Welcome to Elsey National Park! This beautiful site has plenty of walking trails and crystal-clear pools of water for the average swimmer to enjoy. Elsey National Park is considered to be one of the Northern Territory’s popular tourist destinations because of its natural features.
Top Things to Do in Elsey National Park
Bitter Springs
Elsey National Park offers visitors two excellent and beautiful opportunities to swim: Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool.
Bitter Springs is located off Martin Road from Stuart Highway. Here, you can immerse yourself in the warm, crystal-clear waters of this natural thermal spring.
- Accessibility: Easy walk from the car park to the springs.
- When to Go: Best visited during the dry season (May to September) for optimal water clarity.
- Facilities: Basic amenities available, including picnic areas and walking trails.
Mataranka Thermal Pool
Mataranka Thermal Pool is located off Homestead Road from Stuart Highway. The Thermal Pool is supplied with water by the constantly bubbling Rainbow Spring, and the water overflowing from the Thermal Pool flows into the nearby Waterhouse River. The entrance to the Mataranka Thermal Pool itself is reachable from the site’s carpark. A handrail leads the visitors down to the water in a few steps. This site is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no toilets available at this site.Hiking Trails in Elsey NP
There are several short and long trails available for hikers at Elsey National Park. Here’s a list of the several walks:
- Bitter Springs: easy, looped track, 20 minutes, 500m
- Mataranka Thermal Pool: easy, looped track, 20 minutes, 500m
- Stevie’s Hole: easy, return track, 45 minutes, 1.2km
- Botanic Walk: easy, looped track, 45 minutes, 1.5km
- Korowan (Mataranka Falls): moderate, return track, 4 hours, 8km
- Sheep Dip: easy, return track, 20 minutes, 365m
- WWII Aboriginal Army Camp: easy, return track, 30 minutes, 650m
- Riverside Walk: moderate, return track, 4.5 hours, 16km
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Where is Elsey National Park Located?
Elsey National Park is located 8km away from Mataranka, 120km away from Katherine, 434km away from Darwin, and 1,083km away from Alice Springs.
Check out this blog post to find more details on the location of Elsey National Park.
Safety Tips in Elsey NP
- Swim only in marked areas and observe warning signs because saltwater crocodiles may inhabit the area.
- It’s important to carry and drink lots of water. You should wear a shady hat, suitable clothing/footwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Carry a first-aid kit in your car, and know the nearby emergency numbers.
- To avoid heat exhaustion, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day; instead, take a lunch/snack break!
Elsey National Park Camping
There are a few options for campers, ranging from basic bush camping to more developed sites with amenities.
Bitter Springs Cabins and Camping
Located near Bitter Springs, this site has powered and unpowered campsites. Facilities include toilets, showers, and picnic areas. Remember to book ahead during peak seasons to secure your spot.
Mataranka Homestead
The Mataranka Homestead offers a comfortable camping experience with amenities like powered sites, toilets, showers, and a swimming pool. It’s close to the Mataranka Thermal Pool
Little Roper Stock Camp
For a more rustic experience, try the Little Roper Stock Camp. This site provides basic facilities. You’ll find unpowered sites, campfires, and a communal kitchen.
Top-Rated Elsey National Park Tours
Elsey National Park is a fun destination for all types of travellers, offering a wide range of beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. Have you been to Elsey National Park? Comment below with your favourite memories!
*cover image by @mattyj.gallery
Explore more about the beauty of Elsey National Park here. And… as always you can get more inspiration for other Northern Territory National Parks & Destinations by following @northerhq and get your daily Elsey National Park inspo at our Instagram account here @elseynationalpark.
