Located deep in the heart of Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia, surrounded by a remote pocket of thick monsoonal rainforest and the ancient landscape of wild, rugged cliffs, Florence Falls, also commonly known as ‘Karrimurra’ in the local indigenous language, is a spectacular double waterfall on the Florence Creek found near the northern boundary. Descending from a significant 64-metre elevation above sea level through a series of segmented tiers between 9.8–15 metres high, this magnificent waterfall flows all year round. It cascades into a pristine, crystal-clear plunge pool below.
How to get to Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park?
A magical place, approximately 120kms south of Darwin, Florence Falls is perhaps one of the park’s most iconic features. To get to Florence Falls within Litchfield National Park, you will need to hire a car, or you may wish to consider a Litchfield National Park day tour.
What can you see and do at Florence Falls?
The panoramic views of the open valley gorge from the scenic lookout platform, only a short 3-minute stroll from the car park, allow you to experience and observe the distinct contrast and intersection of where the wet monsoonal rainforest meets the dry sandstone plateau and snap up a perfect photo opportunity of the thunderous waterfall below.
Wildlife you can see at Florence Falls
The porous rocks of the tabletop plateaus absorb the heavy rains during the wet season and percolate as springs throughout the Dry Season which allow the falls to flow abundantly all year round and provides a sanctuary for hundreds of different species of Australian wildlife, including; wallabies, sugar gliders, quolls and flying foxes not to mention the hundreds of various native Australian bird species and the famous dragon-like water monitors which can be spotted soaking up the sunshine on the rocks.
Walking Trails
Florence Falls swimming holes
Florence Falls is also a perfect place to stop and refuel on your adventures after a hot day of exploring. If you’re an active traveller, we recommend following the track around the gorge’s rim or descending the 160 stairs to the valley floor below, where you can bask beneath the glorious cascading mists or cool off from the hot tropical weather with a swim. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear plunge pools or bliss out as you bask in the beauty and tune in to the natural symphony of running water. The waterhole is both shallow in some spots and deep in others. Still, you’ll also be relieved to know that the fall’s isolation means they’re entirely crocodile-free waters, so take along your swimmers and bring a towel to make the most of the experience. Several designated picnic areas include barbecues and tables where you can cook up a feed or enjoy a picnic lunch.
What else is worth seeing near Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park?
Whilst visiting Florence Falls, it’s also worth checking out some of the other magnificent natural splendours that are within a stone’s throw of the falls, including the larger waterhole of ‘Wangi Falls’ (also a double waterfall great for swimming) or the picturesque three-tiered pools, natural spas and whirlpools of Buley Rockhole. While you’re here, you can also discover some of the largest and the highest concentration of magnetic termite mounds in the Top End and explore historic ruins dating back to the pioneering days located nearby at Blyth Homestead and Bamboo Creek. Booking one of our Darwin tours is a great way to see all of this.
FAQ
Why is Florence Falls a popular attraction in Litchfield National Park?
Florence Falls is a year-round double waterfall set in lush rainforest, offering scenic lookouts, swimming holes, and picnic spots.
How can I get to Florence Falls from Darwin?
Is swimming safe at Florence Falls?
Yes, the plunge pools are crystal clear and crocodile-free, making them a safe and refreshing place to swim.
