Travellers are flocking to the top end of Australia to relax in remote crystal clear hot springs during the cooler months.
The Katherine Hot Springs are natural thermal pools located on the banks of the Katherine River, approximately three hours southeast of Darwin.
The bubbling temperature of the picturesque springs averages between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius – making it an ideal travel destination for winter.
Aussies are travelling to the Katherine Hot Springs in the Northern Territory to relax in crystal clear naturally heated pools
The bubbling temperature of the picturesque springs averages between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius – making it an ideal travel destination for winter
Travellers can take a relaxing dip into the hot springs and soak up the natural green scenery surrounding the pools.
The popular destination is open from 7am to 7pm daily and the main pool has steel hand rails formed out of rock as well as a wheelchair access ramp.
But the hot springs are often restricted during the wet season between September to April dependent on river level.
Travellers can take a relaxing dip into the hot springs and soak up the natural green scenery surrounding the pools
The popular destination is open from 7am to 7pm daily and the main pool has steel hand rails formed out of rock and a wheelchair access ramp
As the springs are naturally heated, it’s a great way to let your muscles unwind after a day of hiking or sight seeing.
The average time spent at the springs is three hours and the several pools filled with clear water are open to the public.
Visitors have shared Instagram-worthy photos with others online, describing the location as ‘incredibly beautiful’.
One woman said: ‘Photos don’t do this place justice.’
Surrounding the hot springs is an ‘epic’ 58km Jatbula hiking trail along with southern and western walk in the Nitmiluk National Park.
The Katherine Hot Springs are located within the Katherine Township and approximately three hours southeast of Darwin
Visitors have shared Instagram-worthy photos with others online, describing the location as ‘incredibly beautiful’
Only an hour away from Katherine is another popular destination adored by travellers and locals alike.
Bitter Springs, which are located approximately two kilometres from Mataranka in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory, are set among palms and tropical woodlands in Elsey National Park.
The area features a series of naturally-fed thermal pools that are the perfect place to relax and unwind, while exploring the surrounding beauty of the national park.
Only an hour away from Katherine is Bitter Springs, which is another popular travel destination among Aussies (pictured)
Bitter Springs, located two kilometres from Mataranka in the Katherine region of Australia’s Northern Territory, are set among palms and tropical woodlands in Elsey National Park
The area features a series of naturally-fed thermal pools (pictured) that are the perfect place to relax and unwind, while exploring the surrounding beauty of the national park
Unlike some other swimming holes in the Northern Territory, Bitter Springs is safe to swim in all year round and free to access.
The warm, clear water – which is dappled by light filtered from overhanging palms – is a balmy 30 plus degrees Celsius all year round.
Bitter Springs is also situated close to another natural swimming hole, the Mataranka Thermal Pools, also within the national park.
There is a short circuit 1.3 kilometre walk at Bitter Springs that circles through the palms and tropical woodlands in Elsey National Park.
The warm, clear water – which is dappled by light filtered from overhanging palms – is a balmy 30 plus degrees Celsius all year round
Those who have visited Bitter Springs describe the experience as ‘breathtaking’ and ‘magical’.
Many compliment the fact that the natural pools have not been landscaped or had concrete edging added.
Stairs are the only concession, making it easy to get in and out of the pools.
‘We visited Katherine and the Mataranka Springs before visiting Bitter Springs. Mataranka was lovely, but packed and felt very man-made, so we headed to Bitter Springs and had it nearly to ourselves,’ one commenter wrote.
‘Bitter Springs are much more natural, and drifting around you could marvel at the spiders’ creativity, dragonflies buzzing over the water and the waterlilies. It was just beautiful.’
Those who have visited Bitter Springs describe the experience as ‘breathtaking’ and ‘magical’ (the springs pictured)
Bitter Springs are situated close to another natural swimming hole, the Mataranka Thermal Pools, also within the national park
Another added: ‘This is such a magical place.
‘The mineral water is so warm and clear. You start at one end and the current just takes you and you exit out by the foot bridge and off you go again. It’s such a beautiful, serene place.’
A third wrote: ‘What an amazing place. This is like something you see on TV. You don’t need to travel out of Australia to enjoy something so magical and beautiful’.