Mataranka: Thermal Waters and Regional History

For planning your trip, it is helpful to understand the locations: the Never Never Museum, the Stockyard Gallery and the Mataranka War Memorial are in Mataranka. Thermal pools and walking trails are in the surrounding area, in Elsey National Park. This allows you to treat visits to the town and time in the park as separate priorities.

Thermal pools in nearby Elsey National Park

At Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool, the thermal waters stay at around 34 °C year-round. Bitter Springs is one of two natural thermal pools in Elsey National Park. The water at Mataranka Thermal Pool is crystal clear and very warm. Swimming is the main attraction at both Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool. Check the current park status before driving to Mataranka Thermal Pool.

Walks and river scenery

The Bitter Springs Walk is a 500 m loop trail that takes 20 minutes and is rated Grade 1 – easy. The Botanic Walk is a 1.5 km loop; it is listed as taking 45 minutes and rated Grade 2 – easy. There is a 25-minute difference between the walking times—a specific distinction to bear in mind when planning your time in the park. The Botanic Walk specifications may change.

The Riverside Walk provides access to the river and picnic areas; its trail details may change seasonally. The Korowan (Mataranka Falls) Walk follows the Roper River to tufa dams that form gentle rapids. Those interested in the region’s history during the Second World War can also explore part of that history on the nearby WWII Aboriginal Army Camp Walk.

Museum, art and remembrance

The Never Never Museum offers self-guided tours about the history of the Mataranka region. It is open for self-guided visits Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm during the dry season from May to September, and from 10 am to 2 pm during the wet season from October to April. You can collect the keys during business hours at the Rural Transaction Centre. As opening hours vary by season, it is worth checking them before your visit.

Historical artefacts and interpretive exhibits at the museum cover local Aboriginal and European history, as well as the North Australian Railway, the Overland Telegraph and the Second World War. The Stockyard Gallery displays local Aboriginal art from the Mataranka and Roper River areas; exhibition details may change. The Mataranka War Memorial is at the southern end of Stan Martin Park.

Getting there and getting oriented

The drive from Katherine to Mataranka takes about an hour on an all-weather road. Elsey National Park is near Mataranka and 120 km south of Katherine. This information helps you get your bearings for the journey and distinguish visits to the town from destinations in the nearby park area.

Discover more destinations: Driver, Lake Bennett, Jabiru, Ayers Rock, Nightcliff, Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Larrakeyah.

For the main travel overview: Northern Territory.