Mataranka, Northern Territory, Australia,

Mataranka Overview

Mataranka is 420 km (260 miles) south east of Darwin, close to the junction of the Stuart and Roper Highways.

It is a transitional region between the dryness of the 'Red Centre' and the tropical lushness of 'The Top End'.

Mataranka is best known for the thermal pool located within the Elsey National Park.

Thermal Pool

Elsey National Park is to the east of Mataranka and its water cascades, thermal spring pools and lush rainforest setting is a marked contrast to the dryness of the 'Red Centre' further south.

Mataranka Thermal Pool Nature Park is within Elsey Park and is an idyllic 'oasis like' turquoise coloured lagoon surrounded by a fringe of palm trees.

Needless to say, it is very pleasurable to wallow in the 30 degree C water surrounded by the tropical beauty of the Katherine region.

Colourful Bird Life

The monsoonal climate of the Top End is perfect for exotic bird species.

You may see all kinds of colourful parrots, finches, kingfishers, honeyeaters, galahs, the Apostle bird (so called because there are always in a group of 8-14).

Vast Distances

Throughout the Northern Territory, distances between townships or settlements can be great and there are vast tracts of largely un populated land which may require permission from Aboriginal Land Authorities to access.

Travel through the Northern Territory should be treated with the utmost respect.

Careful preparation must be made if you are thinking of venturing out alone as people have been known to succumb to the conditions in just a few hours.

In addition, during the monsoon season, some roads throughout the 'Top End are often made unpassable by flooding.