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Mataranka, NT

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

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.

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • Caravan and Camping
  • Environmental
  • Food and Wine
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Relaxation
  • Remote

Popular Activities

  • Bush Walking
  • Scenic Flight
  • Swimming
  • National Park
  • Fishing
  • Fishing - Game

About Mataranka

  • Locality: Urban locality
  • Mataranka Postcode: 852
  • State: Northern Territory
  • Region: Katherine & Surrounds
  • Latitude: -14.92293
  • Longitude: 133.06672
  • Elevation: 137m
  • Population: 350
  • Median Income: $24856
  • Area (Sq/km): 231.704
  • Timezone: Australia/Darwin

Accommodation In Mataranka

Discover some of the accommodation in and around Mataranka

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains