Kanagroo near Mataranka

Mataranka NT 0852 (Pop 470)

Mataranka is an interesting Stuart Hwy township located 423 km south of Darwin. It is famous for its nearby thermal springs and its literary history - Jeannie Gunn’s autobiographical novel, We of the Never Never was written about Elsey Station where she lived. Back to the Never Never Festival (May), Bushmans Carnival & Rodeo (Aug).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
We of the Never Never Museum, Stuart Hwy with outdoor displays depicting the area’s pioneer and military history. Stockyard Gallery, Stuart Hwy featuring the work of local artists.

Nearby:
Elsey NP (5 km east) features rainforest pockets, woodlands, waterfalls, walking tracks and thermal pools (Mataranka and Bitter Springs) (thought to be therapeutic). The park surrounds Roper River which is ideal for fishing and canoeing. Mataranka Homestead is a replica of the original Elsey Homestead and popular with tourists. Elsey Cemetery (20 km s-e) contains the remains of Jeannie Gunn’s husband (Aeneas James Gunn) having died in 1902 and many other outback pioneers. Her memorial (1870-1961) is also here.

Accommodation:
Mataranka has two hotels, a motel, a resort and 2 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Stockyard Gallery, Stuart Hwy. Tel 08) 8975 4530.

Airports:
Katherine Tindal Civilian Airport. (99 km n-w); Darwin International Airport (DRW), 1 Fenton Court, Marrara. Tel (08) 8920 1811. (418  km n-w).

Hospital:
Katherine Hospital, Giles St. Tel (08) 8973 9211.(106 km n-w).