
Swimming at the crystal-clear waterfalls and swimming holes in Litchfield helped me remember why I loved swimming in the first place. Being in the water makes me feel so free and if you just submerge yourself entirely, all you hear is just the sound of water and your thoughts. So peaceful and surreal. With every splash, all cares seem to wash away and everything seems magical like a kid again :) How many things can you do in life that makes you feel so relaxed, yet alive all at the same time??
Just 1.5 hours drive away from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is smaller than Kakadu National Park, but still contains several different type of habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. It's very popular for a day trip {we even met some visitors from Melbourne} or an extended visit staying in one of the accommodation properties. We visited Magnetic Termite Mounds, Cathedral Termite Mounds, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole during our day trip there.

The Magnetic Termite Mounds are about 2m high and we also saw the Cathedral Termite Mounds, which are about 4m high! OMGGGG!

Luke said freshwater crocodiles may be around during the swimming season {!!!!!!!!!} although they are not known to attack humans. I was quite freaked out by this because, how the heck am I to recognise if they are freshwater or salties??? So in the beginning, I just swam close to Luke haha. Later, seeing so many other people swimming around {safely} without a care, I loosened up a bit but still stayed away from the edges, where Luke said he spotted a few before in his past trips.
There are 2 small waterfalls at Wangi Falls, and you can climb up the smaller one on the left to discover a hidden natural spa pool! It's pretty big and can fit in about 8 people.. hold on to your belongings tightly though because you can't feel the bottom of the pool there. Sakura brought along her water-resistant camera and managed to capture a lot of our water shots, even those underwater! If you have one, you must bring it along.

"That element of running water makes it an exclusive place; exclusive to the individual. You got peace of mind on that creek. Because of the rapids and currents, it doesn't matter if you are 5m away from everyone having fun and splashing, you won't hear them." - Aboriginal custodianSo very true. There were less people swimming here than at Wangi Falls, and it was definitely very soul-cleansing, especially when you go right up to the waterfalls and look up at it while lying on your back.
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Buley Rockhole has several small cascades and rock pools that are idea to swim and relax in. The cool, refreshing waters are some of the cleanest around and originate from freshwater springs just upstream which are replenished every wet season. Some even bottle it back to drink! From here the waters flow towards Florence Falls {our second stop} to be enjoyed once again.
This place is highly popular and was the most crowded swimming spot we went to. For the weaker swimmers, Buley is perfect though as there are not many deep areas. And best part is, there are definitely no crocodiles here :)
Tips:
- Keep to designated roads and tracks.
- Pets are not permitted in Litchfield.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear {not much trekking required}.
- Don't forget your swimwear, towels and water-resistant camera if you have one!
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Swim only in designated areas and observe crocodile warning signs. Saltwater crocodiles can attack and kill people, and may enter swimming areas during wet season. Freshwater crocodiles might be around during dry {swimming} season but they are said to not be man-eaters and will only bite humans in self-defense.
- There is no swimming at Reynolds River.
Litchfield National Park
Litchfield Park Rd, Litchfield Park NT 0822, Australia
Open daily. Free admission.
* Disclosure: My Ultimate Australia Outback Adventure trip was sponsored by Tourism NT, thanks to omy.sg. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

10 comments:
Those waterfalls look so pretty! I don't think I've ever been in a swimming hole. So very fun!
How fun that you were a competitive swimmer!!
The pictures are great, and kudos to the one who brought the waterproof camera!
Alissa: it was my first time swimming at the waterfalls and swimming holes too! So beautiful and I absolutely adored the experience :)
mail4rosey: exactly!! so thankful she had one haha
That looks amazing! Though I would probably be freaked out for a second about the crocodiles too lol. Great photos!
Not easy doing anything competitively. :) At least you kept at it a while.
Crocodiles?! Right I am NOT even bringing that swimsuit!
Theresa: Yes! The crocodiles were definitely daunting haha
Stacy: haha oh you must! At least go to Buley there's no crocs there ;p
wow looks fun! but OMG the terminte mounds are s-c-a-r-y!!!
Amazing - we would love to visit Litchfield National park sometime in the future!
What a relaxing holiday you've had, surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings. Looks like a lot of fun! Wow! Didn't know you were a competitive swimmer...awesome.
Wow, what an amazing experience it must have been to be swimming in water holes. I also love swimming when I was younger and do a lot of reflection when I swim. This reminds me to get the swim suit out!
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