Mataranka

Mataranka 120 k south of Katherine was one of the best places we’d been to so far. Here we swam in beautiful natural thermal pools just a short stroll from out caravan park. They were beautiful and clear and also warm at around 32 degrees! Because of the strong currents we were able to float down stream for about 100 metres. Mum was not convinced about the sign that said it was a crocodile free area.

After the thermal springs we went down to the Mataranka oval to celebrate northern territory day with the locals. There were fireworks and food.

The moon appeared over a beautiful ghost gum.

And out came the crackers.

To our surprise the fireworks were quite impressive though not so when dad decided to buy fireworks of his own and light them after the main event.

It’s the only legal public use of fireworks in Australia and dad took advantage of it. Although it may not last long given 10 people were admitted to hospital for burns.

On our last day we went for a walk to Mataranka (which was an 8 k walk) falls which was extremely tiring because most of the walk was on soft sand. There wasn’t much of a reward as the water falls were only 3 inches tall! Dad was told that no one ever goes there and by the end we could understand why. The highlight of that walk was probably seeing a wild freshwater crocodile! (they generally don't eat people) It certainly wasn’t mums favourite part, she wasn’t keen on touching the water after what she saw what was swimming below.
By Grace