Getting right to it, we preferred Bitter Springs to Mataranka. While there’s many similarities between the two, and we certainly wouldn’t complain about going to either, Bitter Springs did tick a couple more boxes.The quieter surroundings, more natural vibe and soft current that created a bit of a lazy river were what swayed us.
What is the difference between Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool?
Technically, not a whole lot. Both found in Elsey National Park near Katherine in the Northern Territory, both Bitter Springs and Mataranka are natural swimming holes. They’re both known for their crystalline waters fed by springs.
Mataranka is fed by Rainbow Springs (which you can visit but not swim in), while Bitter Springs is fed by its own source.
But, the overall experience is different at each. And if you’ve come all the way to Elsey, it’s definitely worth checking them both out. If you only have time for one, hopefully this will help you decide which one to visit.
Which location is better?
Both pools are found within the same national park, so the landscapes around them are quite similar. Neither have particularly long walks from the car park to the pools (both have walks available if you want them).
From Katherine, both Bitter Springs and Mataranka are a similar distance. When it comes down to the numbers, Bitter Springs is slightly closer.
- Katherine to Bitter Springs: 110 kilometres
- Katherine to Mataranka: 117 kilometres
Does Bitter Springs or Mataranka have clearer water?
The water at both sites is unbelievably blue and clear. We’ve probably seen blue-tiled swimming pools that are less stereotypically aquamarine than these pools. But, due to the way Mataranka’s banks have been landscaped, they tend to have less floating around in the water.
We found the fewer leaves and bits made it feel like the water at Mataranka but just a bit more clear and clean.
Which pool has warmer water?
Believe it or not, in this parts, you’re probably more after cooler water. Maximum daily temperatures in this part of the Northern Territory average from 30-38 degrees year round.
While Mataranka is referred to as a “thermal pool” and Bitter Springs isn’t, both pools hover around 34 degrees. So, while they aren’t super refreshing, they also aren’t exactly “hot”.
Which is nicer, Bitter Springs or Mataranka?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so this is just our personal preference, but we think Bitter Springs is nicer.
Mataranka has been a bit more manicured over the years and while it’s still got a natural vibe, it does feel a bit more like a man-made swimming pool with a sandy bottom.
Bitter Springs, on the other hand, looks like the only work that’s been done is adding stairs and ladders into the water for easier entry and exit. The meandering river is lined with tropical plants and livistona trees and a gentle walk through the bush will get you back to the beginning.
Which pool is more popular? (And by popular, we mean crowded)
With camping and a homestead available at Mataranka, and the better accessibility, it’s naturally become the more popular pool between the two.
We also had a look through both day tour and multi-night adventures form tour companies like Get Your Guide, Viator, Adventure Tours and
In our experience, both on a tour and a self-drive visit, Bitter Springs is the quieter pool of the two.
Does either spot have facilities?
Both Bitter Springs and Mataranka have parking and toilet facilities available, but Mataranka does have a few more.
Cabins, motel rooms and campsites are available at Mataranka Homestead, which also serves hot meals and drinks. Toilets, sinks and showers are available here for those staying overnight, too. If you’re not, there are still toilets you can use.
While there is Bitter Springs Cabins and Camping too, it doesn’t offer a pub so you’ll need to bring everything in with you.
Is there a risk of crocodiles?
Luckily, in the pools themselves, there’s no risk of crocodiles. However, both are located within Elsey National Park which does have them in the rivers. Do not swim anywhere where it isn’t permitted. Better yet, just stick to these two swimming holes!
Is Bitter Springs or Mataranka bigger?
With millions of litres of freshwater pumping into the pool each day, Bitter Springs has the larger of the two swimming areas. (Which also means if you’re visiting during a peak season, you’re less likely to swim into anyone.)
Due to the long and narrow river-like nature of Bitter Springs, too, and the flowing current, it feels a lot larger too because you’re moving through a space rather than just staying in one spot.
How accessible are the pools? Are they pram or wheelchair friendly?
Pathways to both pools are fully accessible. Both pools have stairs to help you in, but unfortunately neither offers a wheelchair-friendly ramp to get into the water.
If you are looking for a fully accessible option, we can recommend Katherine Hot Springs in town. Here, there is a ramp letting you go in with a wheelchair or slowly on foot while holding a railing if stairs aren’t suitable.
