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Wangi FallsLitchfield National Park, Northern Territory
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My first reaction to Wangi Falls was wow and after swimming in the crystal clear water against the backdrop
of these magnificent waterfalls, my impression has not changed: when it is open, this is the best swimming hole in Australia.
There is so much to like: it is clean, the water is clear, it is big, it is picturesque, there are no underwater
obstacles, entry to the water is safe and easy, the air temperature is consistently hot and it has good
facilities.
Above: In and under the water at Wangi Falls
(Order this image)
The swimming area is well signposted with a diagram of how the water depth changes across the pool. If you study the diagram, you can walk out to the middle of the pool without going out of your depth.
The falls themselves are powerful and you can get sucked into an undercurrent of cold water if you get too close or you can be knocked out by the torrent of water.
Heed the warning signs about this at the pool.
At any time of the day there will generally be other swimmers enjoying a dip or taking a rest on the
seats provided near the entry steps. The site is big enough to cope with the arrival of tourist buses without
spoiling the serenity. If you have not been, put it on your bucket list.
View Larger Map
Above: In and under the water at Wangi Falls
(Order this image)
The swimming area is well signposted with a diagram of how the water depth changes across the pool. If you study the diagram, you can walk out to the middle of the pool without going out of your depth.
The falls themselves are powerful and you can get sucked into an undercurrent of cold water if you get too close or you can be knocked out by the torrent of water.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Wangi Falls Rd, Litchfield National Park, 165 km (approx. 2 hr 45 min drive) south of the Darwin city centre
Latitude:-13.163532 Longitude:130.684347
Getting there: From Darwin take the Stuart Hwy southwards and turn off at the signs to Litchfield National Park (via Batchelor). The turnoff to Wangi Falls is well signposted.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, campground, scenic lookout, public telephone, emergency phone, visitor centre, kiosk
Entrance fee: None for Northern Territory residents. A park pass is required for swimming from 2023 for visitors from outside of the Northern Territory.
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand and gravel with isolated bedrock
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum suggested swimming proficiency: Beginners (during the dry season). Note that there is no beach entry to the water.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No swimming during the wet season, no pets, no generators, no glass containers within 10 m of the water, no feeding of native animals, no nets, no traps, no firearms, light fires only in fireplaces provided, no soaps or detergents in or near waterways, stay on marked roads and tracks.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets. Apart from the last few steps into the water, the site is wheelchair accessible.
Managing authority: NT Parks and Wildlife Service
Nearby attractions: The Cascades is around the corner
Before you head out, make sure to read the
swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Specific to Litchfield National Park, the managing authority warns of the presence of scrub typhus, which is caused by bites from a mite.
Precautions include wearing enclosed footwear, long trousers, insect repellent, camping away from dense forests, and using a
ground sheet when sitting or laying on the ground. Whilst this site is actively managed to prevent crocodiles from entering the swimming hole,
and many thousands of people swim here without incident, there have been occasional crocodile attacks here.
Latitude:-13.163532 Longitude:130.684347
Getting there: From Darwin take the Stuart Hwy southwards and turn off at the signs to Litchfield National Park (via Batchelor). The turnoff to Wangi Falls is well signposted.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, campground, scenic lookout, public telephone, emergency phone, visitor centre, kiosk
Entrance fee: None for Northern Territory residents. A park pass is required for swimming from 2023 for visitors from outside of the Northern Territory.
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand and gravel with isolated bedrock
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum suggested swimming proficiency: Beginners (during the dry season). Note that there is no beach entry to the water.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No swimming during the wet season, no pets, no generators, no glass containers within 10 m of the water, no feeding of native animals, no nets, no traps, no firearms, light fires only in fireplaces provided, no soaps or detergents in or near waterways, stay on marked roads and tracks.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets. Apart from the last few steps into the water, the site is wheelchair accessible.
Managing authority: NT Parks and Wildlife Service
Nearby attractions: The Cascades is around the corner
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the pool at the falls. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Comments:
If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below.
I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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