​Litchfield National Park’s Top Swimming Spots

A short one-and-a-half-hour drive from Darwin lies Litchfield National Park – an idyllic region to tour if you’re short on time but also want to experience the Northern Territory’s rugged beauty. It’s incredible to think that here, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, are a series of spring-fed cascades, tranquil rock pools and lofty waterfalls. Read on for our list of Litchfield’s most popular swimming spots, which are all easily accessible by short, gentle walking trails.

1. Buley Rockhole

An oasis on a hot day, taking a dip in the cooling waters of Buley Rockhole is one of the greatest gifts nature can offer. The name doesn’t do this place justice, as it’s actually a chain of deep, crystalline rock pools linked by small cascades, which, when you sit under them, are like nature’s outback massage for a traveller’s achy muscles.

Because there’s a few to choose from, take your pick of the rock pools, and if the water gets a little too fresh, find a warm rock to sun yourself on before retreating to the shade for a rest.

2. Florence Falls

Standing at around 40 metres tall, Florence Falls is one of Litchfield’s most striking swimming spots. You’ll be itching for a paddle after you take your first glimpse of Florence from the lookout, from where you can also get a great view of the sweeping valley that flanks these colossal falls.

Full disclosure; you’ll need to tramp down a great many stairs to reach the pool at the base of the falls (did we mention it’s a really big waterfall?), but you’ll reap the rewards of your hard work with a paddle in the sparkling water.

Bring along a snorkel and check out the underwater life – the pool is chock-full of fish – or take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding monsoonal rainforest; a tropical contrast to Litchfield’s arid scrubland.

3. Wangi Falls

Here in the sandy-bottomed, pandanus-fringed pool at Wangi Falls, swimmers are treated to a tranquil dip and spectacular views of the two falls erupting over the edge of the surrounding escarpment face. Wangi is well equipped with hot showers, a café and barbeque areas, and there are plenty of shady spots among the ghost gums to enjoy lunch on the manicured lawns.

During the wet season, the current generated by the thunderous falls can be strong, so even though Wangi may be closed for swimming at this time of year, you can still enjoy the falls from the viewing platform.

Contact us to book a tour to Litchfield National Park, departing from Darwin.