Northern Territory Hot Spots- Mataranka

My favourite places in the North of Australia. 

Starting with Mataranka.

The self proclaimed  Capital of the Never Never, should be on the 'to do' list for anyone wanting an authentic 'NT' experience.
Mataranka is about four hours south of Darwin and about an hour south of Katherine. Mataranka is known  for its hot springs and being the setting for Jeannie Gunn's book; We of The Never Never.
A story of her life as the wife of the manager of Elsey Station. She arrived in Elsey in 1902, and stayed until the death of her husband Aenaes, from dysentery in 1903.  A movie of the book was made in 1982, and is played everyday at the Mataranka Thermal(Homestead) Springs in the outdoor bar area.
A replica of the Elsey Homestead, which was made for the movie, is also and attraction at the Homestead Springs. There is a cemetery south of Mataranka where a lot of the people featured in the book, including Aeneas Gunn, are buried. The site of the original Elsey Homestead is also in this area, although it has long ago succumbed to the harsh NT climate.

Elsey Cemetery Mataranka

As mentioned, Mataranka's thermal springs are probably it's main drawcard. There are two main springs,the Mataranka Thermal Springs and Bitter Springs.
Mataranka Thermal Springs, also known as the Homestead Springs, are the most popular. Surrounded by a a grove of palms, this is the place that most people visit. It has a man made pool where the springs flow through. It is very busy in the dry season and it is hard to get a spot when the big tourist coaches disgorge their time poor tourists.
It also has a colony of fruit bats that are discouraged from hangin' around by large sprinklers in the canopy of palms. These are not overly successful, and the bats are not known for the toilet manners!

Mataranka (Homestead) Thermal Spring, Mataranka NT

'Maluka's Bar. Homestead Springs, Mataranka NT

Less popular is the Bitter Springs. Despite the less than inviting name, this is my pick of Mataranka's springs. More natural than Homestead and less popular. Not a pool as such, but a deep slow flowing creek that is about 30 odd degrees Celsius and very relaxing.
We stay at the Mataranka Cabins and Camping  caravan park, which is just outside the entry to the springs and is about a 5-10 minute walk.
Just terrific!

Bitter Springs, Mataranka NT

Bitter Springs, Mataranka NT

 Mataranka NT

Bitter Springs, Mataranka NT