Thermal Springs of Mataranka

On the road again...  We have just left Mataranka where we spent three nights at the Territory Manor (oh it sounds grand doesn't it - pity it was just a caravan park).  It was 713 km from Barkly Homestead to Mataranka but we did it in 7 hours, thanks to fairly impressive roads and a 130 kph speed limit.

First thing on the agenda on our first morning was the Barramundi feeding at 9.30 at the dam in the park.  These barra were about 1m long and Ben and Emma stood out in the water and hand feed them a piece of pilchard each.  Very funny to watch.  This was followed by massive scones with jam and cream then a bike ride to Bitter Springs to work that off.  This thermal spring was about 3 km down the road and we were very impressed when we got there, the water was a constant 32 degrees and once you got in the water, the current would take you downstream about 70 m then you got out at the steps, walked around to the beginning and did it again.  Or if you were Ben you swam against the current then floated back down.  The thought of the scones even guilted me into doing in that once and when I felt I was struggling I would look up at Ben and the ease in which he was cruising and I would keep pushing on!

Bitter Springs

In the afternoon we drove to the other thermal spring - Mataranka Thermal Pool and have to admit to being thoroughly disappointed at first glance!  Having had so much fun at the rather natural Bitter Springs, this looked like a man-made swimming pool for the over 60s.  The pool was full of the grey nomads and unfortunately for them, the Millers had arrived and their peace was about to be disturbed, there is no gentle relaxing for my three in a swimming pool!  We managed to tough it out for about an hour or so, before getting back in the car for a drive through the national park.  The next day it was back to the Bitter Springs, this time with goggles to get a closer look - the water was crystal clear and we were even rewarded with witnessing a tortoise going about his business.  Magic place..

Cow paying his respects

In the afternoon we went in search of the Elsey Cemetery, Mataranka being the site of the Elsey station from the book, We of the Never Never.  I am halfway through this at the moment, fabulous to read while you are in the area, and the cemetery has now given away a bit of the ending but very interesting to see and bring it all to life.  The road to the cemetery was an interesting drive with many gaunt cows trying to dissuade us from getting down there and it was funny to see them wandering around among the grave sites.

Emma whipping up Choc mousse

Another day down, and we are nearly 2/3rds of the way through this trip.  Next stop is Litchfield National Park, where we can hopefully get in a bit more swimming and enjoy some waterfalls and lovely scenery, we couldn't be having a better time.