Mataranka. I’ve been looking forward to it since we started our trip. I went to Mataranka when I was 15, and I’ve never forgotten it.
The weather and landscape are no longer arid and dry, it feels like we’re nearing the end of the Outback. Instead, the vegetation is looking more lush, the weather feels more tropical.
We took the kids to the Mataranka Homestead, which is the gateway to the thermal pools, and well…
Crystal clear blue running waters warmed up and then pushed out by the Earth to a temperate 33-34° and surrounded by lush rainforest. Pure heaven.
I hadn’t been to Bitter Springs before, so on the recommendation of all we met, we hired some pool noodles and ventured there. It’s the same temperature as the Mataranka Thermal Pool, but full of fish, turtles, lily pads, under water plants, and, the occasional harmless fresh water croc, which I’m glad to say we didn’t see. There is a current that takes you downstream, so you hook the noodles through your arms, lie on your back and float down the thermal river. After a few trips down the springs like this, we ditched the noodle, put on our snorkels, grabbed the go pro and kept going. Jett couldn’t get enough of it.
We did some bush camping in Elsey National Park, the kids had fun busking here. Jett on Dean’s guitar and Leo with his clap sticks. They made $2- from me.
You guys are having such cool adventures! Love reading about them!!
Mataranka sounds like heaven. Would love to go see it!
I can’t believe you went in the water at Bitter Springs. The threat of seeing a croc (harmless) or not would have given me a heart attack.
Love your adventures.