A Guide to the Best Swimming Holes in Litchfield National Park.
Litchfield National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the Northern Territory, and it’s hard to debate. Litchfield is well known for its swimming holes underneath cascading waterfalls and situated against stunning backdrops. About 1.5 hours from Darwin lies this incredible park. Immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the Australian outback country is no better done than swimming in freshwater swimming holes. Find the best swimming holes to visit in Litchfield National Park in this guide!
We acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of Litchfield National Park, the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat and Warray Aboriginal People. We pay respects to their elders, past, present and future.
Can you swim in the Litchfield National Park?
Yes, you can! There are seven different swimming holes and creeks that you can swim at in Litchfield National Park. The park is a great place to come and swim all year round, with much of the park staying open even during the wet season. Furthermore, most swimming holes are crocodile free, but you should always obey signage.
Is it safe to swim in Litchfield National Park?
Yes, it is safe to swim in Litchfield National Park. However, this is only the case if you obey all signage and swim in the designated areas. If a swimming hole is closed, it is for a good reason (most likely a saltwater crocodile has made itself at home) – so do not swim in closed areas.
What to bring for swimming at the Litchfield National Park:
- Bathers
- Lightweight towel
- Pool noodles for relaxing
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Snacks
Litchfield National Park swimming – warning signs to look out for:
There are four main warning signs that you may see near swimming holes in Litchfield National Park. These signs have a purpose, so please ensure you read them and understand them before plunging in:
- Wet season closures – Flooding or storm risks; stay away from water.
- No swimming” or “Danger – Don’t enter water – Closed due to crocs, currents, or hazards.
- Very low crocodile risk – Managed area, traps set; report sightings.
- Water safety warnings – Submerged rocks, slippery surfaces, no diving/jumping.
Swimming holes in the Litchfield National Park:
Florence Falls
Florence Falls cannot be missed when visiting Litchfield National Park. Do not let the steps down to the plunge pool deter you—it is more than worth it. We recommend bringing a pool noodle along with you to really relax while in the pool—it is a great way to stay afloat while under the waterfalls! With not just one but two waterfalls cascading down into the pool below, it’s a serene experience.
Buley Rockhole
Buley is great for a more relaxing experience. The water flows down from the rocky embankments into shallow pools, making it great for families. Move from pool to pool along the Florence Creek walk and enjoy the cooling waters while not having to tread water the whole time! It’s not far from Florence Falls, so we recommend visiting both swimming holes simultaneously.
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is one of the highlights in Litchfield National Park. Like Florence Falls, it is a segmented waterfall with two main flows that fall into a large (huge) pool at the bottom. The plunge pool is very deep, so we suggest bringing floating devices (aka pool noodles) to keep you from exhausting yourself too much while enjoying the cool-down swim. Moreover, it is the easiest to access, with a large car park and a paved footpath leading straight to the falls.
Cascades
The Cascades is a great spot to escape the significant crowds of Wangi and Florence Falls. It is one of the most relaxing spots in the entire Litchfield National Park! A series of natural rockpools and small waterfalls make up the Cascades, divided into upper and lower sections. Stop at each pool as you walk up and down the trail for the best experience, and take your time in each one. A walking trail links the sections, but the track is more complicated than you may think, so please wear proper shoes for this walk.
Walker Creek
Walker Creek is another great swimming spot that is usually pretty relaxed and not crowded. There are multiple different sections along the creek in which you can swim. The first is near the car park, with others scattered along the creek at campsites. It is discouraged to swim at occupied camps, but there is a shared rock pool at campsite six that everyone is welcome to use. We loved the swimming hole here—it was the perfect spot to cool down after walking in, as you can sit on the rocks in the pool as the water flows over you.
Tjaynera (Sandy Creek) – 4WD only
Tjaynera, or Sandy Creek, is only accessible via the 4WD Reynolds Track, so unfortunately, not everyone can experience it. A gorgeous waterfall and plunge pool awaits you. A magnificent spot surrounded by nature and not overcrowded like the main 2WD swim sites in the park. There is a considerable walk to the plunge pool (3.4 km return), so be prepared with suitable footwear and water.
Surprise Creek Falls – 4WD only
Surprise Creek Falls are known for many waterfalls and swimming holes. Each waterfall flows into its small swimming hole, so you can potentially get a whole waterfall and pool to yourself to enjoy! Again, Surprise Creek Falls, like Tjaynera, is only accessible via the Reynolds 4WD track.
Check out our two other guides for more information about Litchfield National Park. The Complete Guide to Exploring the Litchfield National Park and the Complete Guide to Camping and Accommodation in Litchfield National Park.
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