After cruising along the beautiful Adelaide River in search of some big crocodilians it was off to Litchfield National Park for some more exploring.
First things first though, we had to fill our bellies. On the way to Litchfield there is a small bar/shop at the Banyan Tree Caravan Park. There isn’t anything truly exciting to eat and what 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 we had satisfied our appetites, it was then finally time to see some stunning wet season waterfalls.
The first stop was Wangi Falls. These falls are open 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 croc 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 favourite 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. Chuck on a hat and take your sunscreen with you!
Once you arrive to the falls, it is 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 lookout point also provides some pretty incredible views over all of Litchfield.
After standing out in the sun admiring the beauty of the Territory, the wet season weather began to wear us down. Visiting the waterfalls during the wet season makes for more beautiful views, but also more unpleasant weather. During the wet the humidity is 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 is 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 favourite 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. We 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 rain can lead to flooding on some of the lesser elevated rains – make sure you have emergency supplies in case you were to get trapped!
Furthermore, if you are planning a visit to Litchfield but are concerned about big saltwater crocs making a meal out of you in the swimming holes, rest assured, Litchfield is generally considered croc free. Read the signs at swimming holes, if it says they are safe to swim, they most likely are.
T H E L O W D O W N
Getting There: From Darwin, 85km south until hitting the turnoff to Batchelor, then follow the signs
Litchfield National Park: The park is open year round and is free to visit
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 with 12-40mm M.Zuiko Pro Lens
Threads: I am wearing an adorable bikini by Aussie label Tigerlily
Remember: Bathers, sunscreen and tolerance for the humidity!
These photos of the falls are gorgeous. It looks like an amazing place to visit.
Thank you, it really is a stunningly gorgeous area!
fantastic, would love to go, no trouble with mosquito ?
More flies than mozzies, I usually get eaten alive by mosquitoes and didn’t get a single bite!
If the signs says its croc free, it most likely is… Until you meet that one croc that got lost and didn’t see the sign… I reckon I would be way too scared to swim there
Hehe, I was thinking the same thing 🙂
Risks really are minimal, these waterways are about 30-40km away from croc country. There is always a risk out here, but at these watering holes it is very low!
Australia has some of the world’s most ancient and interesting geology.
It certainly is a pretty amazing country that I am lucky to call home 🙂
The words ‘generally croc free’ don’t fill me with too much confidence haha. Looks amazing though!
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I don’t want to say definitely croc free because I am superstitious and don’t want to jinx it ha!
Haha, well that’s fair enough, definitely don’t want to jinx that! 🙈
“Litchfield is generally considered croc free. Read the signs at swimming holes, if it says they are safe to swim, they most likely are.” Lots of qualifying words I noted. 🙂 Beautiful falls and pools, however. –Curt
I don’t want to jinx it and risk Murphy’s Law causing an infiltration of crocs!
More intense beauty! These are all the more reason to crib some notes to self, to include an Australia trip in the years ahead.
Do it! Make sure you visit the Top End! Too many travellers only ever visit the East Coast and there is so much more to Australia than that!
Fantastic photos of a beautiful location. Australia has always been another place we want to visit.
Any upcoming plans?
Just got back the begining of Febuary from Florida (see my travels) then in April we head to Vancouver, Washington for our grandsons first birthday where we will be for 5 days. Then in June we are cruising for 7 days to Alaska from Seattle, Washington with one of our sons ,his wife and son (that we visited for the birthday), her parents and brother and another friend. Should be a grand time. We hope to add more but they will probably stay in California and Arizona. Your trips sound amazing thanks for sharing them.
Beautiful country
Wow, beautiful national park.. Love it
Gorgeous
Beautiful park…nice shots
Brave solo trip! Croc free, hm…
I’m sat on a boat in the North Atlantic being blasted by a cold wind and your amazing photos made me very jealous! Would love to go there one day. 🙂
Do it! Got any holidays coming up?
Beautiful falls!
Wow this looks like such an incredible place! I adore those waterfalls. I’m the opposite to you – I’m a terrible swimmer – so I’d probably have to admire them from afar but I’d still love to go! I’m adding this to my “when I finally get to Australia next year” list.
Also, I have nominated you today for the Creative Blogger Award: http://delightandinspire.com/2016/03/14/the-creative-blogger-award/
Ooh awesome! So many people only ever see the East Coast of Oz, please do fit a visit to the Top End into your trip – it is well worth it!
Those trees are quite something…are they also called Moreton Bay Figs do you know? I am thinking they might be in some places in NZ too is why I ask. Great pics…and I see you haven’t taken non-permission shots of your Dad this time. 😄
I am not sure, will have to do some research! As for dear old dad, I did actually have a picture of him fast asleep in the car but decided not to be too cruel and put that one on the net ha
Beautiful place !! Are there a lot of mosquitoes? And when exactly is the wet season?
Nowhere near as many mozzies as you’d expect! Wet season is October-Early/Mid April 🙂
I love it there, such a beautiful spot. Your photos are great
Thank you so much 🙂
Beautiful nature! Just the place for inspiration!
If I may ask, how are you able to travel so much? I want to live the same way as you haha…
Those trees…! So gorgeous
Great Photos of this National Park. It looks like you really chilled out and relaxed. Beautiful scenery.
Everything looks so gorgeous. I’d love to go sometime.
Nice shots of the nature! Thanks for sharing. You must have had a blast swimming that warm water.
All those falls look spectacular! I think Tolmer Falls would be the one that I would most like to see.
Tolmer Falls is a beautiful waterfall but Florence is my favourite – its the best one for swimming!
wonderful pics
Thank you very much!
Amazing snaps sis !