Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs — Attraction in Mataranka

Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs, nestled in Elsey National Park, offer a truly idyllic experience in the Northern Territory. The Mataranka Thermal Pool is fed by natural spring water, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round, perfect for a relaxing dip. Surrounded by lush palm forests, the pool provides a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Rainbow Springs, the source of the thermal pool's crystal-clear water, adds a magical touch with its shimmering waters that attract visitors from all over. The area is well-maintained, with easy walking paths and facilities, making it ideal for families or travelers seeking tranquility. Nearby, you’ll find picnic spots and wildlife, including the famous flying foxes. This spot is not just a beautiful oasis, but it also holds a unique place in Australian literature, being near the setting of "We of the Never Never." Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs are a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a...

A lovely spot with spacious parking for day visitors. We originally planned to visit Bitter Springs, but it was closed due to a recent crocodile sighting — so this became our backup plan, and we’re so glad we gave it a go!

The walk to the thermal pool was peaceful and scenic, with clear signage and a charming boardwalk through a lush palm oasis. The pool itself was smaller than expected but still serene and roomy, even with a fair crowd. The water was surprisingly warm at first but incredibly relaxing once in. Most of the pool is quite deep, so weaker swimmers should be cautious, though there are shallow edges perfect for sitting and unwinding.

We didn’t stay overnight, but there are accommodation options on-site. The bar and restaurant were a great bonus — we treated ourselves to tasty calamari and barramundi fish and chips after our swim.

All in all, a wonderful place to relax — highly recommended, especially if Bitter Springs is closed or...

We didn't visit the Rainbow pool, though spent our time at the main pool which was lovely. Mostly shaded it was a great place to relax when on a warm day, and would be better on a cold morning in the thermal pool. As someone with mobility issues I found the stairs at the far end of the pool much easier for getting in/out than the others which were steep. We also had a great lunch at the cafe, and has to resist the puppy dog eyes from "Fred" who we can assume loves to clean up and spilled food. Not sure if he was visiting for the day, but had the feeling he's a resident. I did prefer the pools nearby at Bitter Springs as you could float down the river and the view was more varied, though these are a close second and better for just sitting/floating around and chatting as the current was...