Keen to know what creature from the animal kingdom Norther has lined up for you today? Come on, leeeet’s goooooo! This Christmas season, we’re continuing our festive Top End series with a creature that’s quick, clever, and always keeping you on your toes: the Water Monitor.
Found throughout Litchfield National Park—affectionately known as Litchy—these sleek reptiles add a dash of excitement to any NT adventure. From sunbaking on riverbanks to slipping silently through the water, the Water Monitor is a true explorer of the park, making it a fitting highlight for today’s Christmas feature.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Litchy? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
All About the Water Monitor
COMMON NAME: Mertens Water Monitor
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Varanus mertensi
TYPE: lizard
DIET: Frogs, fish, crabs, small birds, eggs and insects.
SIZE: Up to 1m
The Mertens Water Monitor also known as Varanus Mertensi loooooves being in the water. When you come to Litchfield National Park, be sure to not miss this awesome lizard! You can spot these magnificent creatures basking in the sun or swimming in many of Litchy’s small creeks. They are always exploring their surroundings, so keep your camera handy! Snap snap snap!
They have neutral, earthy colouration that is perfect for camouflaging from predators or prey. Which is sooo cool! You might even mistake them for a rock if you are not paying attention. Better keep your eyes peeled for these ones, ey! Their underparts are a pale yellowish colour with grey mottling on the throat. Varanus mertensi grows to about 1.0 m! WOOOW!
Where does the Mertens Water Monitor Lizard live?
This species of Water Monitor is endemic to Northern Australia, including our beloved Litchfield National Park, and is also found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the Gulf Country.
However, they are unfortunately threatened by the introduction of the toxic cane toad. Just one bite of a toad by a monitor will spell death for the lizard. Sadly, this beautiful reptile is considered an endangered species.
What do Water Monitor eat?
They eat any small creatures they can find in the water, such as frogs, fish, crabs and small mammals. They also like to forage on land for small birds, eggs and even insects.
Water Monitors are great swimmers and have a special valve in their nostrils that closes when they dive. Their nostrils are also on the top of their head, like a croc’s! When they feel threatened, they will slide into the water to seek refuge under logs and rocks. They can hold their breath underwater for an impressive 30 minutes.
Follow Us
Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following us on Instagram
Join our Newsletter List
Be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations.
All About Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park has been described as, “The never-ending road to perfect waterfalls and beautiful swimming holes, with walking tracks and lookouts that will keep you busy for the entire day or more.”
Litchfield National Park is the land where water bugs come alive! Come and join us in exploring this epic part of the Northern Territory. Only a 60-minute drive from Darwin, Litchy can either be a day trip or a camping trip depending on your preference.
Getting to Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Darwin, making it an easy and rewarding day trip or overnight adventure. From Darwin, you’ll take the Stuart Highway south before turning onto the sealed Litchfield Park Road, which leads directly into the park. The route is well-signposted, and the drive passes through scenic bushland and small rural towns, giving a taste of the Top End along the way.
For those who prefer not to drive, several tour companies in Darwin offer guided trips to Litchfield, ranging from half-day tours to full-day experiences. These tours typically include transport, park entry, and visits to highlights like Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Buley Rockhole—perfect for anyone wanting to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.
Things to do in Litchfield National Park
Litchy is known for its legendary waterfalls and everyone waits for the biggest one to open each season! Let’s dive in together and see where the journey takes us.
Explore Waterfalls
Wangi Falls is one of Litchfield’s most popular attractions, just 150 kilometres south of Darwin and accessible via a sealed road. The falls are stunning year-round, but during the wet season (October to March) they become a roaring spectacle—swimming is closed, but it’s an incredible sight to capture. The area also offers a large campground, picnic facilities, barbeques, manicured lawns, and a café, with walking tracks including a three-kilometre loop over the falls and access to the famous Tabletop Track.
Florence Falls is a serene escape, tumbling into a crystal-clear plunge pool surrounded by monsoon forest. Visitors can swim in the pool, enjoy panoramic views from the platform, and return via the Shady Creek walk, which winds through rainforest and woodlands. For those seeking seclusion, Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek Falls) offers a rewarding adventure—accessible by four-wheel drive and a short 30-minute hike, the falls feature a beautiful plunge pool and campground facilities, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Tolmer Falls is one of Litchfield’s most dramatic waterfalls, cascading over two high escarpments into a deep plunge pool. Located 85 kilometres south of Darwin and reachable by sealed road, a short walk from the car park leads to a viewing platform, while the 1.6-kilometre return Tolmer Falls Walk takes about 45 minutes through sandstone country, past rock pools, and along Tolmer Creek—a must for anyone wanting a mix of scenic views and gentle adventure.
See the complete list of Litchy’s waterfalls for more info.
Other Great Spots in Litchy
Step back in time at Blyth Homestead and experience the pioneering spirit of the Sargent Family. The restored homestead gives a glimpse of life in years past, while the nearby old tin mine—abandoned in the 1960s—offers a glimpse into the challenges of Top End life. Access is by four-wheel drive only, and it may be inaccessible during the wet season (November–April).
The Magnetic Termite Mounds are a must-see natural wonder. These spectacular structures, some over 100 years old, include slender 2-metre “magnetic” mounds and towering 4-metre “cathedral” mounds. Built with ingenious north–south alignment to stay cool year-round, they are protected by boardwalks that let you admire their architectural brilliance up close.
Walker Creek is one of Litchfield’s best-kept secrets. With several waterholes along the walk, it’s perfect for cooling off in the dry season. There are secluded camping sites along the creek for a peaceful overnight stay, or picnic areas with tables and barbeques if you prefer a day trip. Pack a tent and enjoy the tranquility—if you’re lucky, you might have the place all to yourself!
Buley Rockhole rounds out the highlights with its series of inviting rock pools, shaded walkways, and easy access, making it perfect for a refreshing dip or a relaxed break during your park adventures.
For more ideas, be sure to head over to our sister site Litchy.com.au for everything you need to know about visiting Litchfield National Park including all of the best things to do in Litchy.
Litchy is filled with epic spots ready for you to explore. We’d love your feedback on this page – please comment below if you’ve been to Litchfield National Park or seen a Mertens Water Monitor! Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following @litchfieldnationalpark and @northerhq. Please sign up here to join our newsletter list to be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations.
*Cover image is by @laj_wildlife on Instagram.
Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty courtesy of Norther® by following @northerhq. You can also check out more Northern Territory content by following Norther on Facebook. Please sign up here to join our newsletter list to be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations for National Parks and Destinations in the NT.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
