Soothe aches and pains in the crystal clear warm waters of the natural Mataranka Thermal pool under the dappled light of the paperbark and palm forest.

Located in Australia’s Northern Territory,  the Mataranka hot springs provide the perfect place for visitors to unwind and soak up the mesmerising scenery. Here, the waters of the natural pool are impossibly blue, but they also have the power to heal aches and pains – ideal if you’ve spent the day walking and exploring the surrounding region.

The calming waters of Mataranka Thermal Pool

All around the hot springs, palm forests offering a paradise backdrop, while the gentle gush of nearby waterfalls can be heard in the distance. There are plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities to be had here, too, as it is a natural breeding ground for the red flying fox – a cute, native species. (see bottom of post or click here for a video on the plight of these little creatures)

Mataranka Falls is a natural breeding ground for the red flying fox – a cute, native species.

The thermal pool is one of the biggest draws in the region, as it promises the chance to kick back and relax with incredible views.

The warm water is thought to soothe any ailments, and the natural scenery is extremely peaceful.


Swimming in the Mataranka Thermal Pool

Close to the Roper River, the pool can sometimes get crowded, especially at busier times of the year, but there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the natural wonder. The pool itself is filled with fresh spring water from the Daly and Georgina basins, and it maintains a consistent temperature of 34 degrees.



Bitter Springs
As well as the main thermal pools, Mataranka is also home to the Bitter Springs Thermal pool, which is often much less crowded than the more popular springs. Here, you can follow the curling streams to a bridge and a ladder which leads to a leisurely walk around the springs. The Bitter Springs are consistently deeper than the thermal pools, but they are just as peaceful and relaxing.


The clear waters of Bitter Springs Thermal Pools.

Bitter Springs is part of Elsey National Park and is Mataranka's newest thermal pool. It has a day use area with barbecues, tables and eco-friendly toilets.


Bitter Springs is part of Elsey National Park and is Mataranka's newest thermal pool.

A walking path loops around the area, winding under fan palms (Livistona rigida), past the swimming pools and through the pristine riparian ecology of the Roper River. To the right the fan palms can be seen from a fish's point of view, up through the clear waters of Bitter Springs Thermal Pools. If you are not the adventurous type then there is stairway entrance to the main pool where you can just loll about soaking up the effects of the luxuriant 32-34 degrees Celsius (89-93 degrees Fahrenheit) spring water. There is another way to experience Bitter Springs. Wade into the warm waters of the Spring and drift with the flow down along the stream that connects the two swimming areas and on to the exit ladder at the pedestrian bridge on the walkway that circles the Spring area.


The Bitter Springs are peaceful and relaxing.

This Aquatrail drifts a couple of hundred metres down through the Springs. The water is incredibly clear, with an underwater mask, freshwater turtles are often seen swimming amongst the reed beds. At the end of the gentle drift, a ladder lets the adventurer climb out onto the Bitter Springs walking path and return to the main pool for another go round. Swimming back up against the current is not recommended.



Mataranka Falls
Close to the thermal springs, you’ll find the Mataranka Falls. There are plenty of walks that take you past the natural wonder and along the picturesque banks of the Roper River. At the bottom of the waterfalls, you can take a refreshing dip in the pools that have formed, and refresh in the water that pours over the nearby tufa dams.


Photographed in Elsey National Park near Mataranka, Northern Territory, Australia.

It is easy to spend a day exploring Mataranka and all its natural offerings. Visitors often take a walk in the cooler parts of the day around the waterfalls and the labyrinth of surrounding trails, before taking a relaxing dip in one of the thermal pools that are so popular in the area. However you decide to spend your time in the area, prepare to come away feeling utterly refreshed.

Take a look at an interesting video about the plight of the Red Flying Fox population around Mataranka and the Roper River...

Sources:

http://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/things-to-do/mataranka-thermal-pool

http://www.darwintoalicesprings.com/Mataranka-bitter-springs.htm

https://ulurutoursaustralia.com.au/uluru-facts/83-the-healing-powers-of-the-mataranka-hot-springs

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