Mataranka

Mataranka is a community of approximately 400, in the Top End region of Australia's Northern Territory. The town is located approximately 420 km (260 mi.) southeast of the territorial capital, Darwin, and 107 km (66 mi.) south from Katherine.

The main attraction in the Mataranka region is the Elsey National Park which contains the beautiful Roper River and two great Thermal Pools: Bitter Springs and Rainbow Springs. The headwaters of the Roper River inside Elsey National Park (where crocodiles are managed) are popular for bushwalking, birdwatching, canoeing, swimming and fishing. Bitter Springs Thermal Pools is on the north east side of Mataranka township at the end of Martin Road. These pools flow at a constant 32 degrees C. and are still very much in their natural state. Swimmers can glide with the current downstream to view the beautiful riparian vegetation and birdlife along the way. With a mask and snorkel, small fish and turtles can be seen as the water is fantastically clear. Rainbow Springs or Mataranka Thermal Pools as it is also known has been accessible to the public for much longer than the other areas of Elsey National Park and hence has been enhanced over time through the installation of concrete walls, staircases, boardwalks and paved areas. Rainbow Springs is about 9 km south east of Mataranka at the end of Homestead Road. The water here flows at a constant 34 degrees C. and is also beautiful and clear, superb for swimming.