Adventure the way you want it

Douglas Daly Region

‘The Arches’ and the Waterhole

‘The Arches’ are located near Douglas Daly Tourist Park and are a part of the Douglas River

Esplanade Conservation Area that protects part of the Douglas River and its riverine wildlife. It is an amazing natural formation of rapids, spas, thermal pools and waterways. It's a great spot for camping and fishing.

Butterfly Gorge

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park can be found 17 kilometres further on from the Douglas Hot Springs. The last few kilometres are for four-wheel drive vehicles only. After a short walk you can visit the rock pools and marvel at the paperbark trees that tower up to 50 metres in height.

The park is known for the thousands of butterflies that seek shelter in the crevices of the sheer rock faces of this beautiful gorge. No pets or camping. Closed over the Top End Summer season.

Oolloo Crossing

Oolloo Crossing has proven to be an excellent spot for barramundi fishing in the early dry and for black bream all year round.

Connection to country

Douglas Daly Region

The Douglas Daly region is on the traditional lands of the Wagiman people and contains sacred sites. Its approximately 200 kilometres from Katherine and is easily accessible by turning westward off the Stuart Highway just north of Hayes Creek. The region boasts gorges, bushwalking and an abundance of wildlife.

History and WWII

Mataranka & Roper River

Elsey Cemetery

History and WWII Elsey Cemetery 21 kilometres south of Mataranka, gravestones mark the resting place of many of the characters written about in Jeannie Gunn’s book ‘We of the Never Never’. Follow the signs from the Stuart Hwy. Elsey Homestead Replica Located at the Mataranka Homestead, this is an authentic copy of the original hand-hewn cypress pine homestead. It was constructed for the film ‘We of the Never Never’ and now displays historic information and artefacts. During the dry season, the film is shown at the homestead for visitors. The Never Never Museum Located behind the Shire Delivery Centre of Roper Gulf Council Chambers in the centre of town, this museum displays information on Aboriginal history, the North Australian Railway, Overland Telegraph Line construction and WWII. Access through library.

21 kilometres south of Mataranka, gravestones mark the resting place of many of the characters written about in Jeannie Gunn’s book ‘We of the Never Never’. Follow the signs from the Stuart Hwy.

Elsey Homestead Replica

Located at the Mataranka Homestead, this is an authentic copy of the original hand-hewn cypress pine homestead. It was constructed for the film ‘We of the Never Never’ and now displays historic information and artefacts. During the dry season, the film is shown at the homestead for visitors.

The Never Never Museum

Located behind the Shire Delivery Centre of Roper Gulf Council Chambers in the centre of town, this museum displays information on Aboriginal history, the North Australian Railway, Overland Telegraph Line construction and WWII. Access through library.

Connection to country

Mataranka & Roper River

Mataranka is the traditional country of the Mangarayi and Yangman Aboriginal people.

Mataranka is known as the ‘Capital of the Never Never’. This area was home to Aeneas and Jeannie Gunn. Jeannie wrote the famous book about Elsey Station titled ‘We of the Never Never’ which is now part of Australia’s folklore. A visit to the station cemetery and the homestead replica helps capture the sense of isolation and hardship confronting these early settlers.

Today, Mataranka is a modern town with all the facilities a visitor expects. A full range of accommodation, facilities, experiences and attractions means a two or three day stay is needed for this stop off along Explorer’s Way.

While in town, visit the historic Mataranka Hotel, the Museum and the giant Termite Mound at Stan Martin Park – where many of the characters from the book and film ‘We of the Never Never’ can be seen.

The thermal pool at Mataranka Homestead has lush palms and crystal clean 34°C waters, offers a beautiful pool that has been an icon for visitors for many years. The walk and swimming at Bitter Springs Thermal Pool is a relaxing experience.

Birdwatching is popular with red goshawk, hooded parrots and northern rosellas seen in the area and a Brolga family during the dry.