Guide to Mataranka Northern Territory Australia

The ‘Never Never Land’ of Mataranka was the setting of the famous Australian novel, We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn. Mataranka township is located 100 kilometres south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway. Jeannie Gunn ‘The Little Missus’ lived at nearby Elsey Station, and her affection for the area has been immortalised in her book. Within Elsey National Park, you will find the grave of her husband and a memorial to the author at the Elsey Cemetery and Reserve. The Mataranka Homestead is a replica of the home the Gunn’s lived in, as no remains of the original exist. Elsey Station is now administered by the local Aboriginal people. The ancient dreamtime stories of the Mangarayi and Yungman tribes describe a wind sweeping in from the east that created the area.

Mataranka thermal pools are a great place to unwind. The warm, crystalline waters of the natural pools have the power to soothe aches and pains after a long day on the road. The water is spring fed, bubbling up at a fairly constant temperature of 34 degrees Celsius. The surrounding paperbark and palm forest filters the sun and leaves soft, dappled light playing on the water’s surface. The area around the pools is a natural breeding ground for the little red flying fox. The breeding season is usually from November to May, but often extends into the drier months. During the breeding season, there are ranger guided talks available. Bitter Springs, a short drive north-east of Mataranka, is a relaxing alternative to the main thermal pools. Take your goggles, because small turtles and fish can often be spotted below the surface.