Elsey National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Elsey National Park is a gem. It sparkles with flowing creeks, small gushing waterfalls, welcoming thermal springs and limestone dams, and is blessed with lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife. The spring-fed headwaters of the tranquil Roper River are located here, just east of Mataranka, and in the dry season the river meanders gently through large waterholes and tumbles over rocks and tufa dams. During the wet season the river swells and floods the surrounding areas. Most visitors stop at Rainbow Spring and Thermal Pool, where spring water with a temperature of some 34 degrees Celsius rises from an underground aquifer at a staggering rate of 30.5 million litres a day. Swimming in the Thermal Pool is extremely relaxing and the clarity of the water is unbelievable.Some years the paperbark and palm forest that surrounds the pool is filled with screaming flying-foxes; there are always birds swooping through the foliage feeding on insects and flowers and monitors wandering by. You can walk to Korowan (Mataranka Falls), a lovely swimming hole, while Bitter Springs in the north-west corner is a beautiful spot, with vehicle access.A pretty walk (1.5 km, easy) leads along John Hauser Drive, and Mataranka Falls walk (4 km one way) winds from 12 Mile Yards through tropical woodland and along the Roper River. There are numerous short riverside walks and a short loop walk at Bitter Springs. Canoeing and fishing are popular but traps, nets and spears are banned and barramundi regulations apply. A boat ramp and canoe launching area is provided at 12 Mile Yards and Mataranka Homestead; outboard motor sizes are limited to 15 horsepower.

Fact file

Camping

Rainbow Spring, Thermal Pool, Mataranka Homestead, 12 Mile Yards

Location and access

125 km south-east of Katherine via Stuart Hwy to Mataranka (Bitter Springs); through Mataranka then Homestead Rd (to Thermal Pool and John Hauser Dr areas)

Park Information

• PWCNT (08) 8999 5511
• PWCNT Katherine (08) 8973 8888
• PWCNT Mataranka (08) 8975 4560

Size

13 840 ha

Where to Stay

Mataranka (08) 8975 4530
www.travelnt.com


This content is from the publication:
Explore Australia’s National Parks
RRP $49.95
Buy now

• Campsites

Campsites

Jalmurark Campground

Enjoy great facilities here, including solar hot-water showers, in a peaceful environment (no generators). You’ll need to bring your own firewood. Turn off Homestead Rd to the right after 4 km, onto John Hauser Dr,... Find out more

---

comments powered by Disqus