Elsey National Park off the Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway travel information for self drive visitors guide
www.darwintoalicesprings.com/

Elsey National Park


Elsey National Park
: Access driving via the sealed Stuart Highway south from Darwin or north from Alice Springs.
Elsey National Park - Mataranka Thermal Pools - Elsey Homestead Replica

Elsey National Park

Elsey National Park, eight kilometers from Mataranka, is another of the region’s natural attractions. The massive Roper River slices through this 140 square-kilometre expanse, flowing through large waterholes then tumbling over rocks and tufa dams. Canoeing and fishing are popular activities and swimming is great at Bitter Springs and the Thermal Pool. Scenic riverside walking tracks to Mataranka Falls are a great way to explore the Park overland.

The Rainbow Springs and Thermal Pool sector of the Park are a major attraction for visitors. The spring water rising from underground at 30.5 million litres per day and at a temperature of 34 Degrees Celsius is then contained in a relaxing swimming pool surrounded by a palm forest.

How to get there
The Park has three access points. To access the main Thermal Pool (Mataranka Hot Springs), take the Homestead Road turnoff (1.5km south of Mataranka on the Stuart Highway) and follow it for around 7km. To access the facilities along John Hauser Drive, turn off the Homestead Road around 4km from the Highway. The Bitter Springs access is via a sealed road leading directly from the Mataranka township.

Fact sheet: Elsey National Park
NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/

Visitor Facilities
Picnic areas complete with tables, wood barbecues and toilet facilities are provided at Bitter Springs, 12 Mile Yards, Mulurark and 4 Mile.

There are also camping areas provided.

Please Remember - Elsey National Park
• Avoid using soaps and detergent in or near the waterways.
• Camp only in designated areas, and collect firewood before arriving at your campsite.
• Generators are not permitted in this park (Elsey National Park).
• Observe all fishing regulations.
• Pets are not permitted in this Park.
• Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted

Elsey Falls at Mataranka

Mataranka Northern Territory Only 100 km south of Katherine A great place to see some free Barramundi feeding, where the fish are pulled from the water with bare hands. Have a relaxing swim in the many thermal pools and crystal clear streams. Walk along the many shady walking trails amongst the massive palm trees. We have stayed here several times so far during 2003 - 2009 as we poke around in different parts of the region. Next time we will be off to the 12 mile yards to camp and walk along the Roper River to Mataranka falls, after walking and enjoying the 1 hour "Botanic Walk" .

Old Elsey Cemetery
The Old Elsey Cemetery, 21 kilometers from Mataranka, has graves dating back to 1926. It’s a significant part of Australia's heritage and is the final resting place of many local characters written about in the famous 1908 novel 'We of the Never Never' by Jeannie Gunn.

Bitter Springs Cabins or Campground
http://www.bitterspringscabins.com.au/
and
http://www.bitterspringscabins.com.au/caravan-park-campground.html

NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/

Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Mataranka Office Head Office
32 Giles St Katherine NT 0851
Ph: +61 (0) 8 8975 4560
Fax: +61 (0) 8 8975 4696

Botanic Walk
 In Elsey National Park there are many great walking trails . By far the easier ones are around the Mataranka Thermal Pool (for those short on time), and the other one is the Botanic Walk a few kilometers away along the Roper River. A great walking trail with informative displays and a few seats & a table along the way. All very shady for those worried about the temperature. At the turn around point is the Roper River (in picture), from here you can walk along the Roper River to 12 Mile Yards (maybe 8 km further) The road & the track run along the river with several other points of interest & entry/exit points at smaller loop walks. So it is very easy to be dropped off and walk for the day/morning back to camp and only be less 1 km from the main road. A great little swimming spot for kids is at the 4 mile hole, where an offshoot of the main river sweeps around creating a shady alleyway, that is segmented and shallow. For the adventurous, get dropped off at the Botanic walk and walk the 3.5 km to the 4 mile hole and meet with others there (boat ramp). You get to see different parts of the Waterhouse & Roper river .

Mataranka Falls
A pleasant 4 km walk along the Roper River and through the bush from 12 Mile Hole (campgrounds). The tranquility of the river turns to the roar of the water pouring over the tufa dams (they act like your own spa pool). The falls have changed dramatically over the years with much of the established foliage ripped from the falls during the wet season & more pandanus taking hold.

Elsey Homestead Replica

Elsey Homestead - We of the Never Never

More infomation and a visitors guide at Elsey Homestead Replica

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Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway travel information for self drive visitors guide. 1500 klm a jouney to remember and you have never really known Australian until you visit both Uluru (Ayers Rock), Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and Kakadu.

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