Mataranka in 4 days Nature, culture, history & local charm

Escape to the small town of Mataranka, known for its thermal springs, lush landscapes, and rich cultural and military history. A relaxed yet adventure-filled trip that blends nature, history, and a bit of local charm.

Roll into Mataranka, a town where stories flow as freely as the springs. Settle into one of the local stays - whether that’s a shaded campsite, a homely cabin, or a no-fuss motel - and get ready to unwind.

Start with a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pool, where 34°C waters rise from within the Earth. Surrounded by towering Livistona palms, it’s a sensory welcome: warm water, birdsong, the scent of eucalyptus, and light dancing through the canopy.

Take a short wander to the Elsey Homestead Replica, built for the film We of the Never Never. It’s a quiet tribute to the resilience of the people who first lived and worked on this land - and to Jeannie Gunn, who shared their story with the world.

Wrap up your day with dinner at Jeannie’s Kitchen at the Mataranka Homestead or, in the dry season, try the Territory Manor Café. Both serve up country hospitality, hearty meals, and a chance to yarn with locals.

Rise with the light and head into Elsey National Park. You’ll feel the difference straight away - the cool air under gum trees, the rustle of wallabies, and the stillness broken only by birdsong.

Choose your trail:

• The easy Botanic Walk takes you past native rainforest species.
• Stroll to Stevie’s Hole or the WWII Aboriginal Army Camp.
• Enjoy a moderate walk to Korowan (Mataranka Falls) to the tufa dams that cross the Roper River and form gentle rapids
• Or for a challenge, the 16km Riverside Walk offers river views and some great picnic spots.

In the afternoon head out to the Elsey Cemetery National Reserve where history rests beneath red dirt. The graves of Aeneas and Jeannie Gunn are here, as well as those of the early Territory settlers. Nearby, the heritage-listed Warloch Ponds Bridge is a reminder of a time when ingenuity and grit were vital for survival in this remote land.

As the sun dips, pull into the Mataranka Rodeo Grounds (dry season only) and catch Nathan “Whippy” Griggs’ whip-cracking show - a local who has high energy, humour, and impressive skill.

Start slow with a float through the crystal-clear waters of Bitter Springs. Bring a pool noodle, ease into the current, and let the warm water guide you past palms and paperbarks. It’s peaceful, playful, and pure NT magic.

Stretch your legs on the Bitter Springs Walk, or visit the Never Never Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the cultural and wartime layers that shape Mataranka.

If you’re keen to cast a line, locals will point you to top spots along John Hauser Drive, or you can launch a boat at 4 Mile or 11 Mile and chase the elusive Barramundi on the Roper River.

For those who want to stretch the adventure a little further, take a leisurely drive north to Cutta Cutta Caves. These limestone caverns hum with quiet mystery - home to rare ghost bats, sparkling stalactites and stalagmites, and stories as old as time. Guided tours run regularly, and there’s a tropical savanna walk nearby where you will discover some of the local plant life and how they survive in the harsh Top End climate.

Or stay local - one last soak, one last walk, one last bite at the Mataranka Bakery, their pies and pastries are memorable, before heading off to continue your NT adventure.

Note: you need a park pass to visit Elsey National Park. Get your NT parks pass now.