Mataranka Thermal Pool
A bright blue thermal pool ringed by palms, kept at around 34°C year-round, and a classic stop on a self-drive south along the Stuart Highway.
Located in Elsey National Park about 105 km southeast of Katherine, the spring water stays at around 34°C all year. It is surrounded by livistona palms and tropical rainforest, which give it a vivid blue color. A timber boardwalk links the car park with the pool. Entry is free, and a resort next door offers accommodation and meals. Nearby is the old Elsey Station homestead, made famous by the novel We of the Never Never. Large colonies of fruit bats often appear in the evening. It makes a good half-day stop on a self-drive south from Katherine.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime)
Nearby sights
- Bitter Springs
- Cutta Cutta Caves
- Southern Rockhole
- Baruwei Lookout
- Jatbula Trail
- Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge)
- Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery
- Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre