Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Spring

Experience the tropical oases of the Mataranka Thermal Pool, one of two thermal spring swimming options in the Elsey National Park.

>DISTANCE FROM KATHERINE: Just over an hour's drive.

Thermal waters, bubbling springs and shady palm forests contrast with the surrounding region’s open grasslands and sparse woodland, making this a refreshing stop for many travellers.

The spring fed waterholes comprise one of the few, easily accessible places to swim in the region without the threat of Estuarine crocodiles. The shady, humid environment around the Thermal Pool provides a perfect roost for a large colony of flying foxes. Depending on the time of year, up to 500,000 flying foxes may be present in the colony, making it one of the largest in the region. Both a wildlife spectacle and a management issue.

Rainbow Spring constantly bubbles up water from underground, feeding the Thermal Pool, before flowing into the nearby Waterhouse River.

A short loop-walk (500 metres return) from the park entrance provides visitors with access to the thermal pool, and views of Rainbow Spring and the Waterhouse River.

Access to the start of the loop-walk is through the privately owned Mataranka Homestead resort, and day-use visitors should park their vehicles on the far side of the Homestead resort prior to walking through to the park entrance.

A section of the Thermal Pool loop-walk, located alongside the Waterhouse River, has evolved as a popular spot for early evening visitors when Freshwater crocodiles can often be seen lying in wait for flying foxes, swooping down to the river for a drink.