Cathedral Termite Mounds

The Cathedral termite mounds are one of Kakadu and Litchfield National Park’s most iconic sites.

The termite mounds are located throughout the forest in the open landscape and stand up to seven meters in height. The termite mound structures are approximately 100 years old, and unique in this part of Australia, as hundreds of these mounds can be discovered throughout the vicinity of the National Park. The mounds were crafted by termites using a centuries old technique.

The cast of termites protects the mounds by using a sticky saliva type substance that traps any predators such as ants and various other creepy crawlies. You can locate a whole group of these picturesque mounds within the National Park, 17km from the eastern boundary.

A collection of boardwalks take you around the collection of mounds. The termite mounds are just one of Kakadu and Litchfield’s many iconic sites on offer, and we highly recommend that you pay a visit to the well renowned area.

Now that you’ve seen the wonder of both Kakadu and Litchfield’s surreal termite mounds, what are some of the other unforgettable sites that await you in these two most incredible national parks?

Nourlangie – Kakadu

The Nourlangie rock has a series of intertwining shelters that have been used by the local Indigenous people for protection from thousands of wet seasons. A hike up to this outstanding landmark is an enchanting experience in itself, but what awaits you there is something truly spectacular.

The shelters are world famous for housing some of Australia’s most ancient Indigenous artworks, with Dreaming stories painted across the shelters’ rugged walls. Nourlangie is one of Kakadu’s most favourite adventures and for good reason: it’s the perfect harmony between land and people that makes it so special!

Gunom plunge pool – Kakadu

The word is out: infinity pools look pretty cool. Instagrams from Singapore to New York feature these watery optical illusions perched high atop city skylines and jungle retreats, with top architects perfectly placing them in spots that create a spectacular, refreshing view.

But, as we’re sure these architects are well-aware, Mother Nature has been making infinity pools for aeons, and there is probably none more impressive in this whole universe than that of Gunlom plunge pool. A hike up to this serene, outback waterhole not only provides the perfect place for a soak after your hike, but also provides some of the most expansive, untouched views the world could possibly offer.

It’s a truly magical experience and one that is certainly more worthy for a Gram-snap than anything an architect could produce!

The Lost City – Litchfield

Climb aboard a 4WD and be taken out to the incredibly otherworldly Lost City: a bizarre series of rocky outposts further out into the national park. There is just something so strange and bizarre about these formations, as if they were dropped there from the skies above millions of years ago. We’re not sure if that sounds strange or not – but you really have to head out there to see them for yourself!