Elsey National Park surrounds the town of Mataranka, 120 km south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway. NT Parks says the park is 8 km from Mataranka and is best known for its thermal waters at Bitter Springs and the Mataranka Thermal Pool, which stay a warm 34°C year round. It is also popular for boating and fishing, with 2 boat ramps and several land-based fishing spots along the Roper River.
Getting around the park
NT Parks says to turn off the Stuart Highway onto:
- Martin Road for Bitter Springs
- Homestead Road for the Mataranka Thermal Pool
- John Hauser Drive, off Homestead Road, for all other sites in the park.
Thermal pools
- Bitter Springs. An easy 500 m loop (20 minutes) around a thermal pool lined with Livistona palms.
- Mataranka Thermal Pool. An easy 500 m loop (20 minutes) through towering Livistona palms to the pool.
NT Parks says both walks are suitable for most people, with pram and wheelchair access from the car park to the swimming hole. Stairs with handrails lead into the water.
Walks along the Roper
NT Parks warns that the walks are exposed and the heat can be extreme. Choose a walk that suits your fitness, and tell someone where you're going.
- Korowan (Mataranka Falls). 8 km return, 4 hours, grade 2. Follow the Roper River to tufa dams that cross it and form gentle rapids. Tufa forms when calcium carbonate is deposited on the rock bars. It isn't suitable for people with mobility issues, but NT Parks says it suits energetic children.
- Riverside Walk. 16 km, about 8 hours, grade 2, with river access and picnic spots.
- Stevie's Hole. 1.2 km return (45 minutes), following the Waterhouse River from Mataranka Homestead to link with the Riverside Walk.
- Botanic Walk. A 1.5 km loop (45 minutes) through riverine and rainforest plants. It links to the Riverside Walk and Stevie's Hole.
History
- WWII Aboriginal Army Camp. 650 m return (30 minutes). A walk through part of the region's Second World War history.
- Old Mataranka Sheep Dip. 365 m return (20 minutes). A small piece of the area's pastoral history.
Fishing and boating
The Roper River has 2 boat ramps and several land-based fishing spots in the park. NT Parks publishes guides to identifying fish of the Roper River and to fishing in NT parks. Check current NT fishing rules before you go, and stay crocodile-aware near the river; see our crocodile safety guide.
Camping
Jalmurark campground is 16 km from the Mataranka Thermal Pool and 22 km from Bitter Springs. Tourism NT spells the name Jamurark. It has sites for tents and caravans, and NT Parks says campground hosts are there in the peak season, May to September. Book online before you visit.
Passes and fees
Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass for Elsey National Park. Tourism NT lists these prices:
| Pass | Adult | Child (5–17) | Family | Concession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $10 | $5 | $25 | $8 |
| 3 days | $20 | $10 | $50 | $16 |
| 2 weeks | $30 | $15 | $75 | $24 |
| 1 month | $45 | $22 | $110 | $36 |
| Annual | $60 | $30 | $150 | $48 |
The pass covers all parks and reserves managed by the NT Government within its dates. NT residents don't need one, but may be asked for proof of residency. Check current prices before you buy.
Before you go
NT Parks warns that temperatures across the Territory can exceed 40°C between October and April. The Top End's humid heat can cause exhaustion and dehydration, so check for heatwave warnings with the Bureau of Meteorology. Parks can close unexpectedly due to bushfires, flooding or maintenance, so check whether the park is open before you go. Drones need a permit, which you must get before you arrive. For park enquiries, Tourism NT lists (08) 8973 8888.
Elsey makes an easy stop on the drive between Katherine and Tennant Creek. It's also a starting point for the Savannah Way east to Limmen National Park. See also Nitmiluk near Katherine.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bitter Springs or Mataranka Thermal Pool?
Both are in Elsey National Park, and NT Parks says both stay about 34°C year round. Each has an easy 500 m loop walk through Livistona palms, with pram and wheelchair access from the car park to the swimming hole and stairs with handrails into the water. Many visitors swim at both.
How long is the walk to Mataranka Falls?
NT Parks lists the Korowan (Mataranka Falls) walk as 8 km return, about 4 hours, grade 2. It follows the Roper River to tufa dams that form gentle rapids. It isn't suitable for people with mobility issues.
Do you need a pass for Mataranka?
Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass for Elsey National Park, which includes Bitter Springs and the Mataranka Thermal Pool. Tourism NT lists adult passes from $10 for one day. NT residents don't need one.
Is it safe to swim at Mataranka?
Swimming is a main activity at the thermal pools in Elsey National Park. Check the park's current status and safety signs before you go, because NT parks can close unexpectedly due to flooding, bushfires or maintenance.
Where can you camp in Elsey National Park?
At Jalmurark campground, which NT Parks says is 16 km from Mataranka Thermal Pool and 22 km from Bitter Springs. It has sites for tents and caravans, campground hosts in peak season (May to September), and must be booked online.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Elsey National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Walks in Elsey National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Elsey National Park — Tourism NT
