Exploring Litchfield National Park with an Aboriginal guide

A good mate of mine recently took a guided Aboriginal tour into Litchfield National Park, and the way he told it, the experience was something special. He’d been to Litchfield before, but never like this.

He left Darwin before dawn, cruising south on the Stuart Highway with the windows down and red dirt already dusting the windscreen. It’s about a 90-minute drive, but he took it slow—pulling over for the occasional animal on the road and to grab a coffee at Berry Springs. The early morning light made the Northern Territory landscape feel alive, and he reckoned this trip was going to be different.

Meeting the Aboriginal guide and hearing stories of Country

He met his Aboriginal guide—Thomas, a proud Kungarakan man—at the entrance to the park. Straight off, Thomas welcomed him to Country with warmth and humour, setting the tone for what turned out to be not just a bushwalk but a cultural deep dive.

Thomas shared stories passed down through generations—creation tales tied to the land and waterholes they were about to visit. Every stop had meaning beyond the beauty, which made him see the landscape in a whole new way.

Exploring Litchfield’s hidden gems through Indigenous eyes

The tour started at Florence Falls, where Thomas explained the spiritual significance of the area. While other tour groups swam, my mate sat quietly on the rocks above, listening to a Dreamtime story tied to the falls. Later, they ventured to Buley Rockhole, but instead of just hopping in for a dip, Thomas pointed out native plants used for food and medicine—things most folks would walk past without a second glance. His deep knowledge of bush tucker and land management revealed the brilliance of Aboriginal culture.

One of the highlights, he said, was walking through the lesser-known parts of the park, far from the busy plunge pools. There, Thomas told them were ancient spear sharpening grooves etched into stone. It was a calm moment, quiet, and deeply respectful of the land—a world away from the tourist buses.

Why an Aboriginal guided tour changed his perspective

This wasn’t just another trip to a beautiful national park, he reckoned. It was a reframing. Travelling with an Aboriginal guide didn’t just add meaning—it brought the place to life in a way no brochure or signpost ever could. It also helped him realise just how much he didn’t know.

The Northern Territory had always been about landscapes for him, but this trip reminded him that stories and people are just as much part of that landscape.

Verdict

Taking an Aboriginal guided tour into Litchfield National Park turned out to be one of the most enriching travel experiences my friend has had in the Northern Territory.

The drive from Darwin was easy and enjoyable, but it was the personal stories and cultural context from the guide that truly made this journey stand out. If you’re planning a trip to Litchfield, don’t just go to see the waterfalls—go to understand the Country. It’s well worth the extra effort.

Practical Information

  • Getting there: Litchfield is around 120km from Darwin; take the Stuart Highway south, then follow signs to Batchelor.
  • Best time to visit: Dry season (May to October) for easy access and clear skies.
  • Tour tip: Book Aboriginal-guided tours in advance, especially in peak season.
  • Dress code: Lightweight clothes, hat, swimmers, and hiking sandals.
  • Safety: Bring plenty of water, be croc-aware, and follow the guide’s instructions.

More information