Litchfield National Park

Tumbling waterfalls, mammoth termite mound ‘forests’, hiking trails and campgrounds make Litchfield a popular year-round destination.

Only a 60-minute drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best-kept secret.

The park is filled with stunning waterfalls and waterholes that are surrounded by monsoonal vine forests – all of which offer a cool respite on warm summer days.

A drive through Litchfield is full of contrasts and some of the most enormous termite mounds in the Top End. Cabin, camping and caravan sites are within a short drive of the park gates.

Litchfield itineraries

Waterfall hopping around Litchfield National Park 2-day drive itinerary from Darwin

Frequently asked questions

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre. Litchfield is within the Top End.
It's summer from November to April with magnificent thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and warmer weather. There are smaller crowds during summer (which is considered low season), which is a great time to grab hot deals on flights, accommodation and tours.
From May to October is the Dry Season which is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Visit in the Dry to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding national parks and experience the buzz of the sunset markets. Darwin and the Top End are bustling in the dry season, with a packed calendar of events and festivals drawing visitors from near and far to make the most of the balmy outdoor celebrations. Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.
By air - Litchfield National Park is approximately one hour drive from Darwin, which is the international gateway to the Northern Territory. Its well-equipped airport hub is the arrival point for most visitors travelling by air. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.
By road - Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT, explore these driving routes around the Territory.
The only real way to explore Litchfield National Park independently is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car. Additionally, there are many tour operators who do day trips from Darwin or multi-day tours which include Litchfield.
Beyond Litchfield, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.
Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.
There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Top End. One of the best ways to learn about Aboriginal culture is to take a guided tour from Darwin.
The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.
Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.
Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.
While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Litchfield National Park is well regulated to help visitors find their way around safely. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors, including actively monitoring waterways for crocodiles. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.
Visitors to national parks in the NT, including Litchfield, require a Park Pass from NT Parks. If you plan on camping at designated campsites in the park, bookings must be made in advance.