How to get to Mataranka Thermal Pools in Elsey National
Park Australia
Darwin
to Alice Springs Australia - About Katherine Gorge and Katherine
Gorge cruises in Northern Territory Australia.
Mataranka Thermal Springs
Mataranka Thermal Pool
The Mataranka Pool is fed by spring water from the Daly and Georgina
basins at a volume of 30.5 million litres per day. It is surrounded
by a palm forest and maintains a constant temperature of 34 degrees,
making it an ideal place to relax, swim or camp overnight.
Mataranka Thermal Pool
The Mataranka Thermal pool is the biggest draw card to
the region. Nestled amongst tall shady Mataranka Palms (Livistonia)
the thermal pools pump out a tremendous amount of warm water which
has soothed many a traveller over the years. Only a stones throw
from the Roper River, the turquoise waters of the main pool add
to the atmosphere of the springs.
Mataranka Cabins or Campground
http://www.matarankacabins.com.au/
Phone on 08 89754838 Email: enquiries@matarankacabins.com.au
Fax: 08 8975 4814.
Our reception is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm (CST) everyday
The layout of our caravan park is very informal, you can choose
your own spot. Stay hitched up to your caravan if you want. Campfires
are allowed in the riverside unpowered campground and pets are welcome.
Sorry, no generators please! The Little Roper River borders our
park so our guests can camp right on its banks and enjoy the natural
bush setting. The Caravan Park has powered sites with bore water
on tap, toilets, showers, camp kitchen and a laundry. There is plenty
of space so you wont be crammed in like sardines! Wallabies are
abundant and barramundi and other fish are caught in the river.
The rare Red Goshawk nests in this area and birdwatchers are regular
guests in the campgrounds and cabins. The Bitter Springs Thermal
Pools are a 500 metre walk or short drive from Mataranka Cabins
and Camping.
Botanic Walk
In Elsey National Park there are many great walking trails
. By far the easier ones are around the Mataranka Thermal Pool (for
those short on time), and the other one is the Botanic Walk a few
kilometers away along the Roper River. A great walking trail with
informative displays and a few seats & a table along the way. All
very shady for those worried about the temperature. At the turn
around point is the Roper River (in picture), from here you can
walk along the Roper River to 12 Mile Yards (maybe 8 km further)
The road & the track run along the river with several other points
of interest & entry/exit points at smaller loop walks. So it is
very easy to be dropped off and walk for the day/morning back to
camp and only be less 1 km from the main road. A great little swimming
spot for kids is at the 4 mile hole, where an offshoot of the main
river sweeps around creating a shady alleyway, that is segmented
and shallow. For the adventurous, get dropped off at the Botanic
walk and walk the 3.5 km to the 4 mile hole and meet with others
there (boat ramp). You get to see different parts of the Waterhouse
& Roper river.
Mataranka Falls
A pleasant 4 km walk along the Roper River and through the bush
from 12 Mile Hole (campgrounds). The tranquility of the river turns
to the roar of the water pouring over the tufa dams (they act like
your own spa pool). The falls have changed dramatically over the
years with much of the established foliage ripped from the falls
during the wet season & more pandanus taking hold.
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Bitter Springs at Mataranka
Bitter Springs Mataranka Northern Territory. When travelling through
Mataranka and you are looking for a nice relaxing place to have
a dip and actually stretch out and do some laps, try Bitter Springs
Thermal pool instead of the well frequented Mataranka Thermal pools.
The springs here actually branch off into a stream which you can follow down 100 metres to a bridge & ladder to climb out of then go for a walk around the springs. Consistently deeper than the Mataranka thermal pools, Bitter Springs wasn't suited for very young children (under 8's). But much quieter.
Take a floaty with you to paddle down to the 2 exit points along
the stream.
Bitter Springs is part of Elsey National Park and is Mataranka's newest thermal pool. It has a day use area with barbecues, tables and eco-friendly toilets. A walking path loops around the area, winding under fan palms (Livistona rigida), past the swimming pools and through the pristine riparian ecology of the Roper River. To the right the fan palms can be seen from a fish's point of view, up through the clear waters of Bitter Springs Thermal Pools. If you are not the adventurous type then there is stairway entrance to the main pool where you can just loll about soaking up the effects of the luxuriant 32 degrees Celsius spring water. There is another way to experience Bitter Springs. Wade into the warm waters of the Spring and drift with the flow down along the stream that connects the two swimming areas and on to the exit ladder at the pedestrian bridge on the walkway that circles the Spring area.
This Aquatrail (a typical underwater view on right) drifts a couple
of hundred metres down through the Springs. The water is incredibly
clear, with an underwater mask, freshwater turtles are often seen
swimming amongst the reed beds. At the end of the gentle drift,
a ladder lets the adventurer climb out onto the Bitter Springs walking
path and return to the main pool for another go round. Swimming
back up against the current is not recommended.
NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/
Elsey National Park, eight kilometers from Mataranka, is another of the region’s natural attractions. The massive Roper River slices through this 140 square-kilometre expanse, flowing through large waterholes then tumbling over rocks and tufa dams. Canoeing and fishing are popular activities and swimming is great at Bitter Springs and the Thermal Pool. Scenic riverside walking tracks to Mataranka Falls are a great way to explore the Park overland.
The Rainbow Springs and Thermal Pool sector of the Park are a major attraction for visitors. The spring water rising from underground at 30.5 million litres per day and at a temperature of 34 Degrees Celsius is then contained in a relaxing swimming pool surrounded by a palm forest.
How to get there
The Park has three access points. To access the main Thermal Pool
(Mataranka Hot Springs), take the Homestead Road turnoff (1.5km
south of Mataranka on the Stuart Highway) and follow it for around
7km. To access the facilities along John Hauser Drive, turn off
the Homestead Road around 4km from the Highway. The Bitter Springs
access is via a sealed road leading directly from the Mataranka
township.
Fact sheet: Elsey National Park
NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/
Visitor Facilities
Picnic areas complete with tables, wood barbecues and toilet facilities
are provided at Bitter Springs, 12 Mile Yards, Mulurark and 4 Mile.
There are also camping areas provided.
What to see and do in Elsey National Park
The Rainbow Springs and Thermal Pool sector of the Park are a major
attraction for visitors. The spring water rising from underground
at 30.5 million litres per day and at a temperature of 34 degrees
celcius is then contained in a relaxing swimming pool surrounded
by a palm forest.
Swimming in Elsey National Park
The springs in the Park provide excellent swimming. Facilities are
provided at Bitter Springs and the Thermal Pool. Swimming is also
possible in some parts of the Roper River. Swim only where recommended
and observe warning signs.
Walking Tracks in Elsey National Park
A 1.5km Botanical Walk is located along John Hauser Drive access
road. There is also a 4km walk to Mataranka Falls that starts at
the 12 Mile Yards. Various day use areas are connected by short
riverside walks. A short loop walk is also available at Bitter Springs.
Please Remember - Elsey National Park
• Avoid using soaps and detergent in or near the waterways.
• Camp only in designated areas, and collect firewood before arriving
at your campsite.
• Generators are not permitted in this park (Elsey National Park).
• Observe all fishing regulations.
• Pets are not permitted in this Park.
• Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted
Elsey Falls at Mataranka
Elsey Falls at Mataranka
Mataranka in Northern Territory is only 101 klm south of Katherine.
A great place to see some free Barramundi feeding, where the fish
are pulled from the water with bare hands. Have a relaxing swim
in the many thermal pools and crystal clear streams. Walk along
the many shady walking trails amongst the massive palm trees. We
have stayed here several times so far during 2003 - 2009 as we poke
around in different parts of the region. Next time we will be off
to the 12 mile yards to camp and walk along the Roper River to Mataranka
falls, after walking and enjoying the 1 hour "Botanic Walk" .
Folks often ask me how
long does it take to get to Alice Springs from Darwin so if driving
allow 3 days and see here for our itinerary.
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The small township of Mataranka sits on the upper reaches of the Roper River, an hour’s drive south-east of Katherine. Say 101klm south on the Stuart Highway. This tropical wayside stop is on the Explorer’s Way tourism drive, the main artery that connects Adelaide and Darwin, and is renowned for its thermal pool – a sandy-bottomed lagoon fringed by palm forest and a rejuvenating swimming spot for weary travellers up and down ‘the track’. Although the township itself is small, with a population of about 250, it services outlying cattle stations and Aboriginal communities so is well equipped with facilities for travellers.
Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Mataranka Office Head Office
32 Giles St KATHERINE NT 0851
Ph: +61 (0) 8 8975 4560
Fax: +61 (0) 8 8975 4696
NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/
There’s a good range of camping grounds, accommodation and a supermarket.
The area was made famous by Jeannie Gunn’s 1908 novel 'We of the Never Never' – a book she wrote about nearby Elsey Station that is now part of Australian folklore. The Elsey Cemetery, 21 kilometers south of the township, marks the final resting place of many of the book’s characters. Attractions around town include the Stockyard Gallery that exhibits local Aboriginal art, barramundi hand-feeding tours and the Never Never Museum that displays the local Aboriginal history. Elsey National Park, eight kilometers from Mataranka, is another of the region’s natural attractions.
The massive Roper River slices through this 140 square-kilometre expanse, flowing through large waterholes then tumbling over rocks and tufa dams. Canoeing and fishing are popular activities and swimming is great at Bitter Springs and the Thermal Pool. Scenic riverside walking tracks to Mataranka Falls are a great way to explore the Park overland.
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Things to
do in Darwin
Crocosaurus Cove Darwin is a great way to spend 1-3 hours if you
have a layover in Darwin or overnight and need a time filler. It's
in the heart of the CBD. If you can't find time to go on a crocodile
cruise and there are many from Darwin then this is the next best
thing that will let you be real close to a live Australian saltwater
crocodile. Crocosaurus Cove is actually Crocosaurus
Cove Aquarium which is modeled after a typical Top End river
system in Northern Territory. I actually liked the display of Australian
Reptiles they had and they displayed some 70+ species of reptiles
truly fascinating as we spent hours and I went round 3 times and
I'm a local here. There are around 180 crocodiles there so they
established a little interaction for you called the 'cage
of death'.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park an Australian Natural
Icon covers almost 20,000 square kms and is 257 kms East of Darwin
the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Kakadu
National Park gateway to Arnhemland.The
sealed roads from Darwin to Kakadu is via the Arnhem Highway and
from Katherine to Kakadu
National Park via the Kakadu Highway. Even though access
to kakadu natinal park is sealed it can be flooded in the wet season
on the North Anrhem Highway at the wetlands area. Also Ubirr and
Nourlangie have 2wd access, so does Cooinda and Yellow Water though
the flass and gorges are all 4wd access on unsealed roads and limited
4wd hire operators allow you in see
Australia 4wd Rentals for a good selection of Darwin 4x4 rentals.
About
Litchfield National Park
Together with stunning tropical waterfalls and swimming holes,
this is a truly beautiful destination found just south of Darwin,
the capital city of the Northern Territory. Litchfield National
Park features numerous waterfalls which cascade from a sandstone
plateau called the Tabletop Range, monsoon rainforests, intriguing
magnetic termite mounds and historical sites. Litchfield National
Park is chosen by local Darwin residents and tourists as 1-3 day
destination for it's waterfalls and magnetic termite mounds. Also
noted are the 4WD tracks into some of the more remote parts of Litchfield
National Park and surrounding region. Litchfield National Park lies
approximately 130km's southwest of Darwin near the town of Batchelor
and covers around 1,500 sq km's.
Warnings
about crocodiles
How many crocodiles are there in the Northern Territory well its
estimated to be somewhere around 100 000 crocodiles in the wild.
Now protected but once hunted to near extinction around here. Crocodile
skins used to be a major export product from Australia. But always
be aware for the signs
and warning when going to the rivers and parks in the Top End
on crocodiles. Scary well folks did you know that the world’s largest
reptile is our very own Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile.
The picture is of a crocodile trap in Darwin Harbour. So if you
want to see crocodiles then take a cruise or eco adventure tour
that includes a fresh
water sightseeing cruise.
www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/
Where is Nitmiluk
National Park
Nitmiluk
National Park was also before as Katherine
Gorge and still referred to it as both names. Katherine
Gorge approx. 356klm south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway and
passing some really interesting outback towns such as Pine Creek
and Adelaide River. Adleaide River is located on the Stuart Highway,
150 kilometers south of Darwin, Hayes Creek is a gateway to World
War II sites and the Northern Goldfields loop with easy access to
Litchfield National Park, Batchelor, Pine Creek and the Tjuwaliyn
(Douglas) Hot Springs Park. The most comfortable months to visit
the Park are from May to September. The wet season causes flooding
of the Katherine River and restrictions on some of the activities
available. The picnic area provides gas barbecues, picnic furniture
and toilet facilities. With launch tour boat jetty and canoe hire.
A public swimming area is provided in the picnic area.
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About us and this web site
We are a small long time based Darwin business locally owned and operated
travel agents specializing in eco soft adventure tours for the mid
to premium guided tours from Darwin. We built this as being Darwin
based we know most of the locals and tourism operators over the last
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we have large clientele I built this and other sites for our booked
clients to get a feel of
what to see and do around tropical Darwin. We also under our brand
name Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals specialize in the booking of
4wd cars and 4wd campers along with medium to premium RV motorhome
and campervan rentals from 2, 4 or 6 berth. I began in this industry
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dedicated specialist agents for 4wd cars, 4wd campers and premium
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Darwin is the starting or departing point for most Darwin based
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Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is in Northern Territory Australia
- also Maguk,
Moline
Rockhole, Gubara,
Motorcar
Falls, Gunlom
Falls and the secretive only a limited number of
permits to the publlic available
Koolpin Gorge. This is all four wheel drive access on unsealed
roads and remote so you will need a large 4wd. We can assist you
book a 4wd Darwin rental and help assist you with your planning.
Most of these waterfalls including Jim Jim Gorge falls and Twin
Falls are situated in the south of Kakadu off the Kakadu Highway.
Jim Jim falls and Twin Falls 4wd access track on the same track
and branches out some distance before the two falls.
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Apart from Kakadu travel south to the Katherine region
See the Cutta
Cutta Caves, Southern
Rockhole, Mataranka Springs, Mataranka Falls, Bitter
Springs, Edith
Falls, Douglas
Hot Springs, Umbrawarra
Gorge, Jatbula
Trail, Butterfly
Gorge , Crystal
Falls andNitmiluk
National Park just 27klm down Maud Creek - Gorge Road before
Katherine. But whether your in a 2wd or 4wd we can help you plan
a family Kakadu and Katherine vacation in either a self drive motorhome
rental from Darwin return or oneway to a range of fully guided soft
eco adventure tours from Darwin.
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About Darwin
car rentals
Darwin e small, compact and large car hire options are cost effective
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We also have 8 seat people movers for that large family or group
of friends to travel around the country and enjoy the vast Australian
landscape.
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Four wheel drive off road campers for 4 with double rood top tent
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