SNAKES, LIZARDS & HIDDEN SWIMMING HOLES OF LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK | HERPING DARWIN EP3

In this episode, we explore the wild heart of Litchfield National Park, one of the Northern Territory’s most stunning natural landscapes. From rugged escarpments and hidden swimming holes to some of the Top End’s most incredible reptiles, this adventure had it all.
Join us as we uncover the snakes, lizards, and hidden gems of Litchfield National Park in this unforgettable Northern Territory adventure!

MERTENS' WATER MONITOR
The Mertens’ water monitor (Varanus mertensi) is a semi-aquatic lizard found throughout northern Australia’s rivers, lagoons, and wetlands. Exceptionally adapted to life in and around water, it’s an agile swimmer that feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans, and even small reptiles. With its dark, patterned skin, long tail, and sharp claws, the Mertens’ water monitor is perfectly built for both land and aquatic hunting. Sadly, its populations have declined in some areas due to the spread of invasive cane toads, which are highly toxic to predators.

GILBERT'S DRAGON
The Gilbert’s dragon (Lophognathus gilberti) is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling agamid lizard found across northern Australia. It’s known for its alert stance, long tail, and the distinctive spiny crest along its back. Often seen basking on logs or tree trunks, this agile species can dash quickly to safety and even change colour slightly to regulate body temperature.

BURTON'S LEGLESS LIZARD
Burton's legless lizard (Lialis burtonis) is a species of lizard in the family Pygopodidae. The species lacks forelegs and has only rudimentary hind legs. Pygopodid lizards are also referred to as "legless lizards", "flap-footed lizards" and "snake-lizards". Differences between legless lizards and snakes include the lack of venom glands in legless lizards, their inability to constrict prey, the presence of a fleshy tongue rather than a forked tongue, visible ear holes, and remnant hind limbs.

CANE TOAD
The cane toad is a large, toxic amphibian introduced to Australia in the 1930s to control pests. Instead, it became an invasive species, spreading rapidly and threatening native wildlife. Recognizable by its warty skin and bulky body, this tough survivor secretes venom from glands behind its eyes, making it dangerous to many predators.

BYNOE'S GECKO
The Bynoe’s gecko (Heteronotia binoei) is one of Australia’s most widespread and adaptable reptiles. This small, nocturnal gecko has a rough, mottled appearance that helps it blend perfectly with rocks, soil, and bark. Active at night, it hunts for insects and other small invertebrates. Found across deserts, woodlands, and coastal regions, Bynoe’s gecko is known for its incredible resilience — thriving in some of Australia’s harshest environments.

CHILDREN'S PYTHON
The Children’s python is a small, non-venomous snake found across northern Australia. Despite its name, it’s not named after kids but after scientist John George Children. This gentle python has beautiful brown and gold scales that shimmer in the light, and it feeds mostly on small mammals and birds. It’s known for being calm and easy to handle, making it a favourite among reptile enthusiasts.

OEDURA MARMORATA
The Oedura marmorata, also known as the marbled velvet gecko, is a nocturnal gecko native to northern Australia. It has a soft, velvety skin patterned with beautiful marbled markings that help it blend into rocky habitats. These geckos spend their days hiding in crevices and come out at night to hunt insects, showcasing their incredible climbing skills and gentle nature.