Visitor Information

Mataranka has many services directed at the tourist or visitor. Tour operators will give the traveller in depth appreciation of the area, including the various facets of the river, the largest stand of Livistona rigida palms in the world and some magnificent wetlands.

Activities available vary from canoeing, boating and swimming to bushwalking and fishing.

Within the Parks are places set aside for fishing. From bank or boat, experienced fisherman or novice can cast a lure and possibly experience the excitement as a barra strikes, line cutting silver through the water, perhaps the great fish leaping high as he tries to throw the lure. And later- nothing tastes as good as a freshly caught barra flavoured with the incense of the blossoms of the Roper's banks and a long day close to Nature.

Hike a self guided botanic walk where sign boards describe different trees of the Roper ecosystem and be introduced briefly to the richness of the area's bush tucker.

Swim in the Roper at the Twelve Mile. Or hire a canoe and paddle the river, glide amongst water-lilies, under low hanging riverine scrub, along great long reaches. Perhaps see a fresh water crocodile slide shyly from a log into the water as you approach. Watch turtles drop into the water and birds of all varieties flying along this tropical river that is the backbone of this rich ecosystem.

For those who enjoy bushwalking, follow the trail to Mataranka Falls. Here the river tumbles sparkling clear over a jumbled barrier made of a limestone deposit known as Tufa. These falls can also be reached by canoe from the Twelve Mile.

Restaurants and road-houses supply meals from takeaways to the biggest dinners of beef or barramundi you could ever wish for.

Hotels can adequately quench the most parched thirst and give the visitor a chance to mix with locals and meet real Never Never characters.

Shops and a supermarket cater to all the needs of the traveller, road-houses supply all types of fuels.

The visitor can be self contained within Mataranka for however long a stay is required. Mataranka is known for its friendliness so if in doubt about anything, ask a local.

There are two major festivals each year;

• The "Back to the Never-Never" Festival held in May each year and;

• Mataranka Bushman's Carnival Major Rodeo held in August each year.