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.

How to get to Elsey National Park

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.

Park maps with marked points of interest and destinations

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When to visit Elsey National Park?

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

What you can do at Elsey National Park

• Camping
• Fishing (make sure to follow all fishing laws!)
• Boating
• View WWII Aboriginal Army Camp
• Learn about botany along the river
• Hiking
• Swimming in the Mataranka Thermal Pool (Water rises from under the ground at a rate of 30.5 million liters per day, and water is at an average temperature of 34 degrees Celsius.)

Camping Information

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.

Park facilities

• Campsite (includes showers, barbecues, and picnic tables)
• Caravan camping
• Picnic areas
• public toilets
• information signs
• ranger station
• fire pits
• drinking water
• accommodation
• showers
• walking tracks
• scenic lookout
• historical ruins.

Variety of trails in the Park include:

There are a variety of walks in the Park, including:

• Riverside Walk (16 km): providing access to the river and some great picnic spots.
• Bitter Springs (500 m loop, 20 minutes, easy): Encircles the Livistona-lined thermal pool and provides easy access to the pool.
• Mataranka Thermal Pool (500 m, 20 minutes, easy): Meanders among towering Livistonas to the Thermal Pool providing swimming access.
• Stevie’s Hole (1.2 km return, 45 minutes, easy): Follow the Waterhouse River from Mataranka Homestead to link through to the Riverside Walk.
• Botanic Walk (1.5 km loop, 45 minutes, easy): Discover the Park’s riverine and rainforest species. Links to the Riverside Walk and Stevie’s Hole.
• Korowan/Mataranka Falls (8 km return, 4 hours, moderate): Follow the Roper River down to the tufa dams that cross it and form the gentle rapids; these are created by calcium carbonate depositing on the rock bars.
• Sheep Dip (365 m return, 20 minutes, easy): Discover a small part of the region’s rich pastoral history.
• WWII Aboriginal Army Camp (650 m return, 30 minutes, easy): Explore part of the World War II history of this region.

What to pack for this park’s visit?

• Plenty of drinking water
• Shady hat
• Suitable clothing and footwear
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit

Safety advice

• Pets are not permitted in the park
• Observe park safety signs
• Saltwater Crocodiles may inhabit the Roper River, please swim only where recommended and observe warning signs
• Avoid the heat, do not do strenuous activity in the heat of the day
• Keep to designated roads and tracks
• Take care with fire
• Carry a first aid kit

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:

Saratoga (also know as Scleropages jardinii)

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.

Spangled Grunter (Leiopotherapon unicolor)

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.

Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus Scapulatus):

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.

Red Cabbage Palms

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.

When visiting the park, remember all of the following:

• A permit is required for drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the park.
• Bins are not provided, please take your rubbish with you.
• Camping fees apply – cash only – no change available on site
• Stay on designated tracks and roads
• Cultural items and wildlife are protected
• Pets are not permitted!
• Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted
• Be careful with fire and light fires on in fireplaces provided
• Camp only in camping areas
• Collect firewood before you arrive at your picnic or campground
• Generators are not permitted in the campground
• Follow all fishing laws
• Check your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds