Have you ever visited a place and thought… wow this is like an oasis? 

Mataranka and Bitter Springs in Australia’s top end, is exactly that. An oasis in the dry desert of the Northern Territory. 

Mataranka is a small town situated 112 km from Katherine in the Northern Territory, and is famous for it’s Hot Springs and Thermal Pools. 

Visit Mataranka Hot Springs

The Mataranka Hot Springs are the most famous and best known Hot Springs around Mataranka. They are at the doorstep of the Mataranka Homestead, which makes the homestead a convenient location to discover the Hot Springs and Elsey National Park.

Apart from crystal clear & bathtub warm water ( around 34 degrees ) in the Mataranka Hot Springs itself, the tropical lush surroundings of Elsey National Park are also definitely worth to wander around in.

There are several ( short ) walking trails and lots of birds and kangaroos around. Make sure you do a little outback walk to Harry`s Hole ( around 3 km round trip ) 

Harry’s Hole and a few other  previous swimming areas where closed due to crocodile movements and sightings when we were visiting. These were mostly the areas directly attached to the river where crocodiles can move freely ( especially after a good wet season ) 

The Mataranka Hot Springs are safe and separated by rock walls. Do check all the signs though before swimming anywhere. 

The Mataranka Hot Springs are located in the middle of a palm tree forest, which makes the area a tropical oasis and magical with the sun shining through the trees.

After a short walk via a very good accessible path ( ideal for people with small children or people with walking difficulties ) you reach the thermal pool.

Sunrise at Mataranka Pools

We first arrived on a Sunday afternoon, when it was really busy with school kids who spend a weekend camping and local people.

The next morning, ( Monday ) we were the only ones with another couple shortly joining us a few minutes later. So we had the time to shoot some amazing pictures and take in the beautiful sunrise shining through the palm trees. 

In the dry season it can be really cold in the morning though, but the warm water makes up for it ( only getting out is difficult 😉 )

If you want to snap a few photos in the pools when the sun is rising, make sure you wake up super early and be there as soon as the sun comes up. 

Visiting Bitter Springs is even better

Bitter Springs is another Hot Spring in the Elsey National Park and is located in the northern end of the park. We found Bitter Springs more natural and even more beautiful than the Mataranka Hot Springs.

It is like a river and has a natural current so you can just put your goggles on, sit in a tube or a pool noodle and literally go with the flow.

The area is surrounded by lush greenery and the water is amazingly clear and blue. Regardless of forgetting his swimmers, Lion undressed to his boxershort, got his goggles on, went with the flow and even spotted a turtle!

This image got published on ABC News Australia 

Good to know: Entrance is free at the Elsey National Park, Mataranka Hot springs and Bitter Springs.

Where to stay in Mataranka

We visited Mataranka before we travelled full time around Australia in our caravan, so we stayed at the Mataranka homestead in a standard motel room.

Rooms are very basic, a bit outdated and not the cleanest we have ever stayed in, but if you stay here just for the night, it’s not too bad, because the beds are comfy and clean.

They also have a great camp area. During the evening, the bar at the homestead is a nice place to be. They serve good food and they try to have live music every evening in the dry season.

Click here to check out the Homestead

Camping in Mataranka 

Non-powered campsites are available at Jalmurark campground and you can also camp at privately run campgrounds near the park.

Camping fees apply and are payable on-site.

Camping in the Northern Territory

You must pay a fee in Northern Territory (NT) parks where camping is allowed. The amount will depend on the campground facilities. 

There are A, B and C campgrounds. Fees for category A and B camps will be collected on-site. Please note: Make sure you have the right amount as change is not available.

Booking in advance is not possible on an A and B campground and Camping is on a first come, first served basis.

Check out this list of campgrounds and fees in the Northern Territory to find out more. 

Where to eat in Mataranka

If you are looking for a good pub meal and a cold beer with some live entertainment for a very decent price compared with other outback destinations, the Homestead and the Mataranka Manor are your best shots.

Looking for the best homemade pies ever?

Fuel up your car at the United Servo in Mataranka’s main street and get a Pie ( or two 😉 ) 

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