We left Daly Waters and headed north to Mataranka which is remote. Our original plan was to head 400klms east from Daly Waters to Lorella Springs in the gulf counry. Lorella Springs is hailed as one of the most remote areas of Australia if not the world. We had some road condition reports that indicated the last 130klms would take 4 to 5 hours to complete, therefore we opted to give it a miss as we were only planning on staying there for two nights

Mataranka is home to several thermal hot springs, this term conjurs up a nice hot spa type experience. However it is more like warm bath water, but the water is absolutely crystal clear.

The first thermal spring we visited was called Bitter Springs where you slowly float down a natural creek type water course for about 200 metres with several entry and exit points. The water is crystal clear. We were able to walk to these springs which was only a 500 mtr walk from where we were staying and on the return journey we sighted a fresh water crocodile. He was about 3 metres long, which is quite large for a freshy. He was sunning himself on the other side of the billabong. As I went to walk off, I spotted a small snake. He was very, very small about 30cm long, I was more worried that mum or dad might be close by, so decided to move off very quickly.

Next day we went to the Mataranka springs, which were like a rock pool setting, totally different to the Bitter Springs one and It was very scenic amongst these 30 metre tall towering ferns.

Jo-anne decided she wanted to have a quick visit to the Mataranka hotel, I tried to advise her that it might not be such a good idea, but she insisted. Well the minute we walked in she was accosted by one of our indigenous friends with a raspy voice calling her "honey, honey". She did a quick u-turn and left, I was amused by her new friend.

Next stop Katherine.