Elsey National Park

Elsey National Park, located south of Katherine in the Northern Territory, is a serene outback escape defined by thermal springs, lush paperbark forests, and the historic remains of a WWII army base. This is a place where you can soak in warm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by pandanus palms, then explore the ruins of the 41 Mile Airstrip and hospital foundations that once served thousands of soldiers. The park’s blend of natural swimming holes and poignant wartime history makes it a rewarding detour on the way to Mataranka or further south.

Highlights & What to See

• Bitter Springs: A series of thermal pools with a constant 34°C temperature, perfect for a relaxing float. The clear water and gentle current make it ideal for a lazy afternoon swim with a snorkel.
• Mataranka Hot Springs: Just outside the park, these larger, more developed thermal pools are set among towering palm trees and are a favourite for families. The water is slightly cooler but still wonderfully warm.
• 41 Mile Airstrip & Army Ruins: Walk the remains of the WWII base, including the airstrip, concrete slabs, and interpretive signs that tell the story of the 1200-bed hospital and the soldiers who trained here.
• Jalmurark (Roper River) Lookout: Offers sweeping views over the river and the park’s floodplains, especially striking at sunset when the light catches the water.
• Waterhole Walk: A short, easy trail that connects Bitter Springs to the Roper River, passing through paperbark swamps and offering glimpses of birdlife and freshwater crocodiles.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day to a full day exploring Elsey National Park. Arrive early to enjoy the thermal springs before the crowds, then spend a couple of hours exploring the WWII ruins and the Roper River area. If you’re combining it with Mataranka Hot Springs, a full day is ideal, allowing time for a picnic lunch and a second soak. The park is compact, so you can easily cover the highlights on a self-drive stopover between Katherine and the Barkly region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mataranka: Just a short drive south, this small town offers additional thermal springs, a pub, and the historic Mataranka Homestead, which inspired the novel 'We of the Never-Never'.
• Katherine: The gateway to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, with boat cruises, canoeing, and the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum. A perfect base for a multi-day itinerary.
• Nitmiluk National Park: Famous for the 13 gorges of the Katherine River, offering hiking, swimming, and scenic helicopter flights. About 30 minutes north of Elsey.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls): A stunning waterfall and plunge pool in Nitmiluk National Park, ideal for a refreshing swim after exploring the gorges.
• Daly Waters: A quirky outback pub and historic town on the Stuart Highway, about an hour south, known for its eccentric decor and cold beer.

Please check official sources for current details.