Heart of the 'Never Never'

Famed for its hot springs Mataranka was also the home of Jeannie Gunn, author of "We of the Never Never". The popularity of the novel and its depiction of life in the outback early last century makes this town the heart of the Never Never.

Elsey Homestead (replica) and Elsey Cemetery are interesting places to visit (might be helpful to read the book or view the film again), and the Australian Bicentennial Funds financed the development of a small park. While the paint has faded over the last nine years, and some of the statues are suffering from age and violent encounters with humans, the park is an interesting connection with events of the past.

[Please note that the one suffering the ravages of age is on the left!]

The hot springs - Rainbow Springs and Bitter Springs - remain the foremost attraction. With small children Rainbow Springs is the safest choice, but for me Bitter Springs was a delightful and refreshing place.

We stayed at Territory Manor Caravan Park where they fed half a dozen barramundi twice each day. At 9.30 am it was a bit cold in the water, but the fish still rose to the bait. We were nearly quick enough to get it on camera!