Northern Territory: Litchfield National Park - Waterfalls, Anthills and Bends
Twisty roads? In the Northern Territory? The NT is not known for its bike roads. But there are always exceptions, and the outstanding Litchfield National Park is one of them.
National parks provide good riding in several States, of course, but this one is almost unique in the NT. Along with the Kakadu Highway into Kakadu National Park, it provides one of only two roads with decent sets of corners in the entire Territory.
Getting there couldn't be easier. Head south from Darwin on the Stuart Highway – as if there's any other direction to head – and ignore the turnoffs to the Arnhem Highway and Cox Peninsula Road. After about 85km you'll come to the T-intersection for Batchelor; that's the one you want.
Fill up in Batchelor, ignore the road to Rum Jungle (difficult as that may be) and you're at the beginning of the 50km of sealed, fun road. Before you get to the park entrance the surface is rather bumpy and not entirely well-maintained. From here on, though, you can count on a good, well-laid tar surface and more adventurous surveying than just about anywhere else in the Northern Territory.
The road twists and turns between the jump-ups and low hills to provide a terrific experience for any bike rider. It might not seem especially challenging by the standards of some of the States, but when you see the speeds at which NT riders tackle it you will be impressed no matter how good you are!
I do advise caution, partly because of the gravel swept onto the road by road trains. Yes, they have road trains in national parks in the NT;Litchfield National Park this road serves a lot of cattle properties to the west and south. Partly there is also the problem that, should you run off the road, it could be a very long time until someone finds you. Especially in the Wet, when everything grows so fast you can see it.
There are other attractions in the park as well as the corners. The waterfalls are worth seeing, and they offer a wonderful opportunity to cool off in the heat. Unfortunately their pools may be closed when it's been raining because the currents are too strong.
The 'magnetic' termite mounds may be a bit of a disappointment, depending on the season. During and immediately after the Wet the tall cane grass actually hides all but one of them from the viewing walk! You can see and touch the other, less directional, kind of termite mound at any time.
Like a lot of roads in the Territory this is a one-way effort; you need to turn around and go back the same way you came. But with this great road, that's no chore.
Try not to be tempted by the gravel road which is signposted as an alternative back to Darwin. This may look like a shortcut on the map, but most of the time the gravel surface is not recommended for road bikes. Turn back instead and return to the Stuart Highway via Batchelor. It may be further, but local advice tells me that it's a great deal quicker…
Know Before you Go:
There is no fuel available in the park, but there are kiosks for food and drink at Wangi Falls and a few kilometres further on at the Monsoon Café.
Remember that there is now a speed limit on the open road in the NT. Despite low crash rates the government thought it best to fall in line with the rest of Australia.
Most local motorcyclists ride very fast in the NT. Make sure you're used to the conditions before you follow suit.
Beware of road trains. Most drivers are thoughtful, but you won't believe how long one of these things can be until you try to overtake one.
Don't let the thought of the Wet put you off. Even during monsoon season it only rains for part of the day, and the air is nice and clear.
For more information:
The Northern Territory's official tourist website is found at: www.travelnt.com
Further info on Darwin and the Top End can be found at: www.tourismtopend.com.au
Visit the NT's national parks website for more info on Litchfield National Park at: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/litchfield.html
Protect your Bike. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
