Bitter Springs
Bitter Springs
4.5
About
Bitter Springs is a series of naturally fed thermal pools, an ideal place to relax and unwind. Located within Elsey National Park, and only 2 kilometres from Mataranka town ship.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
494 reviews
Excellent
311
Very good
136
Average
29
Poor
17
Terrible
1
TMM818
Bunbury, Australia829 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
The current here is a little stronger than other springs we have visited on our trip, but you can work on the same concept, leave you belongings at the end, walk back up and float down.
Soft edges with weed and water lillies and cleverly plastic hand rails, mixed with the amazingly warm blue clear water make for another heavenly stop off.
These springs continue to amaze me.
Soft edges with weed and water lillies and cleverly plastic hand rails, mixed with the amazingly warm blue clear water make for another heavenly stop off.
These springs continue to amaze me.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonique Life
Australia1,864 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This place is like heaven on earth! It is not as busy as Mataranka Hot Springs, the scenery is surreal and makes you feel so calm. The water is perfect temperature where you could stay here all day. Make sure you are sun smart as it’s pretty exposed. We loved how the current takes you down the stream and you can even bring a snorkel to explore and the best time to go is from 7 am then after 2 hours more people start coming in slowly. Bring a pool noodle and try to buy one at Kmart before you come for a visit (it’s cheaper!)
“Jonique Life”
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“Jonique Life”
Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liisa and Dave B
Adelaide, Australia4,248 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
What an amazing place in the Northern Territory. We spent the first part of the morning swimming at Bitter Springs which I highly recommend. It is like something you see on TV! You don’t need to travel out of Australia to enjoy something so magical and beautiful. Water is clear. There’s a nice currant which can take you downstream if you wish to float and relax. Ample parking. Not too far to walk to the springs. Toilets are near car park.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick E
Darwin, Australia37 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Nice unique location in the Aussie rough. But sad so many were drinking at the location even though signage asked you not to. Loins boorish yelling out and drunk adults on the water meant we were in and out and gone quickly.
Written April 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire B
15 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The best springs in the NT.
Beautiful, natural, thermal springs with a gentle flow allowing you to float from one end to the other. Warm water, lots of bird song if you go early in the morning. Absolutely stunning. Definitely worth a visit. If you have time to visit only one spring in the NT, Bitter Springs should be it. Go early (6:30am in winter - the water is warm).
Beautiful, natural, thermal springs with a gentle flow allowing you to float from one end to the other. Warm water, lots of bird song if you go early in the morning. Absolutely stunning. Definitely worth a visit. If you have time to visit only one spring in the NT, Bitter Springs should be it. Go early (6:30am in winter - the water is warm).
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debby L
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Bitter Springs thermal pools, Absolutely beautiful. Water was so clean and refreshing. Could have stayed in the water all day. Recommend staying at Bitter Springs caravan park, it’s like an oasis in the desert, we had our own van. Can walk to the springs from the caravan park. Loved this tiny little town. The museum is worth having a look at as well.
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
221jodi
Outtrim, Australia403 contributions
Jun 2023
Easy access down to the water. More natural looking than the Mataranka springs. The water flows very slowly from one end to the other so you can hop in float down with a noodle then get out walk back and do it again. Take goggles if you have them. Very relaxing. Only tip is to go early… before 10ish as it quickly fills up.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda P
Darwin, Australia173 contributions
Jul 2021
We lazed around floating up floating down for about 5 hours, even found a bit of a rock ledge to just sit on. We did bring noodles and they are a must so as you can just enjoy the float. The toilets are a bit of a walk away and I did seem to be the only one making the trek several times LOL. There can be quite a crowd but because of the size and length of the springs it didn't feel overcrowded. Not as stunningly beautiful as the Mataranka thermal pools just up the road but the size is a definite winnter.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Pak Kret, Thailand60 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
So much fun to float down with the current. Warm and relaxing. Keep your head down to stay out of the spider webs, but so worth it! Also, in the cooler months, recommend you walk your towels to end instead of dropping them where you get in.
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leo H
Canberra, Australia206 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Great place for refresh. The water is clear and warm. You can float from the upper swimming hole down stream and walk back. Take noodle if you can. Be warmed that the car park can be very full and you might need to park on the entrance road.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Is there an entry fee into the thermal pool if you are staying at other accomodation in town. Thank you
Written September 6, 2019
No entry fee regardless of where you stay.
Written September 7, 2019
Hi Is there an entry fee into the thermal pool if you are staying at other accomodation in town. thank you
Written September 6, 2019
No entry fee you don’t even drive into the caravan park. Absolutely worth the effort take a noodle each
Written September 7, 2019
Dini Gouw
Darwin, Australia
Hi, me and my partner planning to drive here with city car.. is the road okay?
thank you in advance :)
Written January 14, 2019
Bitumen road off the Stuart Hwy. good road
Written January 14, 2019
dimitriletzis
Darwin River, Australia
Hi is it fine to put your head under water? If you accidentally swallow the water could it make you sick?
Written August 24, 2018
Kids snorkel and dive underwater. Some wear only goggles. I believe there would be signs alerting the public to dangers if there was any. Embrace the place and have a great time.
Written September 7, 2018
Are these pools open all year. Hoping to visit in November.
Thank you
Written August 9, 2018
Yes. You will love it here. Bring your hat and t-shirt for sun protection.
Written September 7, 2018
Would two days be too long in Mataranka?
Written June 28, 2016
We just spent a week in Mataranka. We stayed at the homestead. There is not a lot to do in the town itself, but if you like to relax, people of all ages literally spend hours at a time relaxing in the thermal springs. Bitter Springs possibly is of more interest to kids as the lagoon is a bit more fun, while,the homestead pool has been likened to 'cocoon' .
Written June 14, 2017
Please can anyone advise if the car park has enough room to drive in with our caravan ? Or is it cars only ? We intend to stop for a rest here while passing through .
Thanks ,
Laura
Written June 26, 2016
Laura
The park place has spots for caravans and buses. No problem just follow the signs. In and out is all ok
Written June 26, 2016
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