DARWIN, AUSTRALIA: Litchfield National Park is located about 100 km south of Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia. The park has numerous rivers, waterfalls and pools in an almost untouched unique Australian landscape. Unlike the Kakadu National Park, there are hardly any crocodile hazards and the park is much easier to reach. Visiting the park is free and numerous signs provide information about the sights, including maps. Basically, it is also possible to camp in the park at certain designated places.
In this video, I explore Litchfield National Park, one of the Northern Territory’s most popular natural attractions. Located just a couple of hours’ drive from Darwin, Litchfield is a place of waterfalls, swimming holes, sandstone plateaus, and unique wildlife. It’s a destination that combines adventure, relaxation, and some of the most striking landscapes of Australia’s tropical north.
The park is known above all for its waterfalls and natural pools. Cascades such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Tolmer Falls are among the highlights. Each has its own character—some are dramatic twin drops into deep gorges, others are wide curtains of water flowing into large swimming lagoons. Many of these pools are safe for swimming, making them a refreshing escape from the tropical heat and a big part of what makes Litchfield so beloved by locals and travelers alike.
Walking trails lead to these falls and beyond. Short walks take you to viewing platforms with spectacular perspectives over cliffs and valleys, while longer tracks bring you deeper into the bush. The paths are lined with monsoon forests, pandanus palms, and sandstone outcrops, creating a landscape that feels wild and untouched. For hikers, the variety of trails makes it easy to choose between a relaxed stroll or a more challenging adventure.
Another unique feature of Litchfield is the magnetic termite mounds, enormous structures built by termites that rise from the ground like natural sculptures. Oriented north to south, they act as giant compasses and are a fascinating example of the way wildlife adapts to the environment. Seeing these mounds standing tall in open fields is an iconic part of the park experience.
Litchfield is also rich in history and culture. The area is traditionally connected to the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat, and Warray people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Their cultural heritage is tied to the land, the waterholes, and the natural formations, giving the park deep meaning beyond its scenic beauty.
Wildlife is another highlight of any visit. Birds such as kingfishers, cockatoos, and rainbow bee-eaters fill the skies, while wallabies, monitor lizards, and other creatures can sometimes be seen along the trails. The natural pools are often surrounded by butterflies, and the changing light of the tropics makes every moment feel alive.
One of the things that makes Litchfield so special is its accessibility. Unlike some remote national parks in the Northern Territory, Litchfield is easy to reach from Darwin and can be explored in a day trip or over a few days. The roads are straightforward, and many of the main attractions are close together, making it possible to see a lot in a short amount of time.
This video captures the impression of a visit to Litchfield National Park: the waterfalls, the swimming holes, the walking trails, the termite mounds, the wildlife, and the relaxed tropical atmosphere. It is not a detailed guide but a general overview of the highlights and the sense of discovery that makes Litchfield such a rewarding destination.
For travelers, Litchfield is often considered a must-see alongside Kakadu National Park, offering a different but equally memorable experience of the Top End. Whether you come to swim beneath waterfalls, to walk through tropical bushland, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty of the Northern Territory, Litchfield National Park is a place that stays in your memory long after the journey ends.