Mataranka is located 110 kilometres south of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. It is known as the capital of Never Never country. The area came to prominence after Jeannie Gunn wrote and published the book 'We of the Never Never'.

The town was the brainchild of J. A. Gilrth who as Administrator at the time conducted a number of tours of the area earlier in this century. He believed that there was great potential for the land at the head of the Roper River. Indeed, he was in great favour of establishing Mataranka as the Territory's inland capital city, replacing Darwin. Of course, as we know this never materialised.

Gilruth was keen for the Northern Territory to grow and develop. He knew that in order for this to happen he would have to attract settlers and investment into the Territory. He set about trying to prove the quality of the land in the Mataranka area by setting up the Mataranka Horse and Sheep Experimental Farm in 1913.

In 1928 the railway was opened at Mataranka and a town was declared. Most of the first settlers in the town were the railway construction employees and their families. There were great expectations for the town and surrounding area, but only 22 out of the 60 blocks offered at auction were actually taken up. Many of those who came to the town were business people, shopkeepers and the like, who were hoping to prosper in what was thought was going to be a thriving area.

In 1930 the government commenced with a peanut growing scheme. The principal incentive for this was to do something about the unemployment situation in Darwin by sending people out to get involved in peanut growing. It also meant that the problem of lack of settlement south of Darwin could be addressed somewhat. However, this scheme did not last terribly long because of crop failure and an already over-saturated peanut market. And so Gilruth's high hopes for Mataranka were somewhat dashed.


Natural Attractions

The big natural attraction in the area is the Elsey National Park, just to the east of the town. It has numerous walking tracks to explore, waterfalls and rainforest. To access the park from the town you need to drive travel south out of the town and take the Homestead Road turn, off the Stuart Highway. One feature of particular interest to everyone who visits, is the Mataranka Thermal Pool with its 34 degree Celsius waters.

Museums

The Museum of the Never Never has much to interest its visitors. Details of railway and military history, industrial archaeology and the Overland Telegraph Line provide an interesting insight into years gone by. The museum is behind the Council Chambers. It is open all year round from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm. From May to October it is possible to go on a tour at the weekends.

The Elsey Homestead Replica was built in the early 1980s for the film about the Never Never and today it has various displays relating to the people and early day of the area. It is open every day from 7 am until 5 pm.

Galleries

One very interesting and somewhat different way of learning about the town and its surroundings, is to pay a visit to the Stockyard Gallery. Here you will get to view sculptures by Des Fishlock and Eddie Hackman's bronzes depicting the life and work of stockmen and the outback. As well as these, there are of course many other very fine examples of local art work. Whilst here you will also be able to enjoy delicious Devonshire teas or refreshing cold drinks.

Historical Attractions

The Mataranka Homestead dates back to the year 1916 when Dr. Gilruth set it up as an experimental station for sheep and horses. Today it has been transformed into the focal point of the Elsey National Park.

The Elsey Homestead Replica is a copy of the original building which was located near the present day Elsey Graves some 20 kilometres south of Mataranka. The actual building that you will see was constructed for the film 'We of the Never Never', written by Jeannie Gunn in 1905. Today you will find the replica at the Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort. Walking tours of the replica are possible every day in the months from May to October. They start off from the kiosk at Mataranka Homestead. The Elsey Graves are twenty kilometres south of Mataranka. There is a marking which indicates the original site of the Elsey Station Homestead. Some of the graves to be found here include characters from 'We of the Never Never'.

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