Mataranka

One of the most amazing spots I found in Australia is in the Northern Territory. I first heard about this place just before we left Perth on our journey around Australia. The place I am referring to here is the thermal pool out from Mataranka. Mataranka the town lies about 100 kilometres south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway. Out from Mataranka is an old homestead, a caravan park and a national park. Within the national park is a thermal spring.

I am led to believe that during the second world war this was used as an officers rest and recreation area. A section of the run off waterway from the thermal spring was widened and deepened to create a natural swimming pool of warm water. The water flows from the spring to the Roper River which runs very close by. Curiously, to access the thermal pool which is in the national park, you need to enter the caravan park, giving the false impression that you actually have to stay at the caravan park to enjoy the thermal pool.
Nothing could be further from the truth, and for those on a tight budget, there are a couple of camping grounds within a few kilometres of the pools. There is plenty of parking inside the caravan park for public access to the thermal pool.

The pool itself is approximately the size of two large backyard swimming pools. Access is via raised walkways through the park that lead to an area set aside for your clothing and towels. A few stone steps later with railings for less able bodied people and you are in the pool itself. For the most part the water is about 5 feet deep although in a couple of places its closer to six. There are also some shallow areas that are ideal for children.

The water is constantly flowing which means the pool is constantly full of fresh water making it not only extremely refreshing, but also very beautiful as the water is crystal clear. The temperature of the water although warm is not overpowering.
I can honestly say, its hard not to get addicted to being in the water and enjoying the atmosphere. Its not only the water, but also the surrounding trees and ferns and the very friendly nature of the people that seems to come out here. There is definitely something very therapeutic about the thermal pool which is probably the relaxation it oozes to all people
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The raised walkway that leads to the pool also leads to the Roper River. I am told you can swim in the river, but I chose not to. I have this inherent fear of crocodiles. The Roper River leads to the Roper Bar, which I am led to believe is one of the most dense crocodile population areas in the world and there is no way I was taking any risks.

Both times I was there I saw thousands of bats hanging in the trees along the river bank. They have a very distinct smell to them.
Anyone wishing to stay at the caravan park I would suggest you get there early in the day. During peak times they are normally at capacity and its first come first served.

At the times I was there, they had a blanket NO dogs rule. They have an area outside the caravan park where dogs can be tied up for the duration of the visit. Anyone travelling with dogs should be aware of this and make allowances for it if they wish to visit the pool.
I can highly recommend the caravan park as a relaxing place to stay. They have a very good restaurant that serves superbly cooked food. They also have a camp kitchen where billy tea and damper is served at various times throughout the day. The man who was cooking the damper is exceptional at his craft and produced the most delicious damper with raisins. I remember I didn't eat dinner that particular day.

There is also an outdoor dance area and they have bands there on occasion. Its not so loud you cant sleep at night either.
All in all the thermal pool near Mataranka is a must see for anyone travelling in the Northern Territory.
A tip for the travellers from overseas, the billy tea they sell in their tourist shop is just repackaged liptons loose leaf tea. Its considerably cheaper to buy the tea from any supermarket.
For the history buffs, this area is also the location of the grave site for the author of We of the Never Never. The building the author lived in has been carefully recreated and is open to visitors.

If you are looking for something different in your life like the thermal pool, travel is certainly the easiest way to find it.

Have fun and happy travels,
Don
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>>>>>>>True Peace is found when your inner self is set free<<<<<<<
email dtm@tower.net.au
home page http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Rampart/5588 _________________________________________________________