Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise from Darwin
- Duration11 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
This small-group full-day tour from Darwin combines two of the Top End’s great experiences. First you cruise the Adelaide River and watch wild saltwater crocodiles launch themselves out of the water with the power of their tails. Then you head into Litchfield National Park to swim at three of its best waterholes, Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls, and admire the giant magnetic and cathedral termite mounds. Your local guide prepares a bush picnic lunch in the park, and snacks and iced water are included all day, with commentary and plenty of photo stops. Pickup and drop-off at your Darwin accommodation are included, with return around 5 pm. It suits nature lovers, active travellers and families with children from four.
Highlights
- Jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River, watching saltwater crocodiles leap from the water
- Swims at Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park
- Giant magnetic and cathedral termite mounds
- Bush picnic lunch prepared by your guide, with snacks and iced water all day
- Small-group tour with expert commentary from local guides
- Pickup and drop-off at your Darwin accommodation
- Optional drop-off at Mindil Beach Markets on Thursdays and Sundays
Full Description
Jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River
The Adelaide River, about an hour south-east of Darwin, has one of the highest densities of saltwater crocodiles in the world. These estuarine crocodiles can grow to more than five metres, and on a jumping crocodile cruise you watch them rise vertically out of the water, propelled by their powerful tails, to take food offered from the boat.
The boat stays at a safe distance with a protective rail, so you get unforgettable views and photographs. Along the riverbanks, mangroves and paperbark trees shelter a wealth of birdlife, including white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites and jabirus. Many visitors say the Adelaide River jumping crocodiles are the highlight of their trip to the Northern Territory.
Litchfield National Park and the termite mounds
Litchfield National Park lies about 100 kilometres south-west of Darwin and covers roughly 1,500 square kilometres around the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range. Streams flowing off the plateau create spring-fed waterfalls and clear pools surrounded by monsoon forest, which is why a Litchfield day trip from Darwin is the most popular outing in the Top End.
On the way into the park you stop to see the famous termite mounds. Magnetic termite mounds are thin, flat slabs up to two metres high, all aligned north to south to control their temperature in the tropical sun, while cathedral termite mounds are massive towers that can rise more than five metres. Your guide explains how these tiny insects build such remarkable structures.
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is the best-known sight in Litchfield: two waterfalls pour over a red rock escarpment into a large, deep plunge pool fringed by monsoon forest. In the dry season the pool is a beautiful place to swim, with the falls just a short distance away, and a viewing platform near the car park gives the classic photograph.
A walking track climbs through the forest to a lookout above the falls for those with extra time. Swimming areas in Litchfield are managed by park rangers and can close after heavy rain in the wet season while they are checked for crocodiles, so your guide always confirms which pools are open on the day. When to visit Wangi Falls? The dry months from about May to October are ideal.
Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls
Buley Rockhole is a series of small waterfalls and clear rock pools stepping down a creek, perfect for a relaxing soak in the cool, flowing water. Some pools are shallow and calm, others deeper, so everyone can find a spot that suits them.
Florence Falls, nearby, is a twin waterfall dropping into a deep, forest-ringed plunge pool reached by a staircase down from the lookout. This is where your guide prepares a big bush picnic lunch, with wraps, cold meats, bread, salad and fruit, and you can swim again after lunch. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available if requested at least 24 hours in advance. On the way back to Darwin there is a photo stop in the small town of Batchelor.
Itinerary
- Pickup in DarwinEarly pickup from your accommodation in Darwin or Palmerston, with the tour starting around 5:45 am.
- Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruiseCruise the river and watch saltwater crocodiles leap out of the water, about one hour.
- Termite moundsStop to see the magnetic and cathedral termite mounds on the way into Litchfield National Park.
- Wangi FallsSwim in the large plunge pool below the twin waterfalls.
- Buley RockholeRelax in the cascading rock pools.
- Florence FallsBush picnic lunch prepared by your guide, followed by a swim at the falls.
- BatchelorPhoto stop in the small town at the gateway to the park.
- Return to DarwinDrop-off at your accommodation around 5 pm; on Thursdays and Sundays you can be dropped at Mindil Beach Markets instead.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Darwin accommodation
- Jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River
- Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls with time to swim
- Bush picnic lunch prepared by your guide
- Snacks and iced water through the day
- English-speaking local guide
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Glass items, pets and luggage are not allowed
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 11 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Children under 4 years
Meeting point
We pick you up from your accommodation in Darwin, Palmerston and nearby areas, including hotels, apartments and holiday parks. The tour starts at around 5:45 am and we confirm your exact pickup time after booking. You return to your accommodation around 5 pm; on Thursdays and Sundays you can choose to be dropped at Mindil Beach Markets.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera and comfortable shoes
- Bring a reusable water bottle; plenty of water is available on the bus
- Request vegan or gluten-free meals at least 24 hours before the tour (this cannot be arranged on the day)
- Glass objects, pets, luggage, baby strollers, walking frames and wheelchairs are not allowed
- Not suitable for children under 4 years
- Swimming areas can close after heavy rain in the wet season; your guide confirms which pools are open on the day
- It is an early start and a long day of about 11 hours
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared small-group tour with a local guide, travelling together with other guests.
How long does the Litchfield tour from Darwin take?
About 11 hours: pickup starts around 5:45 am and you are back in Darwin around 5 pm.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Darwin and nearby areas are included.
What is included?
The jumping crocodile cruise, visits and swims at Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls, a bush picnic lunch, snacks, iced water, an English-speaking guide and hotel transfers.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your date.
Is it suitable for children or travellers with reduced mobility?
Children from 4 years are welcome. The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or walking frames, as some swimming spots are reached by steps and uneven paths.
Is it safe to swim in Litchfield National Park?
The swimming holes on this tour are managed by park rangers. They can close after heavy rain while they are checked for crocodiles, and your guide only takes you into pools that are open on the day.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a camera and a reusable water bottle.
What is the best time to visit Litchfield?
The dry season from about May to October brings sunny days and the best swimming. In the wet season the waterfalls are at their most powerful, but some pools may be closed.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour runs in most weather. If heavy rain closes certain roads or pools, your guide adjusts the route to other open sites in the park.
Can I be dropped at Mindil Beach Markets?
Yes, on Thursdays and Sundays you can choose to be dropped at Mindil Beach Markets instead of your accommodation.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and travellers in the booking panel and send your request. Our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes and sends your pickup time.
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