This seasonal guide to waterfalls in the Northern Territory recommends the best time of year and the
best time of day to visit each waterfall using hydrologic knowledge to get the most out of your visit.
It ensures you have the best chance of seeing water flowing over the falls in full sun.
Compiled by hydrologist Brad Neal, the guide also includes information about
how to get there, facilities available, viewing angles, waterfall dimensions, swimming
opportunities, a photo/video and my personal impressions. This website only includes
waterfalls that I have personally visited and photographed, which in the Northern Territory at the current time consists
of waterfalls within Litchfield National Park, south of Darwin.
Select Your Waterfall:
Click on each waterfall title or picture to find your next day trip, holiday destination, bushwalk, photo shoot or
picnic location.
Wangi Falls is the jewel in the crown of Litchfield National Park.
The falls are strong and powerful, and are framed by a large, clear, deep pool that is great for floating around in too. A new
tourist centre has just been built at the site…
There are plenty of ways to view Florence Falls. From the distance, up on the platforms,
on the walking track, or poolside at the base of the falls. Be prepared for plenty of steps whichever
way you come, and look out for the inquisitive barramundi…
Buley Rockhole is a series of cascades interspersed with flat rock shelves over
a length of around 30 metres. There are actually several rockholes within the rock
shelves and most are surprisingly deep. Crawl or walk to explore each and every cascade…
A little more effort to reach, the Cascades is a wide rock lava flow of around 200 metres in length,
over which a local stream trickles. Bring a sunhat for the walk through the bush to get there, as the heat across the plains
can be sapping…
If you are planning a visit to the Northern Territory from interstate or overseas, be mindful of the variable topography and climate.
Waterfalls in the Northern Territory are mostly located along escarpments in the northern half of the territory.
In the southern half, rainfall is too low and unreliable, and the country is generally flat. Waterfalls in tropical northern Australia
will be flowing at their most ferocious in the wet season (roughly Nov-Apr), but access to many waterfalls at this time is not possible
due to flooding and wet unsealed roads. The first few months of the dry season (i.e. the first half of the May-Oct period) waterfalls
will still be flowing but you will also have road access. Late in the dry season, some waterfalls in the tropics dry up.
