Why travellers are heading north to take a dip in the ‘healing’ waters of this sparkling blue natural thermal pool in the middle of a palm forest
- Travellers flock to Mataranka Thermal Pools, NT
- The pools are naturally 34C all year round
- It has vibrant blue waters perfect for holiday snaps
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Travellers are flocking north to visit a vibrant blue thermal pool in the middle of a rainforest.
Mataranka Thermal Pool is one of two thermal springs in the Northern Territory’s Elsey National Park, the other being the famous Bitter Springs.
The series of breathtaking pools are near the small town of Mataranka, an hour south of Katherine, where temperatures are currently averaging 35C – making the warm water far from a refreshing dip.
The fresh spring-water pools can be found at the end of a 500-metre walking track that winds through the bushland under towering palms trees.
Thermal pools are said to reduce pain and inflammation thanks to the mineral content in the water, as well as improving circulation through dilated blood vessels, lymphatic drainage and a relaxed emotional state.
A stunning naturally heated thermal pool with strikingly blue waters is drawing in travellers from all over the country
Mataranka thermal spring is one of two thermal pools in the Northern Territory’s stunning in Elsey National Park
The pools are near the small town of Mataranka, about an hour south of Katherine and are surrounded by a lush green forest
Mataranka has become a poplar spot for adventurers as local issued a plea for more visitors after tourism dwindled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
There were almost 220,000 visitors to Elsey National Park, which includes Mataranka Thermal Pool, in 2019.
The number of tourists took a hit in 2020 due to border closures, but now as Aussies are free to move about the country, many have rediscovered the natural Northern Territory wonder.
The thermal pools, which are naturally filled with water from the nearby Daly and Georgina basins, make for the perfect Instagram backdrop thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters shaded by tropical palms.
Mataranka has become a very poplar spot for adventurers as local issued a plea for more visitors after tourism dwindled during the Covid-19 pandemic
The thermal pools make for the perfect Instagram backdrop thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters shaded by tropical palms
Mataranka springs are famed for their healing abilities with legend saying a plunge in the impossibly blue waters can help improve aches and pains
Mataranka Thermal Pool’s sandy-bottomed refreshing swimming hole is the perfect reward for visitors after the 20-minute walk that starts near the centre of town.
There are three main access points into Elsey National Park and visitors to Mataranka Pools can take the Homestead Road turnoff and follow it for around 7km to the start of the short and easy walking trail.
There are steel ladders and concrete edging around the perimeter making it easy to get in and out of the water.
The pool can get crowded on weekends, especially in the peak season between May and October, but they are large enough that everyone has their own space.
Mataranka springs are famed for their healing abilities with legend saying a plunge in the impossibly blue waters can help improve aches and pains.
Some lucky visitors may be able to spy the area’s red flying foxes that inhabit the park while freshwater turtles can often be seen taking a dip in the pools.
