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Litchfield
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Litchfield

Difficulty: Trek rating 3 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD Bike 
Situated 130kms from Darwin, Litchfield is an excellent day trip or long weekender. Magnificent waterfalls, scenery and offers 4WDers a couple of challenging tracks.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesStuart Hwy & Cox Peninsula Rd
Trek
FinishStuart Hwy & Batchelor Rd
Distance215.01 kmMinimum Days1
Average Speed58.17 km/hrDriving Time3 hr 41 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team   Updated: 23 Nov 2007
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 Description

If you love waterfalls and lush surroundings, beautiful gorges and nature in all its glory and mystery - then prepare for heaven. Situated only 130kms from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is one of the most spectacular and accessible National Parks in the "Top End". While the majority of the park is sealed and of good gravel quality, there are a couple of excellent 4WD alternatives that take you to some of the lesser know areas of Litchfield. It's possible to take in Litchfield NP in a day, but if you have the time, then its definitely worth exploring around. If you're travelling in the park, especially in the peak season of May to October, don't be surprised if the major attractions in the park are extremely popular.

 Interactive Route Map

Stuart Hwy & Cox Peninsula RdBlackmore River Conservation ReserveMount FinnissMount Finnis MineBad CrossingLitchfield NP, Northern BoundaryWalker CreekWangi FallsGreenant CreekTjaetaba FallsTolmer FallsTabletop SwampLitchfield Park Rd, The Lost City AccessThe Lost CityLitchfield Park Rd, The Lost City AccessBuley RockholeAida Creek Jump-upMagnetic Termite MoundsLitchfield NP, Eastern BoundaryBatchelorStuart Hwy & Batchelor Rd
Stuart Hwy & Cox Peninsula Rd
Located 46.4 Klms from Darwin Cbd
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 131.0799ºE   12.6729ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Blackmore River Conservation Reserve
Distance: 22.3km
Average Speed: 50.75km/h
Features: National Parks,Reserves
Position: 130.9467ºE   12.7670ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Mount Finniss
Distance: 39.65km
Average Speed: 57km/h
Features: Mountain,Peak,Hill
Position: 130.7872ºE   12.9539ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Mount Finnis Mine
Distance: 0.17km
Average Speed: 67.17km/h
Features: Mine
Position: 130.7858ºE   12.9558ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Bad Crossing
Distance: 4.24km
Average Speed: 72.61km/h
Bad Crossing
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: River Crossing
Position: 130.7612ºE   12.9662ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Litchfield NP, Northern Boundary
Distance: 8.66km
Average Speed: 65.28km/h
Features: Marker,Sign
Position: 130.7240ºE   13.0278ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Walker Creek
Distance: 6.75km
Average Speed: 70.06km/h
Walker Creek
This is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, a quiet picnic or a relaxing rest after a long bushwalk. It has a shared camping and swimming site and there is a reservation board in the carpark to book a night or two.
Features: Camp Fee
Position: 130.6978ºE   13.0781ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Wangi Falls
Distance: 24.64km
Average Speed: 66km/h
Wangi Falls
Located approximately 66km south west of Batchelor is Wangi Falls. This waterfall is absolutely beautiful and flows into a large permanent natural pool all year round.
Features: Camp Fee
Position: 130.6778ºE   13.1644ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Greenant Creek
Distance: 10.71km
Average Speed: 47.89km/h
Greenant Creek
There is a lovely pleasant walk that follows Greenant Creek to the top of Tjaetaba Falls. This area is part of an Aboriginal Sacred Site, so please respect the wishes of the Site's custodians and do not enter the water anywhere below these falls along the creek.
Features: Camp Fee
Position: 130.7000ºE   13.1997ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Tjaetaba Falls
Distance: 0.47km
Average Speed: 58.72km/h
Features: Water Body,River,Stream,Falls
Position: 130.7032ºE   13.1942ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Tolmer Falls
Distance: 1.09km
Average Speed: 60.87km/h
Tolmer Falls
These lovely falls cascade over beautiful massive red cliffs and into a large, deep pool below. There is a lookout that is 400m from the carpark, gives a superb view of the narrow gorge and the falls that flow into it.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 130.7137ºE   13.2024ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Tabletop Swamp
Distance: 5.59km
Average Speed: 71.83km/h
Tabletop Swamp
This rather attractive wetland is surrounded by paperbark trees and is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts or those that want quieter places to picnic and relax.
Features: Water Body,River,Stream,Falls
Position: 130.7471ºE   13.1779ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Litchfield Park Rd, The Lost City Access
Distance: 4.87km
Average Speed: 74.44km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 130.7759ºE   13.1501ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: The Lost City
Distance: 9.4km
Average Speed: 21.65km/h
The Lost City
The Lost City is a natural formation, formed by thousands of years of wind and rain erosion whose walls, narrow passages and domes give the impression that they were man made.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 130.7463ºE   13.2148ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Litchfield Park Rd, The Lost City Access
Distance: 9.4km
Average Speed: 21.65km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 130.7759ºE   13.1501ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Buley Rockhole
Distance: 7.81km
Average Speed: 50.39km/h
Buley Rockhole
Located 43km west of Batchelor, these beautiful small rock pools and cascades are ideal for a refreshing swim.
Features: Camp Fee
Position: 130.7855ºE   13.1123ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Aida Creek Jump-up
Distance: 4.6km
Average Speed: 51.81km/h
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 130.8146ºE   13.1190ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Magnetic Termite Mounds
Distance: 4.6km
Average Speed: 66.4km/h
Magnetic Termite Mounds
There are many grey, wedge-shaped mounds with some rising several metres high around this area. These mounds are built by termites and are a mysterious natural phenomena because they all seem to have the flat sides with a North-South orientation.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 130.8440ºE   13.1021ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Litchfield NP, Eastern Boundary
Distance: 17.41km
Average Speed: 72.47km/h
Litchfield NP, Eastern Boundary
Access to park via this entrance is on tarred roads and is less likely to be closed by wet season flooding.
Features: Marker,Sign
Position: 130.9251ºE   13.0402ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Batchelor
Distance: 18.79km
Average Speed: 68.34km/h
Batchelor
Batchelor is a well-maintained town, about 100 km south of Darwin. It is the entry point for visitors to the stunning Litchfield National Park. A sealed road provides access to the town which has a small shopping/services centre and accommodation. Named after the politician E.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Camp Free Fuel Toilet Food,Shopping Medical Services
Position: 131.0307ºE   13.0505ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Stuart Hwy & Batchelor Rd
Distance: 13.87km
Average Speed: 48.04km/h
Stuart Hwy & Batchelor Rd
85.2 Klms from Darwin Cbd
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 131.1203ºE   13.0007ºS (GDA 94)

Route Control

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 Permits

There are no entry fees for Litchfield National Park, however fees do apply in the designated camping areas. Permits are needed from the Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station (in Batchelor) if you camp out of the designated campground areas.

 Things to See & Do

Magnetic Termite Mounds   
Point of Interest 
There are many grey, wedge-shaped mounds with some rising several metres high around this area. These mounds are built by termites and are a mysterious natural phenomena because they all seem to have the flat sides with a North-South orientation. Termites (Amitermes) are light pale-skinned creatures that are blind and cannot survive well in direct sunlight.
Tabletop Swamp   
Water Body,River,Stream,Falls 
This rather attractive wetland is surrounded by paperbark trees and is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts or those that want quieter places to picnic and relax. The water around here usually recedes as the dry season approaches, however there are still many species of waterbirds and other animals that remain here during those times,
The Lost City   
Point of Interest 
The Lost City is a natural formation, formed by thousands of years of wind and rain erosion whose walls, narrow passages and domes give the impression that they were man made. These complex freestanding sandstone block and pillar formations suggest the ruins of a long forgotten civilization of an amazing race.
Tolmer Falls   
Point of Interest 
These lovely falls cascade over beautiful massive red cliffs and into a large, deep pool below. There is a lookout that is 400m from the carpark, gives a superb view of the narrow gorge and the falls that flow into it. There are two species of bats that live in the caves within the gorge and they are called the Orange Horseshoe bat and the Ghost bat.
Tjaetaba Falls   
Water Body,River,Stream,Falls 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Aida Creek Jump-up   
Point of Interest 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Mount Finniss   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Litchfield National Park with some of the main attractions being: Wangi Falls, The Lost City, Tolmer Falls, Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls and the Magnetic Termite Mounds. The Tabletop Track provides nature enthusiasts and bushwalkers to enjoy the quieter side of the Park. Track. Other activities that are also popular are: swimming, picnicking, bird watching and camping.

 Preparation

Please ensure you have adequate supplies such as: plenty of water and personal protection gear like suitable clothing and footwear, hats, sunscreen and insect propellant. Carry a first aid kit and ensure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped. We have good articles on these topics such as: Servicing, Recovery Gear and Survival.

The main route into Litchfield NP is 2WD access via Batchelor on the Litchfield Park Road with sealed roads accessing the popular sites and unsealed roads accessing the more remote sites. During the dry and hot seasons, Litchfield NP can be accessed from Stuart Highway & Cox Peninsula Rd junction, as stated in this trek note. There may be sections of this road that are unsealed and badly corrugated so take extreme care. Also, towing caravan and trailers are not recommended on this road. During the wet season rains which are between October and April, floods may occur in the lowlands of the National Park so frequent checking of the road conditions is a must. Phone the Road Information Service on 1800 246 199, Ranger staff at Batchelor on (08) 8976 0282 or Walker Creek on (08) 8978 2302.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolBatchelor Diesel4cyl 30 litres ULP4cyl 35 litres LPG4cyl 43 litres
6cyl 33 litres6cyl 38 litres *6cyl 38 litres
8cyl 35 litres8cyl 36 litres
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Darwin Airport
Distance from Trek Mid Point 57.82km N
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 31.831.431.932.7 32.030.630.531.3 32.533.233.232.6
Mean Min. °C 24.824.724.524.0 22.119.919.320.5 23.025.025.325.3
Mean Rain mm 419.0358.1324.7101.7 21.02.01.35.4 14.969.3140.4246.1
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Batchelor

 Camp Sites & Accomodation

Buley Rockhole   RatingRatingRating
Camp Fee 
Located 43km west of Batchelor, these beautiful small rock pools and cascades are ideal for a refreshing swim. In the dry and hot season, Buley Rockhole tends to get quite crowded, although there are other spots to check out near here such as Florence Falls before heading back to see if there is parking. Telephone Number: (08) 89876 0282
Wangi Falls   
Camp Fee 
Located approximately 66km south west of Batchelor is Wangi Falls. This waterfall is absolutely beautiful and flows into a large permanent natural pool all year round. It is Litchfield National Parks' most popular swimming spots and its clear water also makes it great for snorkeling. There is a grassed picnic area, campground, kiosk and caravan area.
Batchelor   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Camp Free Fuel Toilet Food,Shopping Medical Services
Batchelor is a well-maintained town, about 100 km south of Darwin. It is the entry point for visitors to the stunning Litchfield National Park. A sealed road provides access to the town which has a small shopping/services centre and accommodation. Named after the politician E.L. Batchelor, the town remained a quiet backwater until World War II.
Walker Creek   
Camp Fee 
This is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, a quiet picnic or a relaxing rest after a long bushwalk. It has a shared camping and swimming site and there is a reservation board in the carpark to book a night or two.
Greenant Creek   
Camp Fee 
There is a lovely pleasant walk that follows Greenant Creek to the top of Tjaetaba Falls. This area is part of an Aboriginal Sacred Site, so please respect the wishes of the Site's custodians and do not enter the water anywhere below these falls along the creek.
There are many designated campsites within Litchfield National Park and there are camping fees that apply. Simply deposit your fees in the boxes provided. There are no powered sites available and there are some rules that must be followed such as generators are not to be used in the Park, caravan camping is available at Wangi Falls only and permits are needed when you wish to camp out of designated campgrounds areas which are obtained from the Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station in Batchelor. I you wish to seek additional information for commercial camping areas and accommodation outside Litchfield National Park, contact the Tourism Top End number on (08) 8936 2499

 Environment

Litchfield National Park is a very integral part of the Northern Territory’s network of conservation reserves. The park covers approximately 1,500 square kilometres and features sandstone plateaus, tropical woodlands, paperbark and monsoon forests, gorges, waterfalls, creeks, floodplains and much more. It has a high diversity of plants and animals including around twenty plant species and a dozen animal species.

Like just about all places there are hazards and Litchfield National Park is no exception. Please use caution and observe Park safety signs, swim only where recommended and observe warning signs.

Estuarine crocodiles also known as Saltwater crocodiles live in the top end of Australia and management practises reduces the risk of these reptiles entering popular areas such as Wangi Falls. Prior to opening the Falls each year, surveys are conducted and crocs are trapped and removed when detected. Please report sightings to Park Rangers and do not risk entering areas that are closed.

 History

The history of Litchfield begins with the Wagiat Aboriginal people who lived here for thousand of years supported by a rich environment which provided plenty of bush tucker and materials for shelter and bush medicine.

The first European discovery of the area was in 1864 with the Finnis Expedition. The park was named after a member of this expedition, Fredrick Henry Litchfield, who believed the area offered enormous prosperity and settled here.

From 1889, copper and tin were mined at Bamboo Creek and Mt Tolmer for ten years and later parts of the area were used for pastoral leases. In the late 1960's, 4WD tracks were pushed through to a number of falls. In 1986, increasing visitors to the area results in the establishment of Litchfield National Park.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Stuart Hwy & Cox Peninsula Rd to Blackmore River Conservation Reserve 22.3 km SW 234° 26 min
Blackmore River Conservation Reserve to Mount Finniss 39.65 km SW 220° 41 min
Mount Finniss to Mount Finnis Mine 0.17 km SW 216°
Mount Finnis Mine to Bad Crossing 4.24 km SW 247° 3 min
Bad Crossing to Litchfield NP, Northern Boundary 8.66 km SW 210° 7 min
Litchfield NP, Northern Boundary to Walker Creek 6.75 km SW 207° 5 min
Walker Creek to Wangi Falls 24.64 km S 193° 22 min
Wangi Falls to Greenant Creek 10.71 km SE 148° 13 min
Greenant Creek to Tjaetaba Falls 0.47 km NE 30°
Tjaetaba Falls to Tolmer Falls 1.09 km SE 129° 1 min
Tolmer Falls to Tabletop Swamp 5.59 km NE 53° 4 min
Tabletop Swamp to Litchfield Park Rd, The Lost City Access 4.87 km NE 45° 3 min
Litchfield Park Rd, The Lost City Access to The Lost City 9.4 km SW 204° 26 min
The Lost City to Litchfield Park Rd, The Lost City Access 9.4 km NE 24° 26 min
Litchfield Park Rd, The Lost City Access to Buley Rockhole 7.81 km N 14° 9 min
Buley Rockhole to Aida Creek Jump-up 4.6 km E 103° 5 min
Aida Creek Jump-up to Magnetic Termite Mounds 4.6 km NE 59° 4 min
Magnetic Termite Mounds to Litchfield NP, Eastern Boundary 17.41 km NE 52° 14 min
Litchfield NP, Eastern Boundary to Batchelor 18.79 km E 96° 16 min
Batchelor to Stuart Hwy & Batchelor Rd 13.87 km NE 60° 17 min
Stuart Hwy & Cox Peninsula Rd to Stuart Hwy & Batchelor Rd 215.01 km     3 hr 41 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

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