental Education Campground
Available for school groups.
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Caravans Permitted
Caravan camping is restricted to Wangi Falls and no powered sites are provided. -
Kiosk
A Kiosk is located at Wangi Falls. -
Picnic Tables
Shady spots available at Florence Falls, Tabletop Swamp, Greenant Creek, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek. -
Swimming
Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Walker Creek, Cascades, Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls are designated swimming areas. Note: some of these areas can become unsafe after heavy rain and may be closed for swimming.
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Walking Tracks
Beautiful walks leave from most popular sites. Signs in the carparks and along the tracks will show you the way. They vary between short strolls and walks of 1 to 3 km. The longer 39 km Tabletop Track circuit is an excellent long distance bushwalk. It is generally open during the dry season and by permit (phone (08) 8999 4486) at other times due to hot and humid conditions. A topographic map is recommended.
Plants and Animals
Litchfield National Park's central sandstone plateau supports rich woodland flora communities dominated by species including the Darwin Wollybutt Eucalyptus miniata and Darwin Stringybark Eucalyptus tetrodonta as well as banksias, grevilleas, terminalias and a wide variety of other woodland species.
Patches of monsoon rainforest thrive in the deep, narrow gorges created over thousands of years by the force of the waterfalls cutting into the escarpment walls.
Common wildlife species include the Antilopine Wallaroo, Agile Wallaby, Sugar Glider, Northern Brushtail Possum, Fawn Antechinun, Black and Little Red Flying Foxes and the Dingo.
The caves near Tolmer Falls are home to a colony of the rare Orange Horseshoe Bat.
Litchfield is a haven for hundreds of native bird species. Black kites and other birds of prey are common during the Dry Season. The Yellow Oriole, Figbird, Koel, Spangled Drongo, Dollarbird and the Rainbow Bee-eater inhabit the sheltered areas close to waterfalls.
Visitors walking the trails through the monsoon vine-forests might spot the impressive but harmless Nephila spider with its strong, sticky web strung between the trees. The black and yellow female of the species may grow to the size of a human hand, while the tiny orange male can be barely visible.
Ranger Guided Activities
Parks Alive Program
Free Ranger guided activities are provided in this Park between May and September each year.
Check out the Top End Territory Parks Alive brochure for activities offered in 2012.