| Blyth Homestead
Ruins : Blyth Homestead is one of few existing examples of buildings that
were formerly common on NT pastoral leases. The homesteads' construction is cypress
pine held together by heavy gauge wire and covered with sheets of corrugated iron.
Established in 1929, This
home was eventually sold by the second owners to the Territory Government to become
part of Litchfield National Park in 1985. Standing before the home, you can appreciate
the tough conditions faced by the pioneers in remote areas. It is amazing that
this home was lived in until 1985. A
worthwhile detour if you are exploring the southern part of the park by 4WD. Buley
Rockhole : Buley Rockhole is a long series of cascading plunge pools and it
rivals Wangi falls as the most popular spot in the Park. Can get crowded but the
numbers are cleverly managed by the available parking. Signs advise "if the
car park is full please come back later. A walking trail from Buley Rockhole follows
Florence Creek to the top of the escarpment and on to Florence Falls. The walk
is 3.2km return and will take 1 hr excluding a swim. An easier way on a hot day
is to drive. Florence
Falls : Florence Falls is a spectacular waterfall with crystal clear pool
at the base of the falls. There is a specially constructed lookout with wheelchair
access offering excellent photo opportunities. A steep walking track leads down
to the swimming via a specially constructed stairway. For those that don't want
to walk to the base of the falls there are several small pools near the picnic
area. As with all waterfalls in the Top End be careful during the wet season because
strong undercurrents occur as large volumes of water flow. Greenant
Creek / Tjaetaba Falls : A 1.8km walking trail leads from the Greenant Creek
picnic area to Tjaetaba Falls. Easy walk through rainforest to another attractive
plunge pool. Typically uncrowded Magnetic
termite mounds : Reminiscent of a graveyard with 2m tall thin headstones these
formations are in fact magnetic termite mounds. The mounds are orientated in a
north- south direction so as to present the eastern and western faces of the mounds
to the morning and afternoon sun. The architecture presents a thin edge to the
midday sun, thus striving to keep the habitat at a termite-preferred 30°C.
As the morning or afternoon sun heats a side of the mound the termites move to
the other. You can feel the temperature difference. There is an informative bay
and boardwalk, which has been constructed to control access to tourists and therefore
protect the mounds. Pethericks
Rainforest Reserve : Pethericks Rainforest reserve is a small fee-hold forest
reserve, which actually lies outside the park. There are waterfalls, monsoon rainforest
and the wreckage of an old Spitfire. An entry fee is applicable but this is waived
if you camp there. The
Lost City : The Lost City is a natural formation, whose walls, narrow passages
and domes give the impression that they were man made. Accessible via a 8 km four-wheel-drive
track that becomes difficult as you approach the formation. Beyond the lost City
the road to Blyth Homestead is very difficult and should only be attempted by
experienced people with high clearance vehicles. Tjaynera
Falls : Accessible by 4wd only. The falls and plunge pool is accessible by
a 1.7-kilometre walk from the camping and parking area. The escarpment contains
a number of cascades, waterfalls and small pockets of rainforest. The plunge pool
would be as popular as Wangi if it was as accessible, but as a result it is relatively
uncrowded. A good alternative to the very popular Wangi Falls. Tolmer
Falls : Tolmer Falls can be seen from a specially constructed lookout easily
accessible from the main road. Set amongst imposing red cliffs, the falls feature
caves with hundreds of bats. To help protect these colonies, access to the falls
and gorge itself is closed. There is however a 1.5 km walking loop that includes
some attractive rock pools at the top of the falls. You are not permitted to swim
in the pools directly behind the falls but those further back up the creek are
fine. Wangi Falls:Wangi
Falls is arguably the most popular site in the Park and at times can get very
crowded. It features a large natural pool created by a tall waterfall, cascading
over red cliffs. Trees and fresh lawns fringe the entry to the plunge pool and
is a great spot for a picnic. Wangi also offers a picturesque walking trail which
leads from one side of the pool to the other via the top of the falls. This walk
has won national awards for its design concept and includes a boardwalk, carefully
constructed steps, and platforms to give visitors the best views. Despite signs
warning of the danger, a number of swimmers have recently perished at Wangi. High
volumes of water over the falls cause an undercurrent which can pull swimmers
under. The pool is closed in the Wet when these undertows develop.
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