The best swimming spots in Litchfield National Park

Bursting with colourful flora, unique fauna, and countless swimming spots to cool off from the Aussie heat!

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Darwin and fancy taking a refreshing dip, look no further than the stunning surrounds of Litchfield National Park. Down south from Darwin, the Litchfield National Park is nestled in the Northern region, boarding between both Adelaide and Reynolds river.

Here, an eclectic mishmash of plant and animal life is tucked away between forests, open woodland, vast escarpments, and cascading waterfalls that boast picturesque plunge pools perfect for swimming in. We’ve put together a list of the best. Here, an eclectic mishmash of plant and animal life is tucked away between forests, open woodland, vast escarpments, and cascading waterfalls that boast picturesque plunge pools perfect for swimming in. We’ve put together a list of the best.

• 1. Buley Rockhole

  Perhaps the most popular swimming spot in Litchfield National Park, Buley Rockhole combines a number of rock pools set against a breathtaking backdrop of cascading waterfalls and escarpment. Set just an hour and a half from the centre of Darwin, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon escape. It is a great place to wind down after exploring the park, with many spending the day trekking through the bushland before ending up here in the afternoon.

• 2. Wangi Falls

  This is another famed spot in the park, promising clear waters and a relaxing backdrop to swim against. It has been named one of the best swimming spots in the whole of Australia, and is known for its consistent temperature throughout the year.

• 3. The Cascades

  The Cascades are a more unusual place to swim. Instead of the usual escarpment, waterfall, plunge pool set up, the scenery here boasts a wide rock lave flow that spans around 200 metres. There is a bubbling stream that weaves down over the top of this, creating pockets of water that are perfect for swimming and relaxing in.

• 4. Florence Falls

  Florence Falls tops many of the best waterfalls in Litchfield National Park lists, and for good reason. The pool here is deep and clear, which makes it ideal for swimming. In addition, there is a shady space created by the towering rock walls that make it a great place to escape the beating Australian sun. Snorkelling is a popular activity here, and you can dip below the water’s surface and explore the world beneath.

• 5. Tjaynera Falls

  For something a little more hidden, head to one of Litchfield National Park’s hidden gems, Tjaynera Falls. The pool is only reachable via a four-wheel drive track, which means it’s often empty of tourists.

If you’re exploring Darwin and want to escape the busy city life for a while, head to Litchfield National Park and its plentiful supply of refreshing pools. The landscape is a mesmerising display of forests, high escarpments, and pretty cascading waterfalls that provide the perfect backdrop for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.

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