Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort

Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort sits at the edge of Elsey National Park, about 420 kilometres southeast of Darwin along the Stuart Highway. The campground is famous for one thing above all else: the Mataranka Thermal Pool, a 34 degree Celsius natural spring just 100 metres walk from your campsite, open 24 hours and surrounded by palm forest. Float through the warm, crystal-clear water and let the gentle current carry you downstream before walking back and doing it again.

The park offers over 160 powered sites and unlimited unpowered camping across several areas, some structured and some more relaxed so you can set up however suits you. No bookings are taken for camping, it is first come, first served, but the park is large with plenty of room. Showers, toilets, a laundry and dump point are available. Jeannies Restaurant and Meluka Bar serve hot meals and cold drinks, and live entertainment runs through the dry season.

Bitter Springs, a second thermal pool about nine kilometres down the road, offers a more natural swimming experience with a stronger current and resident turtles. Barramundi fishing is excellent in the nearby Waterhouse and Roper Rivers, and the 1.2km Stevies Hole walking track follows the riverbank from camp. Resident wallabies, peacocks and the park goats Chips, Chops and their mate Charlie the buffalo are regulars around the campground. Powered sites start from around $40 per night, unpowered from $30.