Litchfield Tourist Park, Northern Territory, Australia
The glorious singing of birds greeted us as we awoke early in the morning. After a leisurely breakfast on the deck, we headed off to explore Litchfield National Park.
Our first stop was at the magnetic termite mounds. Although we had already seen lots of mounds on our journey, we had never seen so many in one location. The area looked like a cemetery. Two particularly large termite cathedrals were well over 5 metres high and are estimated to be over 50 years old. In front of one of the termite cathedrals, Nola cheekily popped herself into another family’s photo, posing with a cheeky grin — they thought she was very cute!
Our next stop was at the rock holes above Buley Waterhole — a very picturesque area with pools of varying depths. With the outside temperature reaching about 37ºC, we enjoyed the opportunity to refresh in the cooler water, checking out a number of different pools.
With Florence Falls being only 1.4kms away along an easy walking track, we decided to go by foot, rather than drive. It was another 900kms beyond the fork in the track to reach the falls.
After a photo stop at the lookout, we walked down the 149 steps to reach the pool below the falls. Michael, Gretl and Nola enjoyed a swim whilst I sat in the cool shade and took photos and video clips.
Rather than hiking back up the steep metal staircase, we chose the rainforest walk along the creek, eventually ascending back up to the monsoon forest area. By the time we reached the car, we were well and truly fading and were grateful to climb back into the air conditioned car.
Our next stop was Wangi Falls — another picturesque area where a waterfall tumbles into a large lake. We all enjoyed another lovely swim, with Gretl & Michael swimming across the lake and climbing up the rock face a little while to sit in a deep rock pool. Amazingly, free wifi was available in the area and we had a phone signal — the first opportunity to connect with the world for about 30 hours (which felt like a week!).
Gretl & Nola continued swimming whilst Michael and I took a loop walk that took us through a densely wooded area where the sound of screeching bats signalled that it was getting late. Some steps took us up above the forest to a track that ran behind the waterfall and down the other side. By the time we returned to Gretl & Nola, it was time to head off home. Despite Gretl’s best efforts, nothing could keep Nola from falling asleep on the 20+-minute trip back to our bungalow.
The meat and salad we had ordered at great expense — $30 or so for 7 sausages, 2 patties and a salad — were waiting in the fridge for us. Michael barbecued the meat and we enjoyed a tasty meal sitting on the deck, relishing the cooler evening temperature before turning in for the night.
Marcella
2020-08-23
Incredible location and wonderful photos. Nola so cute. Looks like you’re having an enviable time. Xx
Ian
2020-08-23
In the early 1990’s, when Bev and I visited Darwin, we stopped at Litchfield National Park on our way back from Katherine. I cannot recall which of these pools I swam in, but iIt was a most enjoyable relief from the humid weather. A group of indigenous children were also plunging in with many delightful screams of laughter. Memories! I am enjoying this current journey you are recording.
melandmic
2020-08-29
Thank you for your comments, Marcella. And so nice to hear that our trip is bringing back lovely memories for you, Dad. xxx