MATARANKA
Mataranka is nothing without the
famous Mataranka Springs. Literally in the middle of nowhere (read
never never) these now famous mineral springs exist. Palm trees,
exotic plants, birds and
wildlife, plus the fresh water springs make this place a ‘little’
Tourism Mecca. The fact the springs exist is just amazing.
Mataranka is the next real town after
Tennant Creek, just a 1000k south as we head north to Darwin.
Mataranka is a very small town that now fully relies on the tourism of
the springs.
The town is located near
Roper River and Mataranka Hot Springs.

This area is the setting
for Jeannie Gunn's autobiographical account of the year 1902. And the
‘we of the never never’ story. The homestead, which she shared with
her husband, Aeneas Gunn, until his death, has been reconstructed near
to the hot springs. A stroll through the cemetery is a deeply moving
experience, excenuated if you have read the book.
.     
The headwaters of the Roper
River inside Elsey National Park (where crocodiles are managed) are
popular for bushwalking, bird watching, canoeing, swimming and
fishing.
Mataranka, the small town
that it is does provide most essential services.
The Mataranka Hotel is in
the main street.
The War Memorial is located
opposite the hotel.
Mataranka Museum is next to
the library.
The Mataranka church is
multi denominational
The springs are the driver;
a night, week or weeks all work at this great place .
Diary
notes  
 |