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About Mataranka Thermal Pool
Mataranka Thermal Pool is a famous natural pool within [Elsey National Park](/au/national-parks/nt/elsey-national-park) fed by a thermal spring at a constant 34°C, set in a dense stand of cabbage palms that create an enchanting tropical atmosphere. Made famous by the 1908 novel 'We of the [Never Never](/au/places/nsw/never-never)' by Jeannie Gunn, this idyllic spot has been drawing travellers since the Stuart Highway opened.
About
Mataranka Thermal Pool is a famous natural pool within [Elsey National Park](/au/national-parks/nt/elsey-national-park) fed by a thermal spring at a constant 34°C, set in a dense stand of cabbage palms that create an enchanting tropical atmosphere. Made famous by the 1908 novel 'We of the [Never Never](/au/places/nsw/never-never)' by Jeannie Gunn, this idyllic spot has been drawing travellers since the Stuart Highway opened.
History & Significance
Mataranka Thermal Pool gained fame through Jeannie Gunn's 1908 novel 'We of the Never Never', which chronicled life on a Northern Territory cattle station and brought the area to wider attention. The constant 34°C spring-fed pool became a popular stop for travellers after the Stuart Highway opened, attracting visitors seeking the therapeutic warmth and tropical ambiance of the cabbage palm forest setting.
Warnings
Getting There
Inside Elsey National Park, 9km south of Mataranka township. Turn east off the Stuart Highway at Mataranka. Mataranka is 420km south of Darwin.
Parking
Free parking available at Elsey National Park. Capacity and specific accessibility details not documented, but the site is accessible for general vehicles. Overflow parking may be available during peak season.
Nearest airport
Visitor Tips
- •Visit early morning for a peaceful experience before caravans arrive
- •The walk through the palm forest from the car park is magical
- •Combine with Bitter Springs (12km east) for two very different swimming experiences
- •The Elsey Homestead replica nearby gives context for the Never Never history
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Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- 45-90 minutes
- Best Time
- Year-round; dry season most comfortable
- Hours
- Open year-round
Location
- Area
- Mataranka
- Region
- Alice Springs
- State
- Northern Territory
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages
- Shade/Cover
- Good shade/cover
- Pram Friendly
- Yes
Food & Drink
Bring your own food and water. Picnic areas available within the park.
Features
Facilities
Travellers also visited
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Nearby
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Dump Points(1)
Mataranka Dump Point
Free · 0.5km