Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a moderate 3.4km return journey to Tjaynera Falls in Litchfield National Park with the Sandy Creek walking track. This Grade 3 trail showcases stunning views of lush cycad palm hillsides, leading to a serene plunge pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Requiring a four-wheel drive for access, this secluded oasis close to Darwin offers a tranquil hiking experience with a historic touch, taking you past the mid-1900s timber cutting camp carpark and Blyth Homestead. A true bushwalker's delight, remember to respect the deeper, culturally significant waters downstream.

Length:

3.4km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 84m

Min elevation: 48m

Total Ascent: 58m

Start: Tjaynera Falls Carpark

End: Tjaynera Falls Carpark

Litchfield National Park

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Batchelor

From state capital: 166km

Latitude: -13.250125241946908

Longitude: 130.7452762126923

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Hike overview

The Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) walking track is a scenic 3.4km return journey within Litchfield National Park. Rated as grade 3 with some steeper sections, the hike is suitable for most walkers and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete.

The path begins at the Tjaynera Falls carpark. The track winds alongside the creek, offering glimpses of a hillside rich with cycad palms before reaching a refreshing plunge pool at its conclusion. While swimming is permitted in the pool, be aware that the deeper sections downstream are culturally significant and off-limits for swimming.

This secluded oasis is located approximately 90 kilometres south of Darwin. The carpark itself holds a piece of local history, having served as a timber cutting camp in the mid-1900s. The 1.4km walk through the open valley, lined with paperbark trees, leads to the base of the falls and its inviting plunge pool. Here, you can appreciate the surrounding landscape, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply relax by the clear waters.

A unique feature of Tjaynera Falls is its accessibility. Unlike many other waterholes in the park, reaching this one requires a four-wheel drive vehicle, limiting visitor numbers. Additionally, the campground facilities make it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway immersed in nature. The falls are situated 1.7 kilometres south of Blyth Homestead, a historic structure that serves as a reminder of the challenging lives of early pioneers in the region.

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Walk map and GPX file

Tjaynera - Sandy Creek Walk (3.4km)

Total distance: 3221 m
Max elevation: 84 m
Min elevation: 48 m
Total climbing: 58 m
Total descent: -58 m

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.

Travelling by car, Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) is located within Litchfield National Park, roughly 90 kilometres south of Darwin. From Darwin, head south on the Stuart Highway until you reach the turnoff for Batchelor Road. Follow the Litchfield National Park signs through Batchelor and Rum Jungle. Continue on until you reach Wangi Falls. From Wangi Falls, take the turnoff onto the Reynolds River track. This track is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. The Tjaynera Falls carpark and campground lie 1.7 kilometres south of Blyth Homestead along the Reynolds River track.

Get there with Google Maps

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 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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

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Tjaynera - Sandy Creek Walk (3.4km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Tjaynera - Sandy Creek Walk (3.4km)