Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 220m
Min elevation: 48m
Total Ascent: 406m
Safety advice
Walking in hot weather can be dangerous and sometimes even deadly. If you’re planning this hike, make sure you’re prepared. Notify a reliable person of your intended route and expected return time. Carry a satellite phone or PLB (personal locator beacon). You should also have a topographic map and GPS. Swim only in designated areas. Carry and drink plenty of water. Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
Hike overview
The Florence Falls to Greenant Creek is a challenging 26.5-kilometre hike, classified as Grade 4. This two-day journey forms part of the Litchfield Tabletop Track. Be aware that a significant portion of this section lacks natural water sources, so careful water planning is essential. The final leg of the Florence to Greenant Creek section offers a welcome respite. Here, you'll follow Wangi Creek, lined with paperbark and pandanus trees, and encounter the distinctive cluster of castle-shaped boulders marking the track's shadiest section (located at the 19.7-kilometre mark between Florence and Wangi Falls).
Starting at Florence Falls, one of Litchfield National Park's most iconic attractions, hikers are immediately greeted by the sight of twin waterfalls plunging into a crystal-clear plunge pool surrounded by lush monsoon forest. This area is popular for swimming and picnicking, offering an inviting start or end to the hike.
As the hike begins, the trail winds through the dense monsoon forest, providing a shaded and cool environment. The lush greenery and the sound of cascading water create a serene atmosphere, making this section particularly enjoyable. Hikers will traverse diverse habitats, including pockets of open savannah woodlands interspersed with rocky outcrops and creek crossings.
Moving away from Florence Falls, the terrain becomes more varied. The trail passes through grassy plains and eucalypt woodlands, characterised by undulating hills and sparse tree cover. This open landscape allows for expansive views of the surrounding area and an appreciation of the park's rugged beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including wallabies, various bird species, and occasionally reptiles that make this area their home.
Midway through the hike, hikers encounter a series of small creeks and rock formations, adding to the track’s diversity. These sections provide opportunities for rest and reflection, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The varied terrain, with its mix of gentle slopes and steeper sections, ensures a dynamic and engaging hiking experience.
Approaching Greenant Creek, the landscape transitions back into denser monsoon forest. The humidity and lush vegetation return, marking the final leg of the hike. Greenant Creek itself is known for its serene environment and the picturesque Tjaetaba Falls, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim and a rest after the hike. The shaded areas around the creek provide a peaceful retreat, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of Litchfield National Park.
Note: The length shown is based on recorded measurements and not the 22.5km length promoted by the Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory. There was a notable discrepancy, and it is safer to overstate rather than understate the distance.
Tips
- The best time to hike is during the dry season (May to October) to avoid extreme heat and heavy rainfall.
- Carry sufficient water as natural water sources may not be potable.
- Sturdy hiking boots are recommended due to the rocky and uneven terrain.
- Inform someone about your hiking plan and expected return time.
- Camping is only permitted in designated areas. If planning to camp, ensure to book designated camping spots ahead of time.
- Swim only in designated areas - heed all signs.
- Parks may close unexpectedly due to bushfires, flooding or park maintenance.
- Before you go, check if the park is open.
- Always check for any park alerts or permits required before starting your hike.
- Flying your drone - get a permit before you arrive.
Gallery
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 220 m
Min elevation: 48 m
Total climbing: 406 m
Total descent: -451 m
Content use
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide River, Batchelor, Berry Springs, Darwin, Howard Springs, Humpty Doo, Katherine, Pine Creek, Rum Jungle, Wangi Falls
Getting to the trailhead in Litchfield National Park.Reach the Florence Falls trailhead from Darwin with a scenic one-hour and fifty-minute drive. Head south on Stuart Highway until you see the turnoff for Batchelor Road. Follow this well-maintained road through Batchelor and Rum Jungle townships. Signs for Litchfield National Park will be visible along the way. Once you enter the park, continue following the sealed park road, and you’ll eventually find yourself on Florence Falls Road. This road leads directly to the carpark and trailhead for the Florence Falls walking track.
About the region
Litchfield National Park: A Natural Wonder of the Northern Territory. Litchfield National Park, encompassing roughly 1,500 square kilometres, is a jewel of the Northern Territory. This ancient landscape, shaped by water over millennia, boasts a captivating array of natural wonders. Cascading waterfalls tumble from the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range, forming crystal-clear pools ideal for swimming.
The park is significant to the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat, and Warray Aboriginal people, with their ancestral stories woven into the very fabric of the landscape. Visitors can explore shady monsoon forest walking trails, marvel at the unique magnetic termite mounds, or be awestruck by the weathered sandstone pillars of the Lost City.
A Haven for Adventure: Litchfield National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you seek refreshment beneath cascading waterfalls, marvel at fascinating termite mounds, discover hidden waterholes, or challenge yourself on hiking trails, this park caters to all interests. Camping is the primary accommodation option within the park boundaries, but various lodges and resorts are located nearby for those seeking different comforts. Even a well-planned day trip can allow visitors to experience the park's highlights.
History and Accessibility: The park's name honours Frederick Henry Litchfield, a member of the Finniss Expedition, the first European encounter with this region. Extensive mining for tin and copper dominated the area from the late 1800s until the mid-20th century. Declared a national park in 1986, Litchfield has become a haven for nature lovers.
While a sealed road connects the park's major attractions, a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to access The Lost City, Homestead, Central Valley, and the Reynolds River Track. During the dry season, this track allows experienced drivers to reach the Daly River Road. Renting a vehicle? Confirm if it's permitted on unsealed roads.
Accessibility is twofold. The park can be reached via the southern entrance near Batchelor or the northern entrance along Peninsula Way, forming the Litchfield Loop. This loop integrates the park with the Cox Peninsula, creating a more extensive sightseeing experience.
A Local Favourite: Litchfield National Park's pristine swimming holes and scenic walking tracks make it a cherished destination for Darwin residents. Basic amenities like meals and refreshments are available near Wangi Falls, while various accommodation options cater to different budgets and preferences, including campsites, cabins, and caravan parks within or near the park, and lodging options in the nearby township of Batchelor.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Litchfield National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.