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!