Florence Falls

The origin of the name is unclear, but one belief is Goyders party of land surveyors named Florence Falls in 1869, only a few weeks after their arrival in Port Darwin. It is the only major waterfall on the eastern face of the Tabletop Range although many small creeks flow off this side of the range.
Lookout walk: 300 metres one-way. 3 minute walk from car park: A short walk from the car park brings you to a lookout over the gorge with excellent views of Florence Falls and the contrast between the wet monsoon forest and the dry sandstone plateau.
Plunge pool walk: 800 metres one way 15 minute walk from car park. This walk starts at the lookout and follows the gorge rim to a series of stairs (135 steps) descending to the valley floor. A seat is placed at the half way mark giving you a chance to enjoy the view. After the descent you cross Florence Creek on a walkway over a tranquil stretch of water (postcard stuff), flowing through the rainforest. A short walk takes you to the entry point into the plunge pool. This area is rocky and the falls cannot be seen unless you enter the water. A good excuse for a swim. Swimming is allowed year round except during times of flooding. You can then return to the car park via the plunge pool walk or take the shady creek walk back to the car park. Toilets are provided in the car park.
Shady Creek Walk: 900 metres one-way. 45 minute walk from Plunge pool to car park: A short distance from the plunge pool walk is the start for the Shady Creek walk. You follow a small stream as it travels down from the secondary plateau through a rainforest filled gorge. This path follows the creek as you walk up to the plateau crossing the creek several times on footbridges, then through the woodlands back to Florence Creek crossing back from the falls. One of the features of this walk is the stand of the clumping palm (Hydriastele wendlandiana) along the creek. This palm is only found in a few locations across the Top End. As you cross Florence Creek you come across a picnic area spread along the creek. An attractive area to take a break and relax with the sound of the creek as it flows past. It is then a short stroll to the car park. A toilet is located in the car park.
Buley Rockhole Walk: 1.7 km one-way. 45 minutes walk
This walk starts at the point where Shady Creek walk crosses Florence Creek and follows Florence Creek as it flows across the secondary plateau from its source at the base of the primary plateau.
The grade of this walk is easy but not as formal as the Shady Creek walk. In places it can be rocky underfoot and you may have to walk through shallow water during the wet season. About halfway along the walk you hear the sound of falling water in the creek. A path leads to the creek and a small waterfall, with a pleasant place to sit on the rocks and enjoy this woodland area. Return back to the walk and continue on to Buley Rockhole. You will know when you have reached Buley Rockhole as you come to a more formal paved path leading to the creek. You will need to return via this walk, or organise someone to take your vehicle to Buley Rockhole carpark.

Relaxing by Florence Falls

Florence in the Wet Season

Along the Shady Creek Walking Trail