The Magnetic Termite Mounds are a biological attraction located in Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia, approximately 120 kilometres south of Darwin. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical tips for visiting these unique structures built by Amitermes meridionalis.
These quirks of nature are a popular stop on Litchfield National Park day tours from Darwin.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily: 24 hours (Access varies by season) |
| Ticket prices | NT Park Pass required (Adults from $10.00) |
| Address | Litchfield Park Road, Litchfield Park NT 0822 |
| Nearest transport | Private vehicle or tour from Darwin |
| Typical time needed | 20 to 30 minutes |
Magnetic Termite Mounds opening hours
The Magnetic Termite Mounds are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, Litchfield National Park is subject to seasonal weather conditions, and access roads to the mounds may close during the wet season (typically November to April) due to flooding.
Visitors should check the current park access report on the Northern Territory Government website before travelling. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Litchfield Park & Private Jumping Crocodile Cruise?
- 🐊 Private Crocodile Cruise: Skip the large tourist boats and enjoy an exclusive, private jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River for a much closer look.
- 🏊 Swim in Natural Rock Pools: Cool off in the spectacular spring-fed waterfalls and swimming holes of Litchfield National Park, such as Florence Falls or Buley Rockhole.
- 🐜 Cathedral & Magnetic Termite Mounds: See the Northern Territory’s incredible natural architecture with a stop at these massive, gravity-defying termite structures.
- 🚐 Small-Group Experience: Benefit from a more personalized and flexible itinerary with a small group, led by a knowledgeable local guide who knows the best spots.
- 🥪 Fresh Lunch & Easy Transport: Enjoy a stress-free day with a freshly prepared lunch and air-conditioned hotel transfers from Darwin included in the price.
Magnetic Termite Mounds ticket prices
While there is no specific entry fee for the site itself, all interstate and international visitors must purchase a Northern Territory Parks Pass to enter Litchfield National Park. A one-day pass costs $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children, and $25.00 for families; longer-duration passes are also available.
Northern Territory residents are exempt from the park pass requirement but must provide proof of residency if requested.
How to get to the Magnetic Termite Mounds
The most common way to reach the Magnetic Termite Mounds is by private vehicle via the Stuart Highway. From Darwin, visitors drive south to Batchelor and follow Litchfield Park Road into the park; the mounds are located approximately 17 kilometres from the park’s eastern entrance.
There is no public transport servicing Litchfield National Park. Numerous commercial tour operators offer day trips from Darwin that include the mounds as a primary stop on their itinerary.
Parking at the Magnetic Termite Mounds
There is a dedicated parking area at the Magnetic Termite Mounds located directly off Litchfield Park Road. The car park is sealed and includes bays suitable for cars, caravans, and large tour coaches.
Parking is free for those who hold a valid NT Parks Pass. The car park is situated a short distance from the start of the viewing boardwalk, ensuring easy access to the structures.
How long to spend at the Magnetic Termite Mounds
Most visitors spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes at the site. This provides sufficient time to walk along the boardwalk, read the interpretive signage, and view both the magnetic mounds and the larger cathedral mounds.
Accessibility at the Magnetic Termite Mounds
The Magnetic Termite Mounds are highly accessible, featuring a level, recycled-plastic boardwalk that is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The path leads from the car park to several viewing platforms that overlook the mound fields.
The site includes accessible toilet facilities near the car park area. The flat terrain makes this one of the most accessible stops within Litchfield National Park for visitors with limited mobility.
Inside / what to see at the Magnetic Termite Mounds
The site features hundreds of Magnetic Termite Mounds that are approximately 100 years old. These structures are built with a distinct north-south orientation to regulate the internal temperature of the nest against the movement of the sun.
Visitors can view these thin, blade-like structures from the boardwalk, which prevents soil compaction and protects the mounds from human interference. The mounds are roughly two metres in height and are grey in colour due to the local soil composition.
Nearby, the site also contains Cathedral Termite Mounds, which are constructed by a different species, Nasutitermes triodiae. These mounds are significantly larger and more bulbous than the magnetic variety, often reaching heights of over four metres.
An information shelter provides diagrams and text explaining the biology of the termites and the architectural methods they use to build the mounds. These displays clarify how the insects survive the extreme heat and seasonal flooding of the region.
The surrounding landscape is typical of the northern savannah, featuring native grasses and stunted trees. The open field provides clear lines of sight, allowing visitors to see the alignment of the mounds across the plain.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the most intense heat and glare. |
| Crowds | The site is a frequent stop for tour buses; wait ten minutes for groups to pass for a quieter experience. |
| Layout | The boardwalk is a loop; follow the signs to see both the thin magnetic mounds and the larger cathedral mounds. |
| Entry Process | Purchase your NT Parks Pass online before entering the park, as mobile reception at the site is unreliable. |
| Logistics | Carry water and wear a hat, as the boardwalk area is almost entirely exposed with very little shade. |
Frequently asked questions about the Magnetic Termite Mounds
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Magnetic Termite Mounds suitable for children? | Yes, the boardwalk is safe and the educational signage is designed for all ages. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Magnetic Termite Mounds? | You must purchase an NT Parks Pass online before arrival, but no specific booking for the mounds is needed. |
| Is the Magnetic Termite Mounds open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open 24 hours a day, including Sundays, subject to seasonal road closures. |
| Are dogs allowed at the Magnetic Termite Mounds? | No, pets are not permitted within Litchfield National Park, including the termite mound viewing area. |
Things to do near the Magnetic Termite Mounds
- Florence Falls: A double waterfall with a plunge pool and a viewing platform, located a 15-minute drive away.
- Buley Rockhole: A series of cascading rock pools suitable for swimming, situated near Florence Falls.
- Tolmer Falls: A tall waterfall that drops into a deep valley, featuring an accessible lookout point.
- Wangi Falls: One of the park’s most popular swimming and camping areas, located further west along Litchfield Park Road.
More Northern Territory travel
Other Top End travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Discovering the rock art of Kakadu National Park.
- Practical guide to visiting the Nawurlandja Lookout in Kakadu National Park.
- Six reasons to visit Darwin on an Australian holiday.
- The Victoria Settlement on the Cobourg Peninsula: Australia’s lost city.
- Wildlife cruises – with big crocs – on the Corroboree Billabong.
