What you'll do
Day 1
Day 1: Darwin to Wangi Falls – Coffee, Springs & Giant Termites
Today is all about easing into the NT rhythm - think coastal coffee, warm natural springs, and some of the most unique landscapes in the Top End as you cruise from Darwin to Litchfield.
Stop 1: Coffee at Casuarina Beach (25 min drive from Darwin CBD)
Start your morning like a local with a beachside cuppa from De La Plage Café. Casuarina’s a classic Darwin spot - great for a slow walk, sunrise, and a salty breeze before hitting the road.
Stop 2: Berry Springs Nature Park (45 min drive from Casuarina)
Next stop: your first swim of the trip. Berry Springs is a tropical oasis with warm, crystal-clear pools perfect for floating under the trees. It’s popular for good reason - get here early to beat the crowds.
Stop 3: Magnetic Termite Mounds (55 min drive from Berry Springs)
On your way into Litchfield National Park, pull over to check out the Magnetic Termite Mounds. These eerie, tombstone-like structures are naturally aligned with the earth’s magnetic field — they’re weird and wonderful.
Stop 4: Wangi Falls (15 min drive from Termite Mounds)
End the day at Wangi Falls. It’s a classic NT swim spot with a short walk, epic falls, and shaded picnic areas. Set up camp here for the night — sunset at Wangi is something else.
Tomorrow, get ready to chase waterfalls and swim in natural rock pools all day long!
Casuarina Beach - Where we base in Darwin
beach
From sunrise strolls, to beachfront coffee, to sunset sips
Casuarina Beach is our favourite spot to base when in Darwin; it feels like your own personal paradise.
We'd start our day with a sunrise stroll along the beach - watching the first light paint the sky in soft hues - so magic!
Then we'd do a little workout on the lawn by the surf club, have a shallow (watch out for crocs!!) dip and quick outdoor shower, before heading over to De La Plage for a morning coffee, where I'd set up my laptop and work for a bit. This has to be my favourite cafe in Darwin - right on the beachfront!
In the evenings, Casuarina transforms into a local social haven. You can grab a drink from the Surf Club bar while watching the sunset turn the sky into a breathtaking canvas of colours!
Berry Springs - Free hot spring!!
Hot Spring
Try get there early, it gets busy!
Berry Springs is such a lovely local gem - free entry, warm water, and surrounded by lush bushland, it’s the kind of spot you stumble across and instantly feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. The springs themselves are super cruisy for a swim, and if you wander a bit upstream, there are little waterfalls and shaded spots that feel like your own private oasis.
It does get pretty popular, especially on weekends, so if you’re not keen on sharing the serenity with the whole of Darwin, get there early in the morning—you’ll have the water mostly to yourself and it’s even more peaceful.
There’s a grassy area for picnics, BBQs, and some basic facilities, but sadly, it’s not pet-friendly—so the fur babies will have to sit this one out. Still, for a free swim in crystal-clear, naturally warm water, you’d be mad not to stop in if you’re in the Top End.
Wangi Falls - Fav waterfall in Litchfield
Waterfall
Cascading falls into pristine natural pool
Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park is hands-down my fave waterfall to visit and swim in – it’s an absolute ripper. The main plunge pool is unreal, but the best bit? Swimming right up to the rockpool within the waterfall itself. It’s just magic being surrounded by cascading water and lush greenery – proper tropical vibes.
If you’re up for a bit of exploring, there are some fab walking tracks around the falls. The Wangi Falls Walk is a loop that takes you up through the monsoon forest and over the escarpment for some cracking views. It’s only about 1.6 km and takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how often you stop for photos (which will be a lot, trust me).
The falls are usually open for swimming, but check conditions when you arrive, as sometimes they’re closed due to crocodiles – yikes! And sorry, pet lovers, this one’s a no-go for your furry mates.
Wangi Falls has a great picnic area, so pack some lunch and make a day of it. There’s even a café nearby if you fancy a coffee or snack. It’s an absolute must-visit if you’re in Litchfield – you’ll be raving about it for ages!