Devils Marbles and Mataranka

9 May
Today we left Alice Springs and headed for the Devils Marbles. After leaving the School of the Air there was a long drive but as there was nothing in between so seemed the logical choice.  It meant that we could see both a sunrise and sunset at the Devils Marbles. We had heard a lot about the place and it lived up to expectations and, with being blessed with clear skies and just a little bit of cloud,  it added extra colour to the skies.

Sunset at Devils Marbles

Sunrise at Devils Marbles

Sunrise at Devils Marbles

10 May

After a lovely sunrise at the Devils Marbles we headed towards Daly Waters but as we approached it at about 2:15pm we realised that it was only another 2 hours to reach Mataranka which has beautiful hot springs.  As there was really nothing to see in Daly Waters (except a pub) we decided this was the best option. It meant we could spend 2 nights in Mataranka instead and not have to set the camper trailer up twice.

On arriving at Mataranka we set up camp at the Mataranka Homestead which was very close to the hot springs. Once set up we had a short walk to plunge into 34 degree water that has stone steps and a stainless steel handrail to enter the spring. This, all set under beautiful palm trees, made a very relaxing swim.

Mataranka Springs

That night we were told there was entertainment provided and after dinner we headed up to see an elderly couple playing country and western songs. We decided that we should head back to camp shortly after buying our first drink.



 11 May

Upon waking up the next morning we decided to head out to Bitter Springs. This is another spring naturally heated to 34 degrees. These springs are not regarded as thermal but because the water comes from deep within the ground it is naturally heated by the temperature of the surrounding rocks at that depth. Bitter Springs has a much longer swimmable area than the Mataranka Springs. Thomas and Declan had both brought their inflatable surf mats with them so we all enjoyed floating with the current to a bridge  where we were able to get out and return (quickly because it felt cold out of the water) to the start and float downstream again.

After spending a couple of hours at these springs we hopped out and headed a short distance away to see them feeding Barramundi feeding at Mataranka Manor. This was very informative as they told us a lot of information about the Barramundi and both Thomas and Declan got to feed them. After the talk we decided to have lunch there and we enjoyed freshly cooked Barramundi and chips followed by some fantastic scones, jam and cream. What a meal!

We left Mataranka Manor and headed back to Mataranka Homestead to do a short walk around the springs which we found were closed due the damage from the recent floods (about 6 weeks ago). Oh well. It was a tough decision but we decided to have another swim at the springs.