Tolmer Falls

Waterfall Scenic plunge waterfall within Litchfield National Park

Tolmer Falls in Litchfield National Park drops into a shaded plunge pool accessed by a short walk; visitors come for birdwatching, short hikes, and wet-season views of cascading water.

Main image

Tolmer Falls is a waterfall on Tolmer Creek within Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is a notable scenic feature of the park and is visited for its sandstone gorge and lookout platforms.

Short, formed walking tracks lead to viewing platforms that look into the deep gorge and the waterfall plunge. A higher, easily accessible lookout provides panoramic views while a steeper path leads to a lower vantage point closer to the pool below. Flow and visual impact vary strongly between the wet and dry seasons.

The falls and the surrounding gorge were shaped by long-term erosion of sandstone by Tolmer Creek. The site has long been used as a scenic and natural interest point within Litchfield National Park and is managed for both visitor access and wildlife protection.

The falls sit inside Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory, south of Darwin, on Tolmer Creek in a rugged sandstone landscape. The site is reached by sealed and unsealed park roads with a designated car park and short walking tracks to the lookouts.

  • Seasonal flow: Often wetter and more dramatic during the Northern Territory wet season from November to April, while flows can be reduced in the dry months.
  • Wildlife sensitivity: A known roosting site for bat colonies in surrounding caves and overhangs; some areas can be closed to protect wildlife at times.

What to See #

  • Upper lookout: Located at the top of the falls, reached by a short walk from the car park, this platform gives the most direct view into the sandstone gorge and the main plunge.
  • Lower lookout: A lower viewing area accessed by a steeper track gives a closer perspective on the plunge pool and the rock walls below the falls.
Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
-13.2055, 130.7147
Free (park entry fees to Litchfield National Park may apply)

How to Get to Tolmer Falls #

Tolmer Falls is within Litchfield National Park, about 100-130 km southwest of Darwin by road (rough driving time ~1.5-2 hours). From the park’s main access roads, follow the signed turnoffs to the Tolmer Falls carpark and visitor area; the main lookout is a short walk from the carpark. Check NT Parks updates for road conditions.

Tips for Visiting Tolmer Falls #

  • Go early morning to catch sunlight spilling into the gorge and to avoid tropical heat later in the day.
  • The main lookout is reached by a short, well-maintained walk - bring a hat and insect repellent for the shady trails.
  • Combine a visit to Tolmer with nearby Florence Falls and Walker Creek for a full day route through Litchfield National Park.

Best Time to Visit Tolmer Falls #

The dry season (May-September) is the best time for reliable access, cool mornings and safe trails.

Dry season
May-September · 20-30°C
Ideal conditions: clear skies, accessible roads, comfortable walking temperatures.
Wet season
November-March · 25-35°C
Heavy rains can close roads and make tracks slippery; waterfalls are dramatic but access may be restricted.
Shoulder months
April, October · 22-33°C
Transitional weather; some rain possible but generally quieter than mid-dry season.

Weather & Climate near Tolmer Falls #

Climate

Tolmer Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in November) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 16°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1613 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (321 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

321 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (377 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

377 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (318 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
23° 32°

Weather

318 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
22° 34°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
19° 33°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
17° 31°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
16° 31°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
17° 33°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
20° 35°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
23° 35°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is the hottest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
23° 35°

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is hot with highs of 33°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (267 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
24° 33°

Weather

267 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

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