Mataranka

Mataranka is a small town in the Northern Territory, approximately 400 km south-east of Darwin on the Stuart Highway. It is famous for its thermal springs and as the setting for the novel "We of the Never Never" by Jeannie Gunn. The town is a popular stop for travellers between Darwin and Alice Springs. The climate is tropical, with warm dry winters and hot humid summers.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Katherine Airport (KTR), approximately 100 km north-west. Darwin Airport (DRW) is about 400 km north.

By Train

The nearest passenger rail station is in Katherine, on the Adelaide-Darwin railway.

By Car / Road

Mataranka is on the Stuart Highway, about 4 hours drive south of Darwin and 1.5 hours south of Katherine. The road is sealed.

A car is essential. The town is small and walkable. The thermal springs are a short drive from the highway.

• Mataranka Thermal Pool — A crystal-clear thermal spring maintained at a constant 34°C, surrounded by palm trees and paperbarks. Located in Elsey National Park.

• Bitter Springs — Another beautiful thermal pool with slightly cooler water, 5 km south of town.

• Elsey National Park — A national park surrounding the Roper River with walking trails, swimming, and birdwatching.

• The Never Never Museum — Exhibits on the life of Jeannie Gunn and the history of the Mataranka region.

• Mataranka Homestead — The historic homestead that inspired the novel "We of the Never Never".

• Swimming in the thermal pools — The warm, clear waters are perfect for swimming all year round.

• Walking trails — Elsey National Park has trails through woodlands and along the Roper River.

• Fishing — The Roper River offers barramundi fishing.

• Camping — Campgrounds in Elsey National Park.

• Mataranka Roadhouse — Takeaway meals, burgers, and hot food.
• Mataranka Homestead — Cafe serving meals and refreshments.
• Elsey National Park picnic areas — Bring your own supplies.

The Homestead has a bar. The roadhouse sells drinks and supplies.

• Budget — Elsey National Park campgrounds, from $10 per night.
• Mid-range — Mataranka Cabins and Camping, cabins from $100 per night.
• Mid-range — Mataranka Homestead, basic rooms from $120 per night.

Mataranka has a general store and a roadhouse with basic supplies and fuel.

• Katherine (100 km north-west) — Town with Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge.
• Larrimah (60 km south) — Small town with the Daly Waters Pub further south.
• Daly Waters (120 km south) — Historic pub and roadhouse on the Stuart Highway.
• Nitmiluk National Park (120 km north-west) — Spectacular gorge system with boat cruises and walks.
• Bitter Springs (5 km south) — Thermal pool cooler than Mataranka Pool.