Litchfield National Park

A 1,500-square-kilometre sandstone plateau a hundred kilometres south of Darwin, dropping to a chain of waterfalls and clear plunge pools along its edge. Wangi, Florence, Tolmer and Tjaynera Falls; Buley Rockhole's series of stepped pools; and the magnetic termite mounds aligned north-to-south along the edge of the floodplain. Sealed-road access through the entire park via Litchfield Park Road. Most plunge pools close to swimming through the Wet Season for crocodile management. Generally accessible year-round.

An NT Parks Visitor Pass is required. Swim only in the designated areas — rangers monitor them, and after the wet season each is surveyed for saltwater crocodiles before it reopens. Through the monsoon months, roughly October to April, many sites close for flooded roads, flash flooding and the chance of saltwater crocodiles moving in, so check closures before you drive out. High-clearance 4WD is needed for the southern campgrounds and tracks. Conditions change fast in storms: if it doesn't feel safe, don't swim.