| This spectacular Northern Territory Park is only two hours drive
away from Darwin and 15 minutes from Batchelor Resort. It is a great
location for a day visit, however several days could be spent exploring
the entire park.
This 143sq km area was scarcely known until it was proclaimed
a National Park in 1986. Today a quarter of a million locals and
tourists each year make the journey to the weathered sandstone
pillars of the Lost City, monsoon rainforest, perennial spring-fed
streams, waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds and historic ruins
of Litchfield National Park.
The park features numerous waterfalls which cascade from the
sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range.
History
Originally the home of the Wagait people, the first European
exploration was the 1864 Finniss Expedition. Frederick Henry Litchfield,
a member of that expedition, has been remembered in the new National
Park's name.
For almost 75 years until 1955, the area was subject to tin and
copper mining, then fell under pastoral leases until the Park
was proclaimed in 1986.
Access
Just 129km southwest from Darwin and 268km from Katherine, and
situated near the township of Batchelor, the park is accessible
either by gravel road via the Cox Peninsula Road, or sealed road
via Batchelor.
Roads are suitable for all vehicles, however the rising floodwaters
of the Finniss and Reynolds Rivers may close the main road during
the wet season (October - April).
When To Visit
Heavy rains during the Wet can cause road closures for several
days at a time and most 4WD tracks are closed for the duration
of the season. Some swimming areas can become unsafe after heavy
rain and may be closed. However this park is spectacular at any
time and generally accessible year round.
Activities
Swim: many pleasant swimming spots are scattered thoughout
the park. The popular ones include Wangi, Florence, Tjaynera Falls
and Buley Rockhole. These areas offer safe swimming, with care.
Visitors should not swim in the Finniss or Reynolds Rivers, as they
are inhabited by Saltwater Crocodiles.
Walk:Located at several of the falls are short signposted
walking trails for visitors to explore. If you are planning an extended
walk a permit is required and can be obtained prior to your visit
from rangers within the park or from the District Office at Batchelor.
Be sure to advise someone of your intended route and equip yourself
well with maps and supplies. A map showing your intended route should
be provided with your permit application.
What To See And Do
Florence Falls:Just past Buley Rockhole. A spectacular
double waterfall set amid the monsoon forest cascading into a
swimming hole. An easy grade walking track with wheelchair access
leads from the main carpark to a lookout with superb panoramic
views of the creek over the edge of the escarpment into the pool
below, and of treetops of the dense rainforest that fringes the
creek. A steep track / staircase leads down to the crystal clear
pool at the base of Florence Falls. The pool is perfect for swimming
and is open all year round. Admission is free.
Blyth Homestead:Off Sandy Creek Road, about 3km north
of the Sandy Creek turnoff. Built by the Sargent Family in 1929,
and abandoned in the early 1960's, the Homestead, which was also
the location of an old tin mine, is now a ruin and shows as a
reminder of the tough conditions faced by the pioneers in remote
areas. Open daily, however check road conditions during the summer
season. Admission is free.
The Lost City:
These complex freestanding sandstone block and pillar formations
suggest the ruins of a long forgotten civilisation. 4WD access
only. The track into this section is extremely rocky and rough.
Only people experienced in handling 4WD vehicles should attempt
the journey to the Lost City, and their vehicle will need plenty
of ground clearance. Open from May to November, and admission
is free.
Buley Rockhole:A series of pretty waterfalls and rockholes,
where you will find your own spot to swim and relax. For the adventurous,
there is also a walk to the Tabletop Range Escarpment or Florence
Falls. Open year round with free admission.
Magnetic Termite Mounds:Off Wangi Road. Imagine thousands
of termite mounds standing up to two metres high. The mounds'
thin edges point north-south while their broad backs and fronts
face east-west. It's really a built-in temperature control mechanism,
allowing only the smallest possible area to ever be exposed to
the sun. Come and see for yourself. Open all year round and admission
is free.
Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek):9km from the southern access
track and nestled in an open valley luxuriant with paperbarks,
the Falls can be found by walking along a 1.7km trail. Relax and
enjoy the usually uncrowded plunge pool. Open May to November
(4WD access only), and admission is free.
Tolmer Falls:Off Litchfield Park Road. One of the most
spectacular falls, Tolmer Falls, cascades over two high escarpments
into a distant deep, plunge pool. This long narrow waterfall is
at its best at the height of the wet season. The caves at the
base of the Falls are home to several colonies of rare Ghost Bats
and Orange Horseshoe Bats. Access to the pool and gorge is now
closed to visitors to help protect the sensitive ecology of this
area.
Excellent walking tracks and viewing platforms have been installed
to help visitors appreciate the true majesty of the Tolmer Falls
and gorge. A 400 metre trail from the carpark suitable for wheelchair
access, leads to a sturdy lookout where visitors can witness Tolmer's
full plummet and the spectacular sandstone formations of the gorge.
Open year round and admission is free.
Wangi Falls:Off Litchfield Park Road. These Falls are
Litchfields most popular attraction. The Falls, ever flowing into
a large, easily reached swimming hole, are simply beautiful. A
3km walking trail will take you through monsoonal rainforest and
to the top of the falls. Wangi Falls has a large picnic area and
kiosk. open all year round, however swimming may not always be
possible due to water levels. Entry is free.
Petherick's Rainforest Reserve:Further along the road
from Wangi Falls is the privately operated Pethericks Rainforest
Reserve where camping and day use facilities are provided. A small
entry fee does apply. Within the reserve is the wreckage of a
spitfire fighter, several squadrons of which were stationed at
bush airstrips around the Top End during World War II. Pethricks
Rainforest is also home to a large colony of fruit bats and provides
access to falls called the Cascades. Open all year round.
Protect your Park
All native plants and animals in the park are protected. Guns
and traps are prohibited.
Take care with fire - light fires only in areas provided and collect
firewood before you arrive at your campsite.
Avoid using soaps or detergents in the waterways as they pollute
the streams and harm aquatic life.
Please take all your litter with you and dispose of it properly.
Pets are totally banned from the park as they pose a threat to
native wildlife and can disrupt other visitors.
Look at, but never touch Aboriginal artwork.
Safety
Roads: Consult maps and check road conditions on (08) 8922
3394 prior to your visit, especially during the Wet.
Water: Treated drinking water is rarely provided in parks. Be
on the safe side and carry drinking water whenever you travel
in the Territory.
Swimming: Take care whenever swimming in unfamiliar waters
and heed all warning signs.
Walking: Prepare well when walking. Sturdy footwear, a
hat and drinking water are advisable. Do not walk alone.
Biting Insects: To protect yourself against tropical diseases,
Scrub Typhus and Ross River Fever, please be sure to use insect
repellant containing DEET (Aerogard Tropical Strength or Rid).
If you feel unwell be sure to tell your doctor of the possibility
of these illnesses.
More Information
Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Head Office - Gaymark Building
Frances Mall, PALMERSTON. NT 0830
PO Box 496, PALMERSTON NT 0831
Ph: (08) 8999 5511
Batchelor Office
Ph: (08) 8976 0282
Fax: (08) 8976 0292
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