Elsey National Park has warm, crystal-clear pools for swimmers, long stretches of river for anglers and scenic walking tracks and historic sites for landlubbers. It is the land of the novel We-of-the-Never-Never, rich in history and astounding flora.
Elsey National Park is located in Northern Territory, 2-19 km east of Mataranka and 378 km southeast of Darwin. The park was made famous through Geannie Gunn’s popular novel We of the Never-Never, featuring experiences in the Elsey Station as the first white settlers. Elsey features crystal-clear pools open to swimming and long stretches of water with stunning views, along with historical sites. The park is rich in its Aboriginal culture and World War II history. The land Elsey National Park sits on is part of Mangarrayi and Yangman Indigenous people’s traditional lands, and signage of Indigenous plant uses is found throughout the park. Elsey also features World War II Aboriginal Army Camp and the 12 Mile Yards, giving Elsey connection to its unique history. Some other points of interest include the Bitter Springs, an absolute beauty that one must visit. As visitors walk down the Roper River, cabbage palms line the waters. The water flows gently through the dry season, swelling during the wet season. Stop along the Mataranka Thermal Pool, known for pumping warm water for all to enjoy. There is one campground available to visitors in the park, along with several walks for avid hikers. Plan a vacation in Elsey National Park, you will not be disappointed.
Elsey National Park is at Mataranka, 106km south of Katherine. Three roads lead to the Park. All are sealed but flooding may affect access during the wet season. Bitter Springs is reached via Martin Road by turning east off the Stuart Highway at the northern end of Mataranka. Mataranka Thermal Pool is at the end of Homestead Road, which is accessed by turning east off the Stuart Highway 1.5 km south of Mataranka. All other sites are located along John Hauser Drive, reached by turning off Homestead Road about 4 km from the Highway.
Check out more details please visit Here
The park is open all year-round, but roads may close during the Wet Season due to flooding.
Please visit during the dry season (May to September). The park may flood and close during the wet season (November to April). You are advised to contact the park management team prior to your visit. Phone: 08 8975 4560
Jalmurark Campground has showers, barbecues, and picnic tables. There are no powered sites and generators are not permitted. has showers, barbecues and picnic tables. Fees apply – change is required for payment. Alternative camping and accommodation is available at various commercial establishments in the area.
There are a variety of walks in the Park, including:
The clear waters of the Roper River provide an opportunity to observe fish in their natural habitat. Some of the common spotted fish include Archer Fish, Barramundi, Black Bream, Black Striped Grunter, Bony Bream, Freshwater Long Tom, Chequered Rainbow Fish, Sleepy Cod, Lesser Salmon Catfish, etc. Also, there are other species that can be found at Elsey:
Sometimes referred to as the Northern Spotted Barramundi, Saratoga are an excellent sport fish, growing up to 100 cm, but 50-60 cm is more common. They have a laterally compressed body with a single dorsal and anal fin near the tail. Usually greenish in colour with a brown to olive-green back. Red-pink markings on the scales give the body a distinctive chequered pattern.
This widespread and common species also known as Spangled Perch features red-brown spots on the head and sides over a variable background colour from silver to bronze to gold. They feed on aquatic insects, small fish (including each other) crustaceans, algae and aquatic plants, and reach 25 cm in length.
This is a species of bats with reddish brown fur, dog-like heads, and the absence of tail, and wings extending 120 to 150 mm in length. They often live in large groups and emit an abrupt ‘yap’ sound in the wild, feeding on nectar and pollen on eucalypts.
They are vibrant palms with a red “star” at the top, featuring sword-like burgundy leaves. This color is present all year round, but small sweetly scented white flowers are produced in late spring to early summer. Black glossy fruits are produced later. The palm tree can reach 25 m in height and the fan can reach 2 m in length.
From AUD$1,499.00 Duration: 7 Days (approx.) Location: Alice Springs, Northern Territory Product code: PRSQHJ Embark on an unforgettable
From AUD$769.00 Duration: 3 Days (approx.) Location: Alice Springs, Northern Territory Product code: PE2GSN Embark on an exhilarating
From AUD$769.00 Duration: 3 Days (approx.) Location: Alice Springs, Northern Territory Product code: PYX0HF Embark on an exhilarating
NORTHER ® provides encouragement for travellers to value, enjoy and explore the NT in a one-of-kind way so they can honour and respect culture through care and integrity.
24/7
[email protected]
ABN: 74 660 146 485
ACN: 660 146 485
We are privately held and free from conflicts of interest
