Day 19 Daly Waters to Bitter Springs, Mataranka

 After we packed down the van this morning we went for a little walk around Daly Waters.  It is only one street block long so you would think there would not be a lot to see but this little town really knows how to turn it on for the tourist.  The street is jam packed full of interest.  We came across Ned Kelly, then on to the shell of a helicopter with its own toilet.  Further on we found a water buffalo and of course there is the pub with all its quirkiness.  It is such a great town and it's no wonder the tourists flock here.

It was another easy driving day for us with just 162km to Mataranka.  Once again we listened to the very helpful information from other travellers.  We talked to a family from Darwin as we we were walking the street of Daly Waters and they said that the van park at Bitter Springs was definitely the best one to stay at, so that was our choice.

Mataranka is a vey small town but surprisingly there are two service stations, a supermarket, two variety stores and of course the obligatory pub.  We stocked up on a few things at the supermarket and found pool noodles at the variety store.  At $6.50 each they were the most expensive pool noodles in Australia but we will need them for the springs.

Downtown Mataranka

Our caravan park was just a couple of kilometres from the town centre and the owners were just the most helpful we have found.  We were guided to our site by one of the owners and we asked for a site with satellite coverage.  We were given a choice but looking at the multiple trees we knew we were not going to receive a satellite signal.  It's not a problem for us. The more days on the road the less we want to know what is going on in the rest of the world.  Days seem to just glide by and we have to remind each other every morning what day it is. 😁

We picked up some homemade Mataranka pies from one of the stores while we were there so that was our lunch today.  Man, they were good.  We shared a Curry Pie and Steak and Onion Pie.  I had also made a quick mix, quick bake chocolate brownie so we had that for dessert.  We had a rest after lunch and at around mid afternoon we grabbed our noodles and made our way to Bitter Springs.  It's not far.  I'd say 500 metres.  

What a beautiful place.  It is so well laid out with good paths leading to the area where you glide into the warm water from the pontoon. I reckon it was around 30 degrees that is a perfect temperature for me.  You float downstream for maybe 500 metres and there is another landing with steps for you to get out of the water. Hand on heart, it is probably the most relaxing thing I have ever done.  As you float along in the crystal clear water you hear birds chirping, some even joining you in your drift.  Dragonflies silently fly by and you are mesmerised by the crystal clear water below you.  Water Lillies adorn the waters and pandanus palms line the waters edge.  There are also paperbarks but the most prolific trees are the giant fan palms. 

You are disappointed when you reach the end but it's just a short walk back to the starting point to do it all again.  We did it three times before looking at our watch and seeing that it was 5.00pm!  We will go back tomorrow morning before breakfast and perhaps again tomorrow afternoon.  I am addicted.  We are booked in to this van park for two nights but already we have decided to extend it out.  There are a couple more springs in the area that we think we will drive to on Monday.