Exploring Litchfield NP & Douglas River hot springs..........

Litchfield National Park

This was the kids and my second visit to Litchfield NP and Douglas River Hot Springs after we parted company with Jodes for 12 days following Pat’s passing. This meant mum had the benefit of us finding the best spot to camp. As Litchfield is so close to Darwin with most of it accessible in a 2WD it is extremely popular with locals and grey nomads alike. For this reason we based ourselves at Tjaynera Falls (sandy Creek). This is accessed via a 4WD track which has quite a deep (500mm) and long river crossing to access some great camp spots.

We based ourselves here and explored Litchfield from Sandy Creek. The walk into the creek was about 1.8 k’s from the camp spot. I personally think it was one of the most beautiful water holes in Litchfield NP. Now don’t get me wrong they are all easy on the eye, but this one had some fun jump off rocks into a very deep sandy bottomed pool……made for the Hopkins water babies. On one of our last visits we did find a “freshie” tucked up in under the bank under water. They really are timid but anything over 1.5 metres is not to be messed with…not that most people need telling!

We spent 7 nights camping at Sandy Creek and spent our time exploring all the rock holes, walks, 4x4 exploring and learning more about the termites of the top end. I hope you enjoy the following images……

Wangi Falls & plunge pool with images from the falls circular walk…….

The following are images from various wanderings into the Lost City, Buley rock holes and finding the Magnetic termite mounds after crossing the Reynolds River……

The following are shots from our chosen base camp at Sandy Creek. I think my kids may develop gills by the end of our journey…….

Douglas River Hot Springs & Butterfly Gorge…….

“A place for travellers” as the Wagiman people suggest is actually a sacred site of significance for female Aboriginal ceremonies. This section of the Douglas River is home to some very warm water which mixes with the flow of the Douglas to create the most natural hot spring experience of all temperatures to suit your desires. I witnessed a thermometer registering 57 degrees Celsius where the water was bubbling up from the rocks.

Watching sun up immersed in a sand bottomed crystal clear pool amongst the weeping pandanis, with steam rising is relaxing as it is spiritual. A perfect spot for Jodee to reflect on her mum’s passing and re-join her family on our journey. The images below really do not do it justice; a special place……..

Butterfly Gorge…….

As mentioned earlier we had two visits to Butterfly Gorge as well. The first time with the Taylors and the second with a couple from Victoria we met. The gorge is a 17 KM 4WD to a park where the walk into the gorge is an additional 3 k’s. Now following some discussion with people prior to getting there I knew there was a swim into another hidden gorge with cascading plunge pools.

Even though there are signs indicating the area is croc managed and it is safe to swim the swim to the “hidden gorge” is quite long and the water murky! It is however well worth the adventure which I always love. The top pool is a stunning colour and surrounded by limestone rock formations, precariously balancing like Mother Nature has played “Tetris” 

We are now off to the Flora Nature Reserve, Gregory NP and onto the Keep River NP before bidding farewell to the mighty “Top End” Cheers Hoppo- Hopkinsgowalkabout 2014