Litchfield National Park, with its lush woodlands, spectacular waterfalls, sparkling plunge pools and tall termite mounds is a popular day trip from Darwin and was also chosen for a Bazflyer day-out. It is a perfect place to see surreal, tombstone-like fields of giant termite mounds. Million-strong armies of tiny blind termites have built these architectural edifices' perfectly aligned on a north-south axis, hence the name 'Magnetic Termites'. The alignment provides the maximum effective solar absorption which enables the termites to maintain the consistent levels of warmth and humidity they require.
A large mound may house up to a million individual termites including the queen, king, reproductives, soldiers and workers.
Wangi Waterfall in Litchfield National Park
Viewing a sight...
......like Florence Falls
For aviation buffs like the Bazflyers, there are several derelict WW2 airfields in and around the Litchfield area. Their former runways that once hosted Spitfires fighters and many other aircraft of the time have long ago given way to the creeping undergrowth. However, for anyone with more than a passing interest the sites are a humble reminder of the protracted air war that occurred over Darwin.
One of these former WW2 airstrips is still in regular use. This is the Bachelor Airstrip that during the Darwin campaign hosted a significant American presence and General Mac Arthur's B17 bombers. The bombers flew missions from Bachelor all the way up to the Philippines. Nowadays the airstrip is used primarily for skydiving and gliding.
Of course after a day in the sun relaxing in a river pool is....obligatory!
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