Litchfield Waterfall Private Swim Tour

Itinerary

• Depart from Darwin Airport via private helicopter
• Scenic aerial views of Darwin’s coastline, wetlands, floodplains, and magnetic termite mounds
• Fly over Litchfield National Park’s iconic waterfalls, including Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, and Florence Falls
• Land beside Sandy Creek Falls for a private swim in a secluded plunge pool
• Optional add-on: stop at Crab Claw Island Resort for seafood and a first round of drinks, Darwin River Tavern for a long lunch and local beers, and Goat Island Lodge for drinks at Casey’s Bar and to meet Casey the Croc
• Return helicopter flight to Darwin Airport

What to Expect from the Litchfield Waterfalls Private Swim Tour?

This is hands down one of the best Litchfield tours around, and it's all thanks to the fact that you start off in a chopper that takes off from Darwin.

The flight will allow you to see a variety of natural wonders, such as Darwin's coastline, various wetlands and flood plains, including the Top End's iconic wetlands - along with buffalo, wild pigs, crocodiles, and even magnetic termite mounds.

As you fly south, you'll also see escarpments, sandstone plateaus, and more waterfalls than you thought imaginable, such as Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, and Florence Falls.

The helicopter ride takes you right to Litchfield National Park, where you'll get to witness some of the most stunning landscapes and natural beauty that the Northern Territory has to offer. You'll land right at the Sandy Creek Falls, which is so secluded that it's like your own private waterfall, perfect for a relaxed swim.

This swim is certainly one of Australia's best, especially when the weather is right. It's the perfect spot to find your inner peace while diving into crystal clear waters - pools of cool and refreshing water that you'll never want to get out of.

If you aren't prepared to end the journey here, you can also extend the itinerary and discover some of the best pubs in the Northern Territory, including Crab Claw Island, the Darwin River Tavern, and Goat Island Lodge.

You'll get to taste some of the best local brews at each location, combined with a fantastic lunch at the Darwin River Pub. The lunch is definitely one of the highlights of this helicopter tour, and is in itself worth the flight to paradise.

What's Included with the Litchfield Swim Tour Via Helicopter?

First, this is indeed one of the most luxurious private tours out there, and not just because you'll get to see some spectacular waterfalls, but also because of the flight itself. The helicopter flight from Darwin to Litchfield National Park is a thrilling yet comfortable one.

Thanks to panoramic windows and comfortable seating, you get to see the world below in a way that few others do. This is combined with noise-cancelling headsets and a pilot that doubles as a tour guide - just for an added pop of information. The flight takes about an hour, or just over, and your journey will take you to the Litchfield National Park.

Option 1: Scenic Flight + Private Swim

The first option you have is a simple scenic flight and a private swim. You'll land right beside the Sandy Creek Falls, providing you with an unforgettable experience with crystal clear swimming holes galore.

It's tucked away in a remote corner and features a clear punge pool at the bottom, perfect for combating the intense heat this area is often known for. If you're into seeing nature, then this will be the best part of the adventure for you.

If the private waterfall swim is your main reason for visiting the park, then you could leave it at this. However, there is also an extended itinerary available, making for a full-day adventure through Northern Australia, where you'll get to visit some of the best pubs in the area.

Option 2: Scenic Flight, Swim, + Pub Crawl

The other option you have is to turn this into a full-day tour that not only includes a private waterfall swim at Sandy Creek Falls but also a full-blown pub crawl with stops at three iconic NT pubs, along with as many brews as you can handle, and even a fantastic lunch too. Talk about paradise!

First Stop: Crab Claw Island Resort

Your heli-pub adventure kicks off at Crab Claw Island Resort, where drinks meet the sea. Located right on the water, this laid‑back pub is the perfect spot to start the day.

The bar serves a rotating tap list of cold beers and boutique wines, often featuring NT brews you won’t find anywhere else. What makes it extra special?

Guests can catch their own fish or mud crab and have the chef prepare it for them. It’s a true taste of the Territory and a brilliant way to set the tone for the rest of the crawl.

Second Stop: Private Swim at Sandy Creek Falls

Next up, swap beer for togs and enjoy a secluded swim at Sandy Creek Falls. This stunning plunge pool is hidden in Litchfield National Park and only accessible by helicopter, so it feels like your own private waterhole.

You’ll have time to float under the falls, cool off in the crystal‑clear water and soak up the untouched bushland. It’s the perfect mid‑tour reset and a highlight most travellers never get to experience.

Third Stop: Lunch at Darwin River Tavern

Once you’re refreshed, your helicopter will take you to the Darwin River Tavern. With its own helipad and bush setting, this local favourite is made for long, lazy lunches.

The menu is all about quality and variety with grass‑fed rib‑eye steaks, fresh garlic prawns and tacos from the “low and slow” specials.

Grab a Darwin River Lager, enjoy the live bush bands and check out the freshwater croc aquarium while you wait for your meal. It’s relaxed, friendly and quintessentially Top End.

Final Stop: Goat Island Lodge (Casey’s Bar)

Your last stop is the iconic Goat Island Lodge, situated in the middle of the Adelaide River. Home to Casey’s Bar, this crazy‑fun pub has its own unique charm and one of the best beer selections in the NT.

If you love trying new brews, this is your happy place – more Australian beers than you can shake a stick at. The setting is raw, real, and unapologetically NT. If you get there at feeding time, you’ll see Casey the Crocodile being fed, and it’s always a crowd favourite.

About the Destination

Litchfield National Park is the crown jewel of the Northern Territory, with natural beauty, remote swimming holes, and classic Aussie character.

For many, the highlight is Sandy Creek Falls, a secluded waterfall and plunge pool surrounded by monsoon forest. It’s peaceful, crystal clear, and only accessible by helicopter or a long hike, so you’ll probably have it all to yourself. Swimming beneath a waterfall, far from the crowds, is like something out of a postcard.

But this heli‑pub tour is about more than just nature. It’s about adventure and outback hospitality, stopping at three of the Territory’s most iconic pubs. Crab Claw Island Resort sets the tone with sea breeze, seafood, and cold drinks served right on the water. Whether you’re sipping a boutique wine or watching the tide roll in with a beer in hand, it’s a brilliant way to start the day.

Darwin River Tavern serves up hearty meals and cold beer in a bush setting with live music and a crocodile aquarium to boot. It’s like a local secret.

And then there’s Goat Island Lodge, delightfully quirky with the best beer selection and a crocodile named Casey who gets fed at the bar. It’s remote, offbeat and full of character - the perfect finale to an epic Territory adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What waterfalls will I get to see on this visit?

Although many of them you'll fly over, you'll get to see Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls, and, of course, Sandy Creek Falls.

How long is the flight from Darwin City to Litchfield National Park?

In perfect weather conditions, the flight from Darwin City to Litchfield should take between 60 and 75 minutes.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Yes, you'll need to bring your own swimming gear.