22 July, 2012 - A trip from Darwin to Litchfield National Park

The sun was shining brightly, out of a cloudless sky, when we set off for Litchfield National Park, at 9.15am.  The Park is about a 90 minute drive outside Darwin & is famous for its stunning scenery - rugged escarpments, fantastic rock formations & spectacular waterfalls.

Our first stop was to see the Termite Mounds, which were a phenomenal feat of insect engineering!  Some were up to 5 metres high & possibly up to 50 years old.  There were also magnetic ones, built to stretch from east to west, in order to get maximum heat from the sun.  Nature sure is amazing!

Next, we visited a series of water-holes & waterfalls, which would probably have been frequented by crocodiles during the wet season.  However, at this time of year, the pools were pronounced safe, since there is insufficient water for the animals to migrate very far inland.  We were assured that they were languishing in salty river estuaries.



Florence Falls (see swimmers at base)



The pools & falls varied in their size & accessibility.  Some could only be viewed from specially built platforms, whilst others could be approached easily for swimming, photography & picnicking.  We visited Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, some water-holes, a swamp & finally the beautiful Wangi Falls. 



Tolmer Falls 

At Wangi, we picnicked, then settled on a large grassy area infront of the water.  I couldn't resist a swim & soon overcame my fear of crocs!  I luxuriated in the crystal-clear, refreshing pool, backed by two vertical streams of water, falling from a great height - idyllic!



No fear of crocodiles!





Wangi Falls