Don't go chasing waterfalls...
I think the band TLC had lyrics along these lines but they've obviously never been to Litchfield National Park - smaller than Kakadu and reverred a bit more by Darwinites due to its closer proximity and stunning accessible scenery.
Litchfield is approx 45mins outside Darwin and a frequently visited spot especially during the weekends and public holidays. It was a lovely place that focussed on the three main attractions of Florence Falls, Buley Rockholes and Wangi Falls - all beautiful water spots free from the perils of 'salties' and so designated swimming areas.
Compared to Kakadu, Litchfield's swimming spots are very easy-peasy. Rather than a monster walk to get to a swimming spot to cool down and refresh only for the same monster walk to be required to get back, Litchfield's swimming areas are a few minutes flat walk to the water..heavenly!
Florence Falls is the first waterfall accessed in the Park that requires a short walk from the carpark through the shady forest or if you're feeling energetic down 130+ steps that affords stunning views across the gorge. A rocky foreshore protects the huge swimming hole but is worth the clambering and undignified entry. The water nearer the falls are prone to currents but after some encouragement managed to get Amber to swim underneath. It was a dramatic time as small fish kept nibbling Amber's feet so the surreal environment was broken with loud screams.
Buley Rockholes is a set of waterfalls interlinked with huge potholes and deep splash pools. The water was very clean and fairly warm but a sensible approach to parking greeted us first. It took 2 attempts to park due to signs advising that if no spaces are available then to simply come back another time. It was a funny place that was made even funnier by bumping into Nick Hackney, a school friend from Poole who was on holiday in Litchfield and in the same rockpool. What a coincidence!!! We could have stayed here for ever...
Wangi Falls is the largest waterfall the furthest from the entrance and home to the campground. An enormous pool in front is set aside for swimming but its not really possible to swim underneath due to the steepness of the rock. Freshwater crocs call this home which was a little disconcerting but had been assured they don't inhabit at this time of the year. A secluded walk runs round the outside of the Falls but without a view that passes through bat-infested forests. We enjoyed an early morning swim at 7.30am that was surreal but invigorating but a great way to start the day.
Walker Creek was also one of our favourites. It involved a 3.5km walk up a creek that had 8 campsites dotted along the height of the hill it descended. Each had their own entry to the water so similar to Buley Rockholes but much more secluded and exciting. Amber was watching a large Merten's Sand Monitor, a large lizard that patrolled the water's edge. The heat was very intense and dry and without fail managed to extend our visit to double the 2hr recommended time in the area.
4WDing was a highlight to reach the Blyth Homestead - a restored house set in the bush that demonstrated the difficulties faced by the early pioneers. What originally was thought to be a simply activity changed when a large river crossing appeared. After exchanged glances and thumbs up, Stan did us proud and got us through. 0.6m high the water was, up the top of the tyres! Come on! After cracking this, a second water crossing appeared but without the depth indicators...hmmmm - it was a bit hairy but incredibly exciting!!!
Unfortunately due to recent bushfires in the Park, the plan to visit the Lost City had to be changed and head on but after a few days had managed to see pretty much everything else we'd wanted to see.
No comments:
Post a Comment