Best trails in Elsey National Park
Elsey National Park is located about 400km south east of Darwin, in the Northern Territory. It is famous for its Mataranka Falls, Bitter Springs and the 30°C Mataranka Thermal Pools, that provide shelter to a large colony of red fruit-bats.
Top picks recommended by trailgoers
1
(47)
•Moderate
•5.4 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
A mid-length but easy walk near Mataranka, Northern Territory, Australia.
Mostly flat with firm paths and Sandy patches. It follows the Roper River and stops by a series of excellent river viewpoints. At the end o the trail you arrive at a small waterfall and beautiful palms, there is also a picnic area. It is half in the shade and half exposed so be prepared.
Unfortunately, there is no swimming allowed in the river due to crocodiles.
2
(32)
•Easy
•2.3 mi
•Est. 46m
A short and easy walk near Mataranka, Northern Territory, Australia.
This walk links together the famous Maratanka thermal pools with the unheated pools of Stevie's Hole. It starts at the Maratanaka Homestead and runs through the lands of the Mangarayi and Yangman peoples.
Fun fact: Maratanaka Homestead is a replication of the homestead from the movie "We of the Never Never". The novel of the same name made the area famous.
Highlights include:
- Maratanka thermal pools, with 34-degree...
3
(19)
•Easy
•0.8 mi
•Est. 16m
A short loop walk that circles through the palms and tropical woodlands in Elsey National Park near Elsey, Northern Territory
The main highlight is the thermal pools that are the perfect spot to relax and swim in the shade of the trees. The pools are fed by underground springs.
The area is home to a lot of wildlife that uses it as a watercourse. Plus there are information panels that talk about the springs and the surrounding area.
4
(11)
•Easy
•0.7 mi
•Est. 16m
A short and easy walk in Elsey National Park near Elsey, Northern Territory
It is a loop that follows both sides of a small creek. The trail is wide, well-marked, generally flat, and on a gravel base.
There is information along the trail identifying trees and shrubs plus what the people of the area used them for. Worth the walk if you like to learn about flora, fauna, and history.
5
(7)
•Easy
•0.5 mi
•Est. 11m
A scenic trail through the Elsey National Park near Mataranka in the Northern Territory. This trail beings you from the end of Homestead Road down to the Mataranka Thermal Pool on the banks of the Waterhouse River and back again.
This beautiful thermal pool is famous for having crystal clear, naturally warm water all year round with a nice sandy bottom.
6
(6)
•Moderate
•15.9 mi
•Est. 5h 19m
The longest walk in Elsey National Park near Elsey, Northern Territory. The main highlights are the views of the Roper River and the pools.
Starting at the Carpark near Mataranka Homestead and finishing at Jalmurak Campground. It follows the bank of the Roper River via Stevie's and Riverside Walks. It stops by Mataranka Thermal Springs and Stevies Hole Pools along the way.
The trail surface varies from firm gravel to sandy sections with a concrete walkway in one place.
Be aware...
7
(6)
•Easy
•0.4 mi
•Est. 8m
A short and easy walk in Elsey National Park near Elsey, Northern Territory. The main highlights are the views of the Roper River and the pools.
Starting at the Carpark, it heads down to the picnic area, on the bank of the Roper River, then loops back up to the Carpark. At the picnic area, the Roper River has some impressive small cascades and wide deep pools. The trail surface varies from firm gravel to sandy sections with a concrete walkway in one place.
Be aware there are crocodiles...
8
(4)
•Easy
•0.3 mi
•Est. 7m
Explore the Old Mataranka Sheep Trail on this loop in the Elsey National Park. It's a fascinating look into the history of the areas pastoral roots. There is an information board at the beginning of the trail that explains the sheep dip.
The Elsey National Park is known for its historical sites and hot thermal springs so be sure to explore more of this wonderful place.
Just park your car off the side of John Hauser Drive near the beginning of the route and set off.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Elsey National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Elsey National Park is Mataranka Falls Track , which has a 3.9 star rating from 49 reviews. This trail is 5.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 285 ft.
What is the longest trail in Elsey National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Elsey National Park is Stevie's Hole and Riverside Walk. This trail is estimated to be 15.9 mi long.
How many trails are in Elsey National Park?
There are 9 trails in Elsey National Park. These trails have an average 4.1-star rating from 145 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Elsey National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Elsey National Park has you covered. Stevie's Hole and Riverside Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 761 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mataranka Falls Track , which will get you 285 ft of elevation gain.
Are there running trails available in Elsey National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Elsey National Park which is Mataranka Thermal Pool with an average 3.9 star rating from 7 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Elsey National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Elsey National Park: Mataranka Falls Track .
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Elsey National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Elsey National Park: Mataranka Falls Track .
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Elsey National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Elsey National Park, including Sheep Dip Walk and Aboriginal Army Camp Loop Walk.
Are there any trails with springs in Elsey National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with springs in Elsey National Park, including Mataranka Thermal Springs and Stevies Hole Walk, Bitter Springs Loop, Mataranka Thermal Pool, and Stevie's Hole and Riverside Walk.