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Mataranka is the place to visit Bitter Springs and Elsey National Park. Bitter Springs was one of those places we had heard so much about and seen amazing photos of.

After talking to Kaye and Peter at our previous stops (Timber Creek and Kathrine) we decided it sounded great.

They had been before and new the nearest place to stay and some good tips for the springs.

Bitter Springs Caravan Park

This is the closest park to the springs which is a short stroll down the road. Mataranka main street is 2.5km down the road which is also handy.

Driving in you pass lots of well placed termite hills. I say well placed as they seem very formal and look good as you enter.

The lady on reception is friendly and very chatty. At the reception you can bay basics such as frozen bread and ice creams.

Also, you can hire pool noodles to float down the springs on and they also have a small book exchange.

Once I had paid for a powered site and was given a map of the camp we headed in.

We could not really see any numbers but found a spot to spend the night. This park is full of trees of different kinds. We loved the fact they had palm trees. We hadn’t seen any in months.

The place is quite lush with greenery although you will also see lots of dry dirt and dead branches. After spending a few months in Western Australia we appreciated the abundance of trees around us.

Un-powered Site’s

If you want an unpowered site you can get one by the water.

These also have fire-pits/bbq’s and are surrounded by trees. In the cooler weather we would have gone for one of these ourselves.

The park has wallabies who seem to be quite friendly. Coming up very close to us and checking out our van.

Camp Amenities

The toilets/showers were basic but it goes with the whole bush camp look. Other new toilet blocks were closed at the time that we visited as it was end of season.

They have a laundry, consisting of some washing machines and long washing lines. One of which is almost draped in beautiful flowers.

Save $30 when you spend over $500 at Caravan RV Camping. Use the code “FULLTIME“ at the checkout to receive your discount.

The camp kitchen has a fridge, hot plate, microwave, BBQ, sink, power points, toaster and kettle.

You will also find seating for yourself and a high-chair for your little one.

A drinks machine is also here along with information leaflets on things to do in the Northern Territory.

If you are in need of any essentials for camping head in to Mataranka. The servo/store sells everything.

Bitter Springs

We headed to the springs four times during our stay in Mataranka.

Walking down the road from the park to Roper Creek took around 10 minutes. Passing through the car park which had cars as well as caravans. Then down the tree lined path to the springs.

Thought about house sitting? Aussie House sitters have given us a discount code Coupon Code “AHS15%off”

When we arrived at the steps of the water we could see clearly to the bottom, just beautiful!

The outside of the water and banks of the springs did have some algae but what the heck.

We hopped in the warm water, it was a hot day but it still felt good. We would head back a few more times bringing our rented pool noodles.

The noodles are great for floating to the end so you can just get taken along with the gentle current. Sometimes you do have to make an effort if the current stops.

Our new friends told us to attach our thongs to the ends of the noodles. This way you can walk back in your thongs and not get stones in your feet.

The walk back to the start takes two minutes so no problem if you don’t.

You may spot turtles in the water, frogs, lizards, egret’s (birds) and other birds are also in abundance.

If you have a Go-Pro or waterproof camera this is the place to bring it.

Mataranka

Mataranka has a cool little Art gallery/cafe called “The Stockyard”. It’s a little modern and a little quirky.

Rustic pieces are placed around the place to give it some character. The outside has nice foliage and seating in the shade.

The helpful and friendly guy running the place is a local and is doing a fantastic job.

It’s places like this that need our and the wider community support.

Inside you will see a small room with indigenous art to browse and to buy.

They also have a few books and the DVD “We of the never never”. The movie taken from the book about the area. If you know the story you might also like to visit the grave yard and station.

You have a choice of two fuel stations, one of which is also the store. You really can buy almost everything here.

Big rig parking and dump point

Two large parking areas are opposite the fuel stations on the main road. If your just passing through you can pull up for a rest and a shop.

The dump point is behind one of the parking areas, down a bit of a dirt track if your driving. You can also park in the large parking area and take the cassette over to it.

Elsey National Park Areas

Wabalarr

200 meters one way from the car park to the river. You can fish, relax or go for a 16km walk.

Four Mile

Bring your boat and fishing gear, just mind the crocs. This is a beautiful spot to launch your boat from and the river is so clear.

You can also do the 16 km walk from here. Or just do a shorter walk to the next location.

Mataranka is a small town that is worth spending a night or two. The springs are a must and if you have a boat check out the national park.

More Information

• Location : Mataranka
• Click for Google map location
• State: Northern Territory
• Pets: Yes
• Camp type : Caravan Park
• Price : $30 un-powerd – $35 power and water
• Water ? : Yes
• Power ? : Yes
• Will suit: All sized vehicles
• Is it on Wikicamps ?: Yes
• Drive time to nearby shops: 2 minutes from park to Mataranka
• Amenities : Toilets, shower
• Other : BBQ, Camp kitchen, fire-pits, laundry, bins, walk to springs, swimming, rent pool noodles, sells bread and ice cream, small book exchange, lots of trees and shade, wallabies and birds
• WIFI & Phone Reception – Tested with Boost Mobile: Yes

Yes – We use Boost Mobile while travelling around Australia as it has 3G & 4G coverage on the Telstra Mobile network