Mataranka, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Jun 28th, 2004
Mataranka is a sleepy town between Alice Springs and Darwin, not far from Katherine. Its population is only around 320 people, but this small outback town still manages to attract over 200,000 tourists a year, and is best known as the capital of the Never Never.
Never Never was a phrase coined by Jeannie Gunn, who lived in the area over 100 years ago. Originally from Melbourne, she moved up to the Northern Territory with her husband to manage and run the Elsey Cattle Station.
It was a brave move on her part as at that time there were very few European women living in the Territory, especially on isolated cattle stations. She became one of the most famous women to live in the Territory. A book was written and later made into the film, We of the Never Never.
You can visit some of the buildings from the film set at the Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort. Their replicas of the Elsey Homestead are popular with many of the visitors.
The Homestead opened its doors to become the first self-contained resort in the Territory. Accommodation includes air conditioned motel units, cabins and backpacker facilities. Caravan and camping facilities are also available, powered and unpowered. One thing to be aware of is the high number of bats - you may want to put a hat on before walking under them.
The other great attraction to Mataranka is the natural thermal pools. More then 160,000 litres of spring water flow through the pools, which are heated by mother earth to a warm 34 degrees celsius.
The first inhabitants of the area believed the springs were created by a great whirlwind that thundered all the colours of the rainbow and carved a great snake-like hollow, which became the Ropey River. The crystal clear waters then appeared to fill the hollowed ground.
Ropey River has a different sort of attraction of the more fishy variety. It's full of gigantic Barramundi. If you're not into fishing, just come along to watch their feeding session and see just how aggressive they are. The fish feeding takes place every morning at Territory Manor.
The Ropey River also has a sunset cruise which leaves the Elsey National Park and takes you on a two hour ride down the river. It stops along the sandy banks of the Ropey River for a rest, and billy tea and damper are served. The boat then cruises back down to the campground with a beautiful sunset to watch along the way.
Although Mataranka is normally a quiet town, it does turn up the heat for the annual festival which happens in various locations over one weekend in May. There are plenty of activities, including an art exhibition, live entertainment like bush dancing and a rodeo.
The facts
Northern Air Charter will get you from Darwin to Mataranka for $240 one way. Price based on five people.
Northern Air Charter
Contact: Stephan Wood
Email: StefanWood@flynac.com.au
Tel: 08 8945 5444
Accommodation at the Mataranka Homestead is usually $95 per double per night, but tonight the first 100 callers will get two nights for the price of one. That's just $23.75 per person per night!
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Tel: 08 8975 4544
Roper River Cruises
Tel: 08 8975 4653
(or contact Mataranka Homestead)
Prices correct at 28/06/04
