Litchfield & Berry Springs Day Tour: Waterfalls, Swimming & Termite Mounds

Summary

Swim wild at Wangi Falls, wander cycad forests, spot termite towers

You’ll swim beneath waterfalls at Florence Falls and Wangi, drift through Berry Springs (if open), and get close to Litchfield’s famous termite mounds with a local guide who knows every story. There’s time for bush walks and cooling off in rock pools before heading back to Darwin with sun-warmed skin and maybe a new favorite fruit.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Darwin just after sunrise — air still soft, van windows fogged from the aircon. Our guide, Paul (who everyone seemed to know in Batchelor), had this way of pointing out things you’d miss if you blinked. First stop: those wild termite mounds. They’re taller than me (not hard, but still), all lined up like weird tombstones. Paul explained how they build them to catch the breeze — I tried to imagine being a bug with that kind of architectural instinct.

The drive into Litchfield had that red-dust shimmer and we kept spotting wallabies darting off the road. Florence Falls was louder than I expected — water thundering down and echoing off the rocks. I hesitated before jumping in (I always do), but it was cold enough to make me gasp and laugh at myself. There’s something about swimming under a waterfall that makes you forget emails exist. We floated for ages, then climbed out onto warm stones and ate fruit from our packed lunch box — mangoes so ripe they dripped down my wrist.

Berry Springs was open that day (Paul said sometimes it’s closed for floods), so we stopped there too. The water’s clear as glass and there were kids splashing around while magpie geese squabbled overhead. I tried snorkeling but mostly just drifted and watched sunlight flicker on the sand below. Someone handed me a bit of bush medicine leaf to smell — sharp, almost peppery — which apparently helps with bites? Not sure if it worked but I liked the story.

On the way back we paused in Batchelor for cold drinks — tiny town, friendly faces everywhere. The ride home was quiet; everyone sort of sunk into their seats, hair still damp, skin salty from all that swimming. I keep thinking about those moments underwater when everything went silent except for my own breath. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Litchfield Park and Surroundings

• Pick up from Darwin at 8am
• Visit Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds
• Swim at Wangi Falls
• Swim and walk at Buley Rockhole
• Swim at Florence Falls
• Swim at seasonal Berry Springs
• Walk through ancient cycad forest at Tolmer Falls
• Stop at Batchelor Town for break and drink
• Return to Darwin with live city commentary
• Drop off at Mindil Beach Markets (on request)

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Litchfield & Berry Springs tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Darwin city locations starting around 8am.

Can you swim at all stops during the day trip?

You can swim at Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole, and Berry Springs if open (seasonal closures apply).

What’s special about the termite mounds on this tour?

The Magnetic Termite Mounds are unusually tall and aligned north-south for temperature control; your guide explains their unique structure.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with fresh fruit and cold water throughout the day.

How big are the tour groups?

The group size is small—up to 10 in a minivan or up to 21 in a coaster bus.

Are there any guided walks or nature talks?

Yes, your guide leads short walks through monsoon vine forest and shares stories about local plants and bush medicine.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or on laps; suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for poor cardiovascular health.

Do you visit Batchelor town on this itinerary?

You stop briefly in Batchelor town for refreshments before returning to Darwin.

What’s included

Your day includes city pickup around 8am, entry passes to all swimming spots like Florence Falls and Wangi Falls (and Berry Springs when open), guided commentary from an experienced local who really knows Litchfield’s stories, fresh fruit snacks plus lunch options along the way, cold drinking water all day long, floating devices or snorkel masks if you want them—and drop-off back in Darwin or even Mindil Beach Markets if you ask.