Natural · Palm-forest spring pool · Northern Territory
Mataranka Thermal Pool
The experience
Mataranka, in full
Fed by Rainbow Springs and the Cambrian Limestone Aquifer, the Mataranka Thermal Pool sits in a grove of Livistona palms and paperbarks in Elsey National Park, a couple of hours south of Katherine. The water is crystal-clear and holds a steady 34°C all year — warm enough for a long float, mild enough for children.
The pool is landscaped with concrete steps and handrails, which makes it the more accessible of Elsey's two thermal sites. There is no spa or entry fee here; it is a national-park swimming hole, with toilets and change facilities nearby and the commercial Mataranka Homestead a short walk away for food, a drink and a bed.
Signature: A palm-forest oasis at a constant 34°C.
Services & facilities
What you'll find
- Landscaped spring-fed pool with steps and handrails
- Toilets and change facilities nearby
- Short, easy walk from Mataranka Homestead
- Homestead food, bar and accommodation close by
- Jalmurark Campground 16 km away (book online)
- Guided day tours available via third parties
The good
- Comfortable 34°C water, great for long floats and kids
- A beautiful palm-and-paperbark oasis with clear water
- Free to swim with a parks pass; steps aid access
- Swimmable year-round on a classic road-trip route
The catch
- Gets crowded with tour groups mid-day — arrive early
- Remote, with NT Parks Pass admin and summer heat
- Seasonal crocodile monitoring can close the water
Good to know
Before you go
Keep exploring
