Florence Falls – Camping in Litchfield National Park.

This was our second visit to Litchfield National Park; the first being when we were travelling around Australia in 2004/2005. On our last visit, we camped out at Wangi Falls. This time we chose to stay at the Florence Falls 2WD Camp Site. There were few options because all 4WD tracks and most campgrounds were closed due to the COVID pandemic. Although we could camp at Wangi Falls, it was closed to swimming. Be that as it may, we wanted to camp somewhere we hadn’t before, and Florence Falls 2WD Campsite did not disappoint.

Magnetic Termite Mounds

Our first stop was the Magnetic Termite Mounds. The magnetic termite mounds are up to 100 years old and very unique. In fact, they are only found in the northern parts of Australia and nowhere else in the world. What makes them so unique is that they are built all facing the exact same way. Their thin edges point north-south and wide backs facing east-west. The orientation of the termite mounds is a form of thermoregulation. Scientists believe that the blind worker termites have a built-in compass to help them build the perfectly orientated termite mounds.

Florence Falls 2WD Campsite

At Florence Falls there are designated campsites, some are smaller, but most are large. All campsites have a fire-pit. By the time we arrived at Florence Falls 2WD campsite and set up camp, it was time to get the fire going. The fire-pit, with hot-plate, made cooking dinner easy. Once Dwayne clean the hot plate he cooked up a couple of scotch fillet steaks and potatoes, I made a red wine jus and some vegetables. We enjoyed our steaks with a delicious red wine jus, and afterwards played cards. More about Florence Falls 2WD Campsite.

Some random waterhole

The walking trail to Florence Falls is not that far from the campsite. In fact, towards the furthermost end of the campground, there is a track that leads to the lookout. Near that lookout, there is a staircase of 135 stairs that lead to the waterfall. As we had yet to notice this track, we walked from the campsite back out along the road and to the Florence Falls Carpark. From there we began to follow the signs leading to Florence Falls. However, this time we didn’t reach Florence Falls as we stopped at the first pool we saw in the creek and decided to have a soak. We stayed there enjoying the refreshing water until it was time to go and check dinner, which was slow cooking in the camp oven.

Dinner that night was Slow Cooked Beef Cheek in Red Wine, check out our other website Gourmet from the Galley for the recipe… it is super tender and delicious!

Florence Falls

The next day we walked back through the Florence Falls car park and then along the track to Florence Falls. The trail meanders through the forest and across creeks. It is a pleasant walk, nothing too strenuous, however, there are steps and uneven ground. The scenery is beautiful, and along the way, there is interpretive signage that explains flora and fauna etc. it makes for an interesting walk.

A swim in the waterfall is refreshing. We were lucky enough to almost have it all to ourselves – we visited midweek, just after it reopened during COVID pandemic. It was so enjoyable in fact, we found the short way in, down the stairs, and went back for a long soak that afternoon.

From the Florence Falls car park, you can also follow signs for the Buley Rockhole, and Shady Creek walks.

Bachelor

That night an uncommon cold snap arrived. It rained through the night, and the next day the sky was cloudy and the day cooler. It was time for us to think about where our next camp would be. Because of the COVID pandemic closures, choosing where to camp on our road-trip from Darwin to Adelaide was not as simple as picking a campsite and saying ‘we’ll stay there’. We had to see what campgrounds were open, so after lunch we drove out to Bachelor (about 40km) where we could get internet reception on our phone.

It is worth taking note that Bachelor has a general store with a good range of products, including camping gear. We found a park with picnic tables and set to work on the computer looking at our options for our next stop. If you find you have forgotten something you can pop out there and see if they have it. While we were in Bachelor, we grabbed some ice and topped up our fuel. Ready to head off the next morning. We had picked a place not too far from where we were… this is going to be a long trip LOL.