Litchfield

If you love waterfalls and lush surroundings, beautiful gorges and nature in all its glory and mystery - then prepare for heaven. Situated only 130kms from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is one of the most spectacular and accessible National Parks in the "Top End". While the majority of the park is sealed and of good gravel quality, there are a couple of excellent 4WD alternatives that take you to some of the lesser know areas of Litchfield. It's possible to take in Litchfield NP in a day, but if you have the time, then its definitely worth exploring around. If you're travelling in the park, especially in the peak season of May to October, don't be surprised if the major attractions in the park are extremely popular.

Environment

Litchfield National Park is a very integral part of the Northern Territory’s network of conservation reserves. The park covers approximately 1,500 square kilometres and features sandstone plateaus, tropical woodlands, paperbark and monsoon forests, gorges, waterfalls, creeks, floodplains and much more. It has a high diversity of plants and animals including around twenty plant species and a dozen animal species.

Like just about all places there are hazards and Litchfield National Park is no exception. Please use caution and observe Park safety signs, swim only where recommended and observe warning signs.

Estuarine crocodiles also known as Saltwater crocodiles live in the top end of Australia and management practises reduces the risk of these reptiles entering popular areas such as Wangi Falls. Prior to opening the Falls each year, surveys are conducted and crocs are trapped and removed when detected. Please report sightings to Park Rangers and do not risk entering areas that are closed.

History

The history of Litchfield begins with the Wagiat Aboriginal people who lived here for thousand of years supported by a rich environment which provided plenty of bush tucker and materials for shelter and bush medicine.

The first European discovery of the area was in 1864 with the Finnis Expedition. The park was named after a member of this expedition, Fredrick Henry Litchfield, who believed the area offered enormous prosperity and settled here.

From 1889, copper and tin were mined at Bamboo Creek and Mt Tolmer for ten years and later parts of the area were used for pastoral leases. In the late 1960's, 4WD tracks were pushed through to a number of falls. In 1986, increasing visitors to the area results in the establishment of Litchfield National Park.

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Please ensure you have adequate supplies such as: plenty of water and personal protection gear like suitable clothing and footwear, hats, sunscreen and insect propellant. Carry a first aid kit and ensure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped. We have good articles on these topics such as: Servicing, Recovery Gear and Survival.

The main route into Litchfield NP is 2WD access via Batchelor on the Litchfield Park Road with sealed roads accessing the popular sites and unsealed roads accessing the more remote sites. During the dry and hot seasons, Litchfield NP can be accessed from Stuart Highway & Cox Peninsula Rd junction, as stated in this trek note. There may be sections of this road that are unsealed and badly corrugated so take extreme care. Also, towing caravan and trailers are not recommended on this road. During the wet season rains which are between October and April, floods may occur in the lowlands of the National Park so frequent checking of the road conditions is a must. Phone the Road Information Service on 1800 246 199, Ranger staff at Batchelor on (08) 8976 0282 or Walker Creek on (08) 8978 2302.

Permits

There are no entry fees for Litchfield National Park, however fees do apply in the designated camping areas. Permits are needed from the Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station (in Batchelor) if you camp out of the designated campground areas.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 30 litres	4cyl 35 litres	4cyl 43 litres
6cyl 33 litres	6cyl 38 litres *	6cyl 38 litres
8cyl 33 litres	8cyl 36 litres

Best Time To Visit

There are plenty of things to see and do in Litchfield National Park with some of the main attractions being: Wangi Falls, The Lost City, Tolmer Falls, Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls and the Magnetic Termite Mounds. The Tabletop Track provides nature enthusiasts and bushwalkers to enjoy the quieter side of the Park. Track. Other activities that are also popular are: swimming, picnicking, bird watching and camping.

There are many designated campsites within Litchfield National Park and there are camping fees that apply. Simply deposit your fees in the boxes provided. There are no powered sites available and there are some rules that must be followed such as generators are not to be used in the Park, caravan camping is available at Wangi Falls only and permits are needed when you wish to camp out of designated campgrounds areas which are obtained from the Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station in Batchelor. I you wish to seek additional information for commercial camping areas and accommodation outside Litchfield National Park, contact the Tourism Top End number on (08) 8936 2499

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