Elsey National Park
The park is 8km from Mataranka and home to historical sites and crystal clear thermal pools. Enjoy a scenic walk or land based fishing.
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April.
It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.
Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Elsey National Park is located 120km south of Katherine near Mataranka.
The park is best known for its thermal pools that stay a warm 34°C year round.
It's also popular for boating and fishing with 2 boat ramps and several land fishing locations along the Roper River.
Scenic walks including the World War II Aboriginal Army Camp and historical sites such as the Old Mataranka Sheep Dip are just some of the things you can experience.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Campground hosts are present at Jalmurark Campground during peak season (May to September).
Find out how to be a campground host.
Get the Elsey National Park fact sheet and map PDF (870.4 KB).
Check if the park is open
Parks may close unexpectedly due to bushfires, flooding or park maintenance.
Before you go, check if the park is open.
Prepare and stay safe
To enjoy your trip, find out about safety and rules in the park.
Other activities
- Identifying fish of the Roper River PDF (1.5 MB)
- Fishing in Northern Territory parks PDF (1.6 MB)
- Flying your drone - get permit before you arrive.
How to get there
Elsey National Park is at Mataranka, 120km south of Katherine.
From the Stuart Highway take Martin Road to go to Bitter Springs, Homestead Road to visit the Mataranka Thermal Pools or John Hauser Drive, off Homestead Road for all other sites in the park.