Mataranka

Mataranka is a tiny outback town that packs a big punch, thanks to its thermal springs and poignant WWII history. Nestled in the Northern Territory's Red Centre, this is where you come to soak in crystal-clear, 34°C mineral waters surrounded by palms and paperbarks – a surreal oasis after days of desert driving. It's also the heart of the Never Never country made famous by Jeannie Gunn's We of the Never Never.

Highlights & What to See

• Mataranka Thermal Pool – the main attraction: a spring-fed swimming hole with constant 34°C water, shaded by palm trees. Perfect for a midday dip or sunset soak. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Bitter Springs – a short walk away, this smaller, more intimate thermal pool offers a similar experience with fewer people. Float downstream in the gentle current for a natural lazy river.
• Elsey National Park – surrounds the springs and offers walking trails through monsoon forest and along the Roper River. Keep an eye out for birdlife and wallabies.
• Never Never Museum – housed in the original police station, this small museum tells the story of the area's pastoral and Indigenous history, plus the filming of We of the Never Never.
• WWII Bombing Practice Targets – just south of town, you can see concrete bomb shelters and target markers used by the Australian and US air forces during WWII – a sobering piece of wartime history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Mataranka is best as a stopover of 1–2 nights. Most travellers arrive in the afternoon, enjoy a soak at the thermal pool, then explore the national park the next morning before heading north towards Katherine or south to Tennant Creek. If you have time, a full day allows for both springs, a bushwalk, and the museum.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park – 100 km north, famous for Katherine Gorge. Combine for a canyon cruise or canoe trip.
• Larrimah – quirky outback hamlet with the legendary Daly Waters Pub, about 70 km north.
• Daly Waters – iconic pub with a beer garden and memorabilia, a must-stop on the Stuart Highway.
• Daly River – further west, known for barramundi fishing and hot springs.
• Barkly Homestead – a roadhouse and gateway to the Barkly Tablelands, about 200 km south.

Please check official sources for current details.