Early Pick up at 6.00 AM from your accommodation. We want to be the first one leaving town, avoiding traffic and all tour buses. We are going to stop on the way to Litchfield at Manton Dam, Built in 1942, Manton Dam was Darwin’s first reliable water supply. Today it is a popular recreation area, although its water is still used in emergencies. Its relatively undisturbed drainage area is also a valuable catchment and conservation area. This area is important to Aboriginal people from a number of language groups: Larrakia, Limilngan, Wulna, Waray and Koongurrukun. The Manton River was impounded in 1942 to build the Dam which was Darwin’s first water supply reservoir. In 1951, its catchment was declared as Woolnough Water Catchment and Flora and Fauna Reserve. In 1972 a dam was constructed on the Darwin River, to the northwest, which then became the main water supply for Darwin’s expanding population. Manton Dam was opened for recreation in 1989. Some areas of the Dam are closed to public to protect water quality.
After Manton Dam we are going to head to Batchelor, the southern entrance of Litchfield.
We have 20 minutes drive to visit the famous Termite Mounds.
One of Litchfield National Park's most impressive sights is the hundreds of Magnetic Termite mounds standing up to two metres high on a wide flat plain.
Up to 100 years old, these structures are unique to the northern parts of Australia, including Litchfield National Park. Stroll along the boardwalk and marvel at these enormous magnetic compasses, with their thin edges pointing north-south and broad backs facing east-west. This aspect thermo-regulates the mounds for the magnetic termites inside, who prefer high humidity and stable temperatures.
Learn about these mounds and the larger Cathedral Termite mounds nearby at an information shelter that provides a fascinating insight into these remarkable creatures and their habitat. A viewing area with accessible boardwalks has been constructed just off Litchfield Park Road in the northern area of the Park, 120 kilometres south of Darwin. Make use of the boardwalk access to get close to the two metre-high, thin Magnetic Termite mounds, and taller four metre high Cathedral Termite mounds.
You will see mounds belonging to numerous termite species as you explore the NT, but Litchfield National Park provides the perfect place to learn about these two eye-catching specimens.
20 minutes drive and we will reach Florence Falls.
Located in Litchfield National Park, the spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool, set in a pocket of monsoon forest.
Enjoy the easy three minute walk from the car park to the scenic viewing platform high above the falls for panoramic views of the gorge, open valley, Florence Falls and the waterhole below. Note the contrast between the wet monsoon forest and the dry sandstone plateau. Stretch your legs by following the gorge rim walk down the stairs to the valley floor. A seat at the halfway mark provides the opportunity for a breather and a photo. Continue on to the plunge pool for a refreshing dip year-round in the crystal clear waters. Mattia can take you to the 4wd campground and you won't have to do the 135 stairs, it will be just a flat walk.
Just few minutes drive from Florence we find Buley Rockhole.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading pools of Buley Rockhole.
This popular swimming spot, in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, is a great place to wind down after exploring the park. Wade through the pools, absorb the scenic bush surrounds or sit and relax, as the cool water rolls over your shoulders. Open for most of the year.
The Lost City is a series of large sandstone outcrops that evoke the remains of an ancient civilisation.
A spectacular sight, this landmark is located in a remote and hard to access area in Litchfield National Park, just over an hour’s drive from Darwin.
Experienced four-wheel drivers will have their skills tested on the 10km track into The Lost City. Marvel at this natural structure formed by thousands of years of wind and rain erosion, whose walls, narrow passages and domes give the impression that they were man made. Be astounded at the extensive nature of this formation, the complex freestanding sandstone block and pillar formations of the Lost City are spread over an area the size of a small town, and look like the ruins of a city with a maze of narrow alleys. Lay your hand against a sandstone wall that is estimated to be over 500 million years old.
The final 4WD track in to The Lost City is extremely rocky and rough, and closed in the wet season. Only people experienced in handling four-wheel drive vehicles should attempt the journey to The Lost City – caravans are not permitted. The initial approach is a formed sealed road. It should be good time for the complementary lunch.
Back on the main road we are going to visit Tolmer Falls Lookout.
Tolmer Falls is one of the most spectacular falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park.
It cascades over two high escarpments into one deep plunge pool. Accessed by sealed road, the falls are located near the western boundary of the park, 85 kilometres south of Darwin as the crow flies.
A short walk takes you to 2 viewing platforms at the top of the gorge, opposite the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. Return to the carpark via the 1.6 kilometre Tolmer Falls loop walk - an easy walk (that is rocky in parts) that takes about 45 minutes. Follow the path through typical Top End sandstone country, along Tolmer Creek and a tributary, past pristine rock pools. Swimming is not permitted. It is time for another 4wd visiting the Blyth Homestead.
The historic Blyth Homestead is found in Litchfield National Park.
The homestead site serves as a reminder of the tough conditions faced by pioneers in remote areas.
Built by the Sargent Family in 1929, who also built and operated a tin mine nearby, the homestead was abandoned in the early 1960s. It has recently been restored and an interpretive display presents the trials and tragedies of this remote site.
Please note that access to the homestead is by four-wheel drive only and is regularly inaccessible between November and April due to the tropical season.
Our Last stop in Litchfield will be Wangi Falls.
Wangi Falls is the best-known and most popular attraction in Litchfield National Park - a park renowned for its accessibility and pristine natural beauty.
The falls are found near the western boundary of the park, 150 kilometres south of Darwin along sealed roads.
Relax in the expansive manicured lawns of the picnic area and watch the water from the two falls cascade over the rock escarpments into the large plunge pool below. Take a dip in the pool, which is surrounded by lush monsoon rainforest. There is a kiosk, picnic tables and barbecues with a campground and hot showers nearby.
There are various walking tracks, including a three kilometre loop track that takes you up and over the falls and back to the car park, or a return option to the Treetop viewing platform. The falls are regularly closed to swimming during the wet season from October to March, as currents in the pool can become strong and dangerous. During this time however, the fast-flowing falls make for spectacular photography. Camping, kiosk and picnic facilities remain open year round.
Our extra swim after Litchfield will be Berry Springs.
Berry Springs Nature Park is a picturesque area 47 kilometres south of Darwin that is a popular day trip destination for picnics, incorporating shady areas, manicured lawns, picnic tables and barbecues.
Cool off in one of Berry Creek's clear and shady pools, and if you've brought your goggles along, you should be able to spot native fish and other aquatic life. Alternatively, explore the area on foot - the looped walking track takes you through monsoon forest and woodlands. It starts from the picnic area - don't forget your binoculars if you are keen on birdwatching. Visit the Park during March and April to see the native plants in flower.
During World War II, Berry Springs was part of a rest and recreation camp set up by the armed forces for the 100,000 personnel based in the area. A number of huts and weirs were built at Berry Springs during this time, and you can still see the remains around the main pool. We are going to be back to Darwin by 7.30 PM
