Wangi Falls, Northern Territory: Location, swimming & camping

Wangi Falls is arguably the star attraction in the Northern Territory’s Litchfield National Park. But the swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall is only open during the dry season due to crocodiles.

Where is Wangi Falls?

Wangi Falls is one of the highlights of Litchfield National Park near Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory. There are several waterfalls within the national park – including the equally famous Florence Falls. But Wangi Falls is one of the easiest to access and arguably the most visually spectacular.

Darwin to Wangi Falls

By car, the distance from Darwin to Wangi Falls is 130km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 33 minutes.

If you’ve not got your own car, then there is no public transport option. The easiest way of getting from Darwin to Wangi Falls is on a day tour.

Almost all Litchfield National Park day tours stop at Wangi Falls. The main decision is whether to pick one that focuses on the national park itself or one that adds on an Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise.

Six amazing day trips from Darwin that will improve your visit

Litchfield National Park day tour – including jumping crocodile cruise. (💲 Great value 💲)
Tiwi Islands Indigenous cultural experience including ferry.
One day or four day Kakadu National Park tour.
Kakadu scenic flight – with gorges, waterfalls and epic floodplains. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full day Katherine day tour – including Katherine Gorge cruise.
Arnhem Land full day tour – with ancient rock art.

BOOK NOW, PAY LATER

Swimming at Wangi Falls

Wangi Falls is a multi-tiered cascading waterfall that plunges into a large pool at the bottom. This pool is one of the most famous swimming spots in the Northern Territory. It’s the most accessible swimming hole in Litchfield National Park, and you can swim right up to the waterfall itself.

It’s a short walk from the car park to the pool at Wangi Falls, and there’s a handrail leading into the water.

However, visitors should be aware that the water gets deep quickly, and that swimming is usually prohibited during the wet season.

Wangi Falls crocodiles

Swimming is prohibited at Wangi Falls during the wet season because saltwater crocodiles are known to move into the pool during floods. Traps are set by park rangers and the pool is only reopened for swimming once they are certain the salties have gone.

However, the much less dangerous freshwater crocodiles can be found in the Wangi Falls pool year-round.

7 great Darwin experiences to book before arriving

Swim face to face with an enormous crocodile in the Cage of Death.
Enjoy the romance of Darwin Harbour on a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch.
Explore Darwin’s food and art scenes on a 3.5 hour walking tour – with lunch or dinner included.
Flit between Darwin’s top attractions with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Combine a wildlife tour with the famous jumping crocodiles cruise.
Get a history fix on a Bombing of Darwin WWII tour and harbour cruise.
Get the adrenalin pumping on a high speed airboat or jetski tour.

Wangi Falls facilities

There is also a campground at Wangi Falls. You can camp here while walking the multi-day Tabletop Track through the national park. If choosing to camp in Litchfield, you need to book online.

There is also a small, fairly basic café at Wangi Falls.

Other attractions in Litchfield National Park include the Buley Rockhole, Tolmer Falls and the magnetic termite mounds.