Current trail weather

25° Mainly clear

Forecast

Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park

Florence Falls is one of the most popular short walks and swimming spots in Litchfield National Park, around 90 minutes south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The walk leads to a beautiful plunge pool beneath two waterfalls, surrounded by monsoon forest, red rock cliffs and the sounds of Florence Creek.

The quickest route to the falls starts from the Florence Falls car park and heads past the lookout before descending 160 stairs into the gorge. From the lookout, you get a great view over the twin waterfalls and the plunge pool below. The stairs make the walk down straightforward, but the climb back up can be tiring in the heat, so take your time and carry water.

For a more scenic option, follow the Shady Creek Walk to or from the plunge pool. This 1 km one-way track passes through a mix of monsoon forest and open woodland, offering a gentler and more interesting alternative to simply returning via the stairs. Many visitors choose to walk down the stairs, swim at the plunge pool, then return via Shady Creek.

The highlight of the walk is the Florence Falls plunge pool, where clear water gathers beneath the falls. It is a popular place for swimming, especially during the dry season, and it can become busy during weekends, holidays and the middle of the day. Arriving early gives you the best chance of a quieter visit and cooler walking conditions.

Although the walk is short, conditions in Litchfield National Park can be hot and exposed. Wear sturdy shoes, bring drinking water, use sun protection and take care on wet rocks around the creek and pool. Swimming conditions can change, and some areas may close after heavy rain or during the wet season, so always follow signs and check current park alerts before visiting.

Facilities at Florence Falls include parking, toilets and picnic areas, with space for larger vehicles and caravans. Nearby camping is available at Florence Falls 2WD and Old 4WD campgrounds, but bookings are required and must be made online before visiting. Visitors to Litchfield National Park also need an NT Parks Visitor Pass unless exempt.

For those wanting to extend the walk, the Florence Creek walk links Florence Falls with Buley Rockhole. This 3.2 km walk takes around 1.5 hours and follows Florence Creek between two of Litchfield National Park’s best-loved swimming spots.

With a short walk, a dramatic lookout, a beautiful swimming hole and the option to add the Shady Creek or Florence Creek tracks, Florence Falls is one of the best easy waterfall walks near Darwin.

Trail discussion

No discussions yet for this walk.