The Thermal Pools are the main attraction here, with two very different ones to choose from. Situated in the Elsy National Park and surrounded by Pandanus Palms. Bitter Springs is a more natural pool with easy access ladders to get in and out of and a great walk right around it. If you have snorkel and mask take them along you may see a turtle or fish. Then there is the original Rainbow Springs or better known as Mataranka Springs. Probably more suited to the little ones it is more like a swimming pool with a boardwalk around it, and paving, steps and ladders to access this one. You can wander the boardwalk down to the Waterhouse River, where you might be lucky enough to see a fresh water crocodile thou you have to be quite because they are very shy and disappear at the slightest sounds. Same as the turtle. The fresh water crocodile is not interested in human comsumption but can inflict a nasty bite if you try to tangle with it. The salt water crocodile doesnt inhabit the thermal springs as they dont like the warm water and nor does their prey. They can venture into the Roper River in these reaches during the wet season and National Park Rangers keep a vigilant lookout for them, catching and relocating them further down where they come from. There is a beautiful tranquil botanical walk along the banks of the Roper River down to the Mataranka Falls, The last 4km from 12 mile to the falls is fairly arduous walking in the heat and recommended for the more experienced walker. Dont forget your Hat and a drink. Along the way there is seating where you can rest and enjoy the abundant birdlife and wildlife, dont forget the binnoculars. If you dont want to do all the walk there is vehicle access thru the John Hauser Drive where signage will tell you there is acess down to the river. The 4 mile is where you can launch your tinny. Our property offers the Barramundi Fish Feeding Show not to be missed on a visit to Mataranka. Its Free and on twice daily at 9.30am and 1pm. The wildlife and Birdlife right here in the park is abundant and if you are staying with us you can watch the wallabies while you enjoy a swim in our pool. We also offer what we consider to be the best restaurant in the area. Serving a variety of dishes the most famous is of course the Barramundi. Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment. In the township of Mataranka there is a Post Office known as the Rural Transaction Centre, which houses the local Council as well. It also has an internet room. There is a Library & Museum all located in the same area. There is a supermarket/bottleshop, the Mataranka Hotel which is also the United Roadhouse. The Shell Roadhouse on the northern end of town. A police station that services the large region surrounding Mataranka. A school, a gem shop, the Stockyard Gallery/Cafe, National Parks Office and Willies Autos on the southern end of town. There is also a Health Clinic with a resident Doctor. Known as Never Never Country made famous by the novel/ movie by Jeanie Gunn about her life in this area in the early 1900's, you can view the replica hut at the Mataranka Springs, and the old buggy from the movie is our buffet bench in our restaurant. You can visit the Museum for further info on this. The best time to come weather wise is April to Oct, but it is also the busiest and bookings are highly recommended. The Territory - Remember if you Never Never Go you will Never Never know. |