It became clear very early that a day trip into Litchfield National park south of Darwin would only scratch the surface.  We started the day early and our first stop was to look at the Magnetic termite mounds at the enterance to the park.  Standing tall at around 2m, they are perfectly orientated north-south to ensure that they are temperature controlled and have least exposure to the hot sun. Mother nature certainly knows what she is doing!  We also get to stand next to some mighty catherdral termite mounds. 
The first 'water' stop was a series of cascading rockpools called Buley Rockhole. Boys keen to get wet we decided to jump back in the car and make our way to Florence falls. A magnificent lookout and then walk down to the base of the double waterfall. After being used to swimming in hot pools over the past few weeks the icy cold water at the bottom of the falls did take your breath away, but the swim out to the base of the falls was far too tempting! Thomas made it most of the way to the falls but the force behind the water as it tumbles over the rocks was just too strong. He did an almighty job already!
Back into the car and off for our next stop, lunch and more waterfalls! The Wangi falls were the busiest being the easiest to access but spectacular nonetheless. Thomas and Dean swam across the swimming hole and had a dip in the thermal pool that sat in the cliff face 2-3metres above the water. Combining Thomas's two favourite activities, swimming and climbing over rocks!!
While the 2 boys swam, Ben, Zoe and I watched a not very shy water monitor come out of the shallows, bathe in the sun and meander across the park. We explore the adjoining boardwalk and spot large orb spiders in their huge webs and spot bats hanging from surrounding trees as well as take many photos of the falls. With the water being very deep and the swimming hole very wide, Ben didn't feel confident of making the swim over to the falls so splashed around the platform, it was also still very cold in the water.
Our last stop was just outside of the National park and we were able to finish the day with a warm dip in Berry Springs. Another beautiful spring that even had some snorkeling over some rather large fish. We reluctantly pulled the kids out after only an hour and lamented the fact that we didn't have more time at each stop apart from the fact we skipped past many sights to see. Litchfield is a definite must!!!