We were glad we decided to spend a couple of days at Litchfield NP rather than doing it as day trip from Darwin, as there was quite a lot to see. Multiple water falls, all of which had water, which is surprising as we are deep into the dry season here in the top end. They must be spectacular in the wet season! A lot of them had safe (that is, crocodile free) swimming holes, either above the falls or in the 'plunge pool' at the base of the falls, but not being swimming people we didn't go in. We were one of the only tourists who didn't though, it was a very popular option. We did do quite a few walks, around not only various water falls but also an old tin mine. There is probably tin still in the ground there, but the conditions are so tough during the wet season that it was abandoned after 10 years. It didn't help that the 3 owners of the mine all died of silicosis....Another of the attractions here is the 'magnetic' termite mounds. These are flat instead of the usual 'cathedral' mounds, and are all lined up in the same direction. Scientists are still speculating why, but the most popular theory at the moment is to give them maximum drying time during the wet season, as they occur on flood plains and are oriented to get maximum afternoon sun.
Termites weren't the only wild life we came across, one of our walks was through a fruit bat roosting area (photo above), the noise was deafening as they squabbled and bickered, heaven knows how any of them get any sleep. The smell wasn't a lot better either!
As well as lots of walking we also did some off road driving, we were a bit worried when we came across the water shown in the photo below, but the Patrol motored through it without a problem.
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