Discover 10 of Australia's best hot springs, thermal pools and natural bathing spots, where mineral-rich waters promise relaxation, rejuvenation and unforgettable road trip experiences.
Mataranka Thermal Pool
Elsey National Park, NT
Mataranka Thermal Pool is a landscape architect's dream: 34°C gin-clear water flowing over white sandy gravel, edged by paved stones and framed by towering cabbage palms and pandanus. It feels strangely incongruous in this region known as the 'capital of the Never Never' (after Jeannie Gunn's book We of the Never Never about Elsey Station). Curving through the trees, this is a pool to loll in, drifting on your back or simply floating in the water chatting.
Just up the road, Bitter Springs has the same crystal-clear water but feels more untamed and river-like, enclosed by rampant reeds, paperbarks and pandanus. It's deeper too, so bring a pool noodle or inflatable ring to drift with the current downstream towards Little Roper River, which takes about 10 minutes, then climb out and walk back along the path to do it all again. Goggles or a mask and snorkel will enhance your underwater viewing and turtle-spotting opportunities.
