Waterfalls And Wildlife, Budget Fare

Darwin: Litchfield National Park Waterfalls & Wildlife Tour

★ 4.7 83 reviews

from $96 per person

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Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: The Leea Darwin, 64 Cavenagh Street
Cancellation: Free cancellation on this tour, see the booking page
Run by: Wildlife Tours Australia

Overview

This full-day outing from Darwin combines two of the Top End's well-known experiences: jumping saltwater crocodiles on the Adelaide River, then the waterfalls and swimming holes of Litchfield National Park. You travel in an air-conditioned mini-coach with a driver-guide who handles the commentary and the driving, so the whole thing runs about 10.5 hours from the meeting point back to town. The crocodile cruise is optional, with Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve offered as the alternative for anyone who would rather skip the boat.

After the river section, the route heads south through Batchelor to the Magnetic Termite Mounds, a stop the NT Parks park introduction names as iconic. From there the day becomes a waterfall crawl: Florence Falls waterhole, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls, with time at each to swim in the plunge pools and take photos. A stop at Darwin River Tavern breaks up the drive home before two drop-off locations in the city.

It suits families and mixed groups well. Swimmers get the most out of it, since the plunge pools are a core part of the day, though the booking page notes a moderate level of fitness is needed for the walks.

What's Included

Included

Swimming in the best waterfalls in the Northern Territory
Experienced outback driver-guide
Air-conditioned mini-coach
Tour Commentary
Select Darwin city hotel pickups

Not Included

To access Litchfield National Park or Fogg Dam Conservations, an NT Parks Day Pass is required
Food and drinks are at the guest's own expense
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips (optional)

$96from, per person

10.5 hoursduration

4.7across 83 guest reviews

Itinerary

Meet in Darwin cityThe tour starts at The Leea Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City. Hotel pickup is not included, though the booking page mentions select Darwin city hotel pickups under inclusions, so check the booking page for your exact arrangement.
Coach to the Adelaide RiverTravel out of Darwin by air-conditioned mini-coach while the guide covers the region's history, geology and wildlife.
Jumping crocodile cruise or Fogg DamTake the optional Jumping Crocodile Cruise to watch saltwater crocodiles leap for food, or visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve instead to learn about the protected wetland and its flora and fauna.
Batchelor and termite moundsPass through the town of Batchelor on the way into the park, then stop at the Magnetic Termite Mounds.
Waterfalls and swimming holesVisit Florence Falls Waterhole, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls, with time at each to swim in the plunge pools and take photos. Swimming depends on seasonal conditions.
Darwin River Tavern stopBreak the return journey with a stop at Darwin River Tavern, where food and drinks are at your own expense.
Return to DarwinThe coach finishes at two drop-off locations in Darwin after roughly 10.5 hours total.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how the day goes, from what you carry to how much walking and swimming is involved.

Flat lay on warm sandstone at the Florence Falls plunge pool edge: hat, water bottle, quick dry towel, sandals and sunscreen tube.

What to pack. The booking page asks for comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. You will be in and out of water and sun all day, so pack accordingly. Bring money or a card for food, since meals are not included.
Luggage limits. Storage on the vehicle is limited, so luggage must be kept to one bag per person weighing 5 to 7kg. Oversize luggage and large bags are not accepted; check the booking page for the exact limits.
Fitness and walking. A moderate level of fitness is needed for the walks. One reviewer described the longest hike as a short one, around 30 minutes and easily done in normal shoes, so this is not a strenuous trekking day.
Swimming is central. Three stops offer the chance to swim, and reviewers repeatedly name the waterholes and rock pools as the highlight of the day. One traveller noted that if you do not like swimming, a different tour might suit better. Access can close at short notice for safety.
Group and guide feel. This is a group tour in a mini-coach. Several reviewers praised guides who were knowledgeable, humorous and good with children, and one who travelled alone said the day was engaging and easy to enjoy solo.

Twin waterfalls at Wangi Falls in full wet season flow over a dark sandstone cliff, churning brown-tinged water under heavy grey cloud.

Seasonal changes. From November to April the Top End wet season brings heavy rain, flooded roads and temporary closures, so the itinerary stays flexible. Waterfalls and swimming holes can shut without notice, and severe weather can mean a full refund or a new date.

Check availability →

Common issues. Be ready for a lot of driving, since the crocodile cruise and Litchfield are combined into a single day; one reviewer flagged this directly. An NT Parks Day Pass is required for park entry and is not included in the tour price, so buy it in advance. Food, drinks, tips and personal expenses are extra, and swimming access is never guaranteed in the wet season. Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and unaccompanied minors cannot join.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour?

The full day runs about 10.5 hours. It starts at The Leea Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St in Darwin City, and finishes at two drop-off locations in the city.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pickup is not included for this tour. The booking page does mention select Darwin city hotel pickups among the inclusions, so confirm the arrangement for your hotel on the booking page before you go.

Is The Jumping Crocodile Cruise Included?

The cruise on the Adelaide River is optional. If you would rather not take it, the tour visits Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve instead, where you learn about the wetland and its plants and animals.

Do I Need To Pay For Park Entry?

Yes. An NT Parks Day Pass is required to enter Litchfield National Park or Fogg Dam and is not included in the tour price. The operator recommends buying it in advance so entry goes smoothly on the day.

Is The Tour Suitable For Kids?

Yes, the tour is pitched at families, groups and adventure-seekers.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If severe weather, flooding or an official closure cancels the tour or forces a major itinerary change, you will be offered a full refund or an alternative date, at your choice.