27 July - Elsey National Park and Mataranka

27 July 2016 – 180 780

Elsey National Park and Mataranka

This morning I took some photos of the cool shelter Hayden spent some of yesterday creating from natural materials.  After packing up we headed to Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park for another relaxing float. https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/elsey-national-park Drew and Hayden snorkelled, and found a school of small fish as well as the great variety of plants; unfortunately, they could not find the turtles Drew had seen yesterday.  Mataranka was our next stop – it is a very small town.  We visited the Museum of the Never Never which had some interesting items; Mataranka was a significant base during WW2, but was considered just outside the “war zone”. 


The Rainbow Springs at Mataranka Homestead in Esley National Park were a little disappointing; they are not as warm as Bitter Springs, all the edges are paved like a swimming pool and you can’t float along, but rather just stand in the water much as you would in a swimming pool.  I am sure it is still relaxing, but after the natural beauty of Bitter Springs I found it disappointing. https://www.matarankahomestead.com.au/ I did enjoy looking at the Elsey Homestead replica that was built at Mataranka Homestead for the filming of “We of the Never Never” in the 1980’s. 

Katherine, our next stop, was only about an hour’s drive.  We stopped off at the Tourist Information Centre to collect some information on the area.  We have camped for the next few nights at Manbulloo Homestead Caravan Park – this is a cattle station about 10km from Katherine.  Hayden really enjoys seeing the horses, cattle and dogs. It is quite hot, but there is a constant breeze which helps a lot. https://manbulloohomesteadcaravanpark.com.au/
Mum

26 July - Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs

26 July 2016 – 180 567

Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs

This morning we were unable to get the gas stove to light to make breakfast, so we had cereal. We packed up and headed north along the Stuart Highway to Mataranka.  We are staying at Bitter Springs Cabins and Camping, which is located on a Mango farm adjacent to Elsey National Park. https://www.bitterspringscabins.com.au/ https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/elsey-national-park When we got here the gas stove was once again working, weird! After lunch we headed to the Springs to float in the warm clear water.  Using goggles to see everything on the bottom was great, as there were heaps of plants and the water was extremely clear.  After being carried on the current to the end of the spring, you can climb out the stairs, walk back and go again.  Very relaxing! When we got back to the camper, the gas stove would not light! Drew worked it out – when the window above the stove is rolled down it is pushing the stove lid slightly forward, activating the safety cut off – Yeah! Nothing requiring repair for this one. We have booked the car in for a service in Katherine on Thursday, so will need to leave here tomorrow afternoon.  This afternoon we went for another relaxing float (can’t really call it swimming when you only have to stay afloat and let the current carry you!)  This evening we had a fire with the “Mystical Flames” Angela had given me before we left.  They produce very pretty coloured flames, in beautiful shades of blue, green, magenta and purple; and last about thirty minutes – Thanks Angela!

Mum