If you find yourself touring around the Top End of Australia in a motorhome hire, then make sure you stop by and check out Litchfield National Park.
The best time of year to visit this region in your campervan hire from Darwin, is somewhere between May and September. This is considered the dry season, so all attractions should be open/available to visit, and the temperatures and humidity are much more tourist friendly! Our Top End Travel Route mentions Litchfield National Park, so if you are touring around the Top End, check out that route here to make sure you don’t miss out on any hidden gems!
Litchfield National Park covers approximately 1500 km² and is about 100 km south-west of Darwin and near the township of Batchelor. All in an easy drive after you’ve picked up your campervan hire in Darwin.
Litchfield is home to iconic magnetic termite mounds. You’ll see the surreal, tombstone-like field of million-strong armies of tiny termites that have built their mound on a north-south axis to protect the interiors from intense sun. Marvel at their intelligently designed buildings – many of which are more than 2m tall.
Litchfield National Park also has several stunning waterfalls that cascade into crystal clear pools. Swimming under the falls and relaxing in waterholes is a favourite pastime for visitors and locals alike.
Popular stops for those travelling in a motorhome are Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls and the must-see Wangi Falls.
Buley Rockhole is a very popular swimming spot with a series of natural spas and whirlpools fringed by tranquil bushland and nearby is the spectacular Florence Falls, that cascade into a plunge pool, set in a pocket of monsoon forest. There is a staircase leading down to the base of the falls. It is a long climb, but worth every step if you love swimming in cool, clear water amongst a beautiful bush setting.
Back in your motorhome, head towards Wangi Falls, stopping at attractions enroute like Tolmer Falls. The Tolmer falls cascade over high escarpments into a deep plunge pool. There is a viewing platform at the top and access to the bottom of the falls is restricted to protect the habitat of colonies of ghost bats and orange horseshoe bats. Even without the swimming, still a worthy stop.
Driving your campervan hire from Darwin to Wangi Falls, you should see signs for Greenant Creek. Greenant Creek Walk takes you through rainforest and leads to another beautiful yet uncrowded plunge pool. Please note: no swimming here as it is a sacred Aboriginal site.
The next must-see is Wangi Falls, Litchfield’s largest and most accessible waterfall. Swim in the plunge pool, picnic with roosting fruit bats and take a walk to the top of the falls that commence near the pool and offers a great opportunity for photography. From here, the Wangi Falls Walk continues through monsoon forest and up to a stone escarpment.
Litchfield National Park is a popular day tour destination from Darwin or Katherine, however many visitors choose to stay overnight in one of the campgrounds. Camping is available year-round at Wangi and Florence Falls. Wangi Falls has non-powered caravan sites and please be aware that generators and pets are not permitted inside the park. For our clients travelling in a motorhome hire from Darwin or coming into Darwin, you can try grabbing a site in the National Park (first in first served), otherwise, grab a spot at the commercial camps just outside the park between Batchelor and the entrance to the park. A popular place for our clients who have a motorhome hire to stay, is Litchfield Tourist Park – with its beautiful grassy site under palm trees, it is a tranquil spot.
Four-wheel drive camping areas are available at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and Florence Falls.
If you are visiting Litchfield National Park in your motorhome it is free to enter, although you do need to pay for overnight camping.
Litchfield National Park is a spectacular place to visit and has all the following facilities situated within it:
- There’s a café at the Wangi Centre located at Wangi Falls
- You’ll find heaps of information signs dotted around
- There’s a ranger station
- Watch out for the 4WD roads and be sure not to take your 2WD camper hire down any of these!
- Fire pits are allowed in signed areas only
- Public toilets
- Disabled access
- Plenty of picnic areas
- Campgrounds
- Plenty of stunning walking tracks
- There’s even a souvenir shop and telephone.
If you are looking for Darwin motorhome hire or 4WD hire to go off and explore this beautiful corner of the Top End, then check out our vehicle options available here and get in touch for a personalised quote to suit your exact requirements. In addition to hiring a motorhome from Darwin, it is also popular to pick up from another location in Australia and return your motorhome to Darwin, exploring Litchfield Park in the way.
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Tags: Campervan Hire
