We left Katherine this morning and arrived at Mataranka in time to see the Barra feeding at Territory Manor. The man had trained the Barramundi to eat pilchards from his hand or from a rod. The Barramundi were up to 1.2m long. We also had a beautiful well-priced lunch at Territory Manor.

In the afternoon we went for a swim at Bitter Springs thermal pool (photo). It is 34oC, we snorkeled down the pool, about 200m and swam back against the current. It was well worth taking the goggles as it was interesting under the water - you could see the large tree roots and different water plants.

We also went for a swim at Mataranka thermal pools which were surrounded by concrete, as well as palms. I had not been to Mataranka thermal pools since 1993 (with solar-car team) and I was disappointed with the amount of concrete and the caravan park, which seemed quite dusty and not the green oasis I remembered. Maybe it is the time of year; or maybe it is because I have just seen so many beautiful water holes recently that this is not so special.

Tonight we are camping in the Elsey National Park - Jalmurark campground.