UPDATED FEB 2020. Tonight on the blog, we are venturing out for a little road trip to the Mataranka Thermal Pool. I’m sharing a practical guide on how to plan a day trip there or how to turn it into an overnight trip to break up the drive. You’ll also be able to find what to expect and other safety tips. If you are campervanning around the Territory, this would be a great addition to your itinerary. I hope this post can help you plan your own adventure to experience this gorgeous, clear pool in the ‘never-never’.
A Day Trip To The Mataranka Thermal Pool From Darwin, Australia
Disclaimer
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FAQ for visiting the Mataranka Thermal Pool
Where is it located?
Mataranka, about 4.5 hours drive from Darwin.
Is there a cost to swim?
No.
What should you bring with you?
- Swimwear
- Lightweight towel
- Insect repellant
- Hat
- Walking shoes if you want to do bush walks
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Lunch or snacks
- A waterproof camera (I use this one with this floaty selfie stick)
- Your best car karaoke game for the drive there.
)Travel style:
I didn’t go solo – the long drive is better to do with a buddy.
Best time to visit
Generally speaking, your visit to Darwin and surrounding areas is best planned for the dry season which runs from April/May to September/October.
Darwin is in the tropics and operates under two seasons, the wet and a dry.
During the wet season, many tourist attractions are closed, there is A LOT of rain, and most of the natural outdoor swimming holes and parks are closed due to flooding.
Crocodiles can travel easily through the floodwaters so this is a good thing that they are closed for the wet season.
How to get to the Mataranka Thermal Pool from Darwin
To make the trip to Mataranka from Darwin, you’ll need to rent a car and it is a 4 and a half-hour drive each way.
I’ve done this in a day trip when pressed for time, but it does make for a long day.
I’ll add some information below on turning it into an overnight trip if you would prefer to break up the drive.
There is no train system or public transport option.
There is a Greyhound bus to Mataranka, though I’d definitely recommend renting a car as opposed to using the bus to make it easier to get around once you’re there.
You can find it on Google Maps under ‘Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs’.
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What to expect
This is what you go there for right? The water is crystal clear and, with a steady water temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, it is quite therapeutic on the body after the road trip to get there.
The small, swimming area is shaded by tree coverage and has ladders to enter and exit.
If you have done any research on visiting the Northern Territory, you probably already know that you can’t just go swimming wherever you want because of the Saltwater Crocodiles.
The Mataranka Thermal Pool is a designated swimming hole and is safe to go in, though it is next to a crocodile-infested river so be sure to stick to the designated areas for swimming.
There is a lookout point to see the crocodile river from a safe distance, though the water is murky so you may not see any crocodiles.
Can you hike nearby?
Before or after your swim, you have time to do some bushwalking in the area and can follow the signs near the pools.
The elements are harsh in the Territory so be sure to stick to the trails.
I did some quick bushwalking before getting in the car to go back to Darwin.
What to eat
If you’d like to have lunch while you’re there, the Mataranka Homestead, which is where you will park near and walk by to get to the thermal pool, is a good option for a classic pub-style meal.
It is also another accommodation option if you choose to make it an overnight trip, or stay here while campervanning (more options below). The Homestead has cabins and campsite options.
Where to stay nearby
If you’d prefer to break up the drive and turn the trip into an overnight one, I would recommend staying at Katherine which is about 3 hours from Darwin and I have stayed at the Knotts Crossing Resort.
In Katherine, you could see the Katherine Gorge to see incredible scenery and/or take a quick hike, see the Katherine Museum, or swim in the Katherine Hot Springs.
Another option would be to stay in Mataranka for the night, and you could stay at the Mataranka Roadhouse.
If you stay in Mataranka, you could also explore the town a little more and even see the famous Barramundi feeding.
If you are breaking up the drive, you could also stop at Robin Falls to do the quick hike to the waterfall either on the way out of Darwin or before you get back.
Safety tips
You’re going out into the middle of nowhere and the drive is long and flat. Make sure you take frequent breaks to avoid tired eyes.
Road Trains are trucks on steroids that you are likely to come across during the drive. They need extra room to turn so don’t overtake them on a corner and they cannot stop quickly.
If you overtake one on the highway, make sure to give plenty of room before going in front of them.
From the wildlife to the elements, this is a harsh environment.
Stick to the trails, take hydration seriously and always have a water bottle with you, only swim in designated swimming areas, and follow the rules.
If you see a snake or other animal, leave them alone.
Other guides to help you plan your visit to Darwin
Darwin Bucket List – Things To Do That You Don’t Want To Miss
How To Take An Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise From Darwin
A Guide To Visiting The Territory Wildlife Park From Darwin, Australia
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Mmmm, thermal pools. We did Zebedee springs at El Questro, but this looks much nicer. Added to the list!
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