Tabletop for waterfalls

Litchfield National Park, 100 kilometres south of Darwin, is an accessible and spectacular expanse that attracts families at weekends. Some 30 times smaller than the more famous Kakadu National Park to the east, Litchfield packs plenty into its 650 square kilometres.

The park encompasses most of the Tabletop Range, a sandstone plateau from which four waterfalls tumble into the lowlands. Each fall irrigates its own surrounding patch of rainforest, with scenically delightful effect. Wangi Falls, flowing year round, is Litchfields most popular. The waterfall empties into a large swimming hole (Litchfield is free of crocodiles) with a picnic area and kiosk located nearby and a three-kilometre walking trail through rainforest to the top of the falls.

Dont miss the local magnetic termite mounds: thousands of red-earth termite colonies up to two metres high, their thin edges pointing north-south while their broad sides align east-west. The termites dont use a compass, but their temperature-control plan ensures only the smallest area is exposed to the sun.

Other local attractions include Florence Falls, a spectacular double waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool where you can swim, and the Lost City, a natural sandstone complex evoking the ruins of a long-forgotten civilisation. Youll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach Lost City. Buley Rockhole, Tjederba Falls and Batchelor Butterfly Farm at nearby Batchelor township are other pleasant local spots.