Buley Rockholes and Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park

Another excellent Northern Territory freshwater video on YouTube by Greg Wallis

Swimming holes such as Buley Rockholes and Florence Falls are popular tourist attractions in Litchfield National Park; an easy day trip from Darwin. Despite the numbers of tourists that visit the area, the waterholes still readily attract the local residents such as goannas and tree snakes and support a variety of fish. This video gives a different perspective on a visit to the area; it was shot entirely underwater over an afternoon visit and showcases some of the more common fish and the variety of underwater environments present. Florence creek is part of the Finniss River catchment.

Fishing is strictly prohibited in areas such as these because they are important refuge areas for fish during the dry season months.

Enjoy your swimming here but spare a thought for the animals that call this place home and refrain from using sunblock and insect sprays. Better to don a long-sleeved shirt and hat for a swim than leave a slick of oily suncream on the water; these areas get hundreds of visitors a day during the dry season months.

Some of the fish seen in this video are Banded Rainbowfish, Purple-spotted Gudgeons, Sooty Grunters, Spangled Grunters, Black Catfish and a Tarpon. The snake is a Macleay’s Water Snake, which while rear-fanged and technically venomous, is generally considered as harmless and inoffensive if left alone.