Litchfield National park

We weren't planning to visit Litchfield,  but time after time people had been surprised that we weren't going and told us that it's a "must see" and that we'd regret missing it.  After a while we took note and changed our (very flexible) itinerary.
We camped in the National park,  at Wangi Falls. First impressions were underwhelming. The drive through the park was through savannah woodland - sparse shrubby forest which was not visually interesting,  other than hundreds of enormous termite mounds.

Our five minute walk to the waterfall very quickly changed our minds, however. The waterhole was a lush oasis complete with twin waterfalls and spectacularly beautiful.

Wangi Falls

The following morning we went for a swim in the waterhole. Mats and the kids swam over to the falls while Stella and I played near the steps.

Later in the day we drove to Tolmer Falls lookout. The falls themselves were beautiful,  although completely inaccessible,  but most interesting was the striking rock formations - Mats and I thought they looked like ruined Cambodian temples,  while Freya was adamant that they were actually princess's castles. Unfortunately I didn't get any good photos. 

Tolmer Falls 

Our next stop was Buley Rockholes.  The river cascades down a rocky slope in a series of rapids and small waterfalls,  creating small rock pools at each level.  These water holes range in size from barely big enough for one person,  to several metres across. Some were ankle deep,  while others deep enough to dive in.  We stayed at the upper end where the pools were smaller and very shallow and the kids had a marvellous time scrambling over the rocks and playing in the water.

The following morning we returned to Buley and explored the lower levels. After a quick swim we drove up the road to Florence Falls. 

The walk from the car park to the falls is a steep descent,  involving 135 steps.  It was another very hot day,  so we were more than ready to swim when we finally reached the falls.  The waterhole was smaller than Wangi,  with more water in the falls,  and lush tropical rainforest at the base.  It really was paradise! Despite the water being rather chilly,  we all  swam to the waterfall. Quite a feat since the power of the water was pushing you back to shore! Rather than walk back up the steps,  we took the 1.5km Shady Creek bushwalk,  which was beautiful. 

As you may have surmised,  we are VERY happy that we heeded advice and took the detour to Litchfield. The hidden oases were absolutely stunning and the swimming a welcome relief from the heat. 

Keep River National Park - our last stop in the Northern Territory