The hot springs were just a 500m walk away from our campground at Bitter Springs so we walked down in the morning for a swim. Bitter Springs is a flowing creek of warm water (approx 33 degrees) and you can swim safely in a particular spot, floating down the creek for about 250m before exiting the water and walking back to the entry point to start again. The current was not particularly strong so you could swim back if you wished. A lot of people hired noodles to float around with.

The water was crystal clear and the banks were lined with reeds and waterlilies….gorgeous scenery. Even though crocodiles can inhabit the area it did not feel creepy swimming there….and there was a lot of people young and old going in for a dip.

We grabbed our snorkel and goggles and snorkelled the full length of the springs..amazing clarity in the water…lots of fish and different aquatic plants as well as beautiful waterlilies and palms lining the waters edge.

Trev tried some laps but swimming creating a splash spoilt the ambience somewhat 😄

After lunch we drove around to Mataranka Thermal Pool at the Mataranka Homestead. There was a lot of people swimming in the pool, which had a concreted rock edge so was not as “natural” looking as Bitter Springs but still great for a swim all the same

Mataranka is famous as the site of the Elsey Homestead from the book “We of the Never Never” and a replica of the old Homestead used in the film was on the grounds of Mataranka Homestead.

Tomorrow we are planning to visit Daly Waters Pub on our way to a free camp called Attack Creek but we may have time for one last swim in the spring before we leave!😉