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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Tolmer Falls#
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.
January
January is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (321 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (377 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (318 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is the hottest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is hot with highs of 33°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (267 mm).