Litchfield National Park tour: Waterfalls and termite mounds

Magnetic termite mounds stand aligned to true north, and nobody knows why.

A full-day tour from Darwin into Litchfield National Park with an accredited guide, visiting cascading waterfalls, swimming holes, and the famous magnetic termite mounds; you choose between a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River or a wetlands visit to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. Hotel pickup is included, and the tour runs 10.5 hours with stops for walking tracks and swimming in shallow pools.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Litchfield National Park and Wetlands

• Depart Darwin for Litchfield Park
• Optional Jumping Crocodile Cruise or visit Fogg Dam
• Visit hidden waterfalls in Litchfield
• Explore Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls
• Swim at Buley Rockhole or Wangi Falls
• See Magnetic Termite Mounds

The Experience

The day starts with a pickup from Darwin's inner city and a drive into Litchfield National Park, surrounded by thick tropical rainforest that offers relief from the Top End heat. Your first stop is a choice: either a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River, where saltwater crocodiles breach the water, or a visit to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve on the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people, where you'll spot native birds, turtles, water pythons and the iconic saltwater crocodile from the boardwalks and hides.

From there the tour moves into the park's hidden waterfalls. Florence Falls cascades through monsoon forest into a plunge pool you can wade into; if it's inaccessible, Tolmer Falls takes its place. Later you'll cool off in the shallow pools of either Buley Rockhole or Wangi Falls, depending on conditions and seasonal access. The walks into these falls require a moderate level of fitness, but they're the reason people come—the water is clear, the pools are small enough to actually swim in, and the forest closes in around you.

The magnetic termite mounds come next. These century-old structures stand aligned to true north, a phenomenon nobody fully explains, and they're scattered across an open area of the park where you can walk among them and see how precisely they're oriented. Your accredited guide provides commentary throughout the day, and the small group stays under capacity in an air-conditioned mini-coach, so the stops don't feel rushed. The tour wraps by mid-afternoon with a return to Darwin.

What’s included

• Selected Darwin inner-city hotel pickup and drop-off.
• an accredited outback guide with tour commentary in English.
• small group travel in an air-conditioned mini-coach.
• your choice of either a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River or a visit to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve.
• access to multiple waterfalls and swimming pools including Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls.
• a visit to the magnetic termite mounds.
• and bushland walking tracks with lookout views throughout the park.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Autopia Tours

Is this one for you?Book the crocodile cruise if you want to see saltwater crocodiles breach; choose the wetlands option if you're a keen bird-watcher seeking rare species in their habitat.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the crocodile cruise and the wetlands option?

The jumping crocodile cruise takes you onto the Adelaide River to watch saltwater crocodiles breach the water in their natural habitat. The Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve visit keeps you on land and boardwalks, where you'll see a wider range of native birds, turtles and water pythons across the wetlands—better for bird-watchers and those who prefer to stay dry.

Can I actually swim in the waterfalls?

Yes. Florence Falls and the pools at Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls are all swimmable, though the pools are shallow. Seasonal closures and safety conditions occasionally prevent access to specific falls, so your guide will confirm which ones are open on the day you tour.

How much walking is involved?

There are several bushland walking tracks throughout Litchfield that lead to the best lookout views and down to the waterfalls and pools. The tour requires at least a moderate level of fitness to complete the walks, but they're not strenuous—they're designed to get you to the water and the viewpoints.

What should I bring?

Bring a day bag no larger than 5–7 kg, as storage space on the mini-coach is limited. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and hat, and check the average temperatures for the time of year you're travelling so you can dress for the Top End heat. Lunch isn't included, but you'll have the opportunity to buy it from local vendors along the way.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 6 onwards. The tour is not suitable for children 5 and under due to the nature of the itinerary, the walking involved and the time spent in the vehicle.

What wildlife might I see?

Saltwater crocodiles are the headline, especially on the Adelaide River cruise. At Fogg Dam you'll see native birds, turtles and water pythons. Throughout the park you may encounter other Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, though sightings depend on the season and time of day.