Bitter Springs Circuit
Mangarayi and Yangman Country

15 min to 30 min

940 m
circuit

↑ 6 m
↓ -6 m

Easy track
Starting from the Bitter Springs picnic area, this walk takes visitors on a stroll through the Australian outback. Visitors can expect to see crystal-clear water --warm year-round-- and lush greenery. The path is well-formed and gentle, with two sets of stairs to enter/exit the creek. If you don't want to deal with the crowd at Mataranka pools, this is your spot. From the car park to the stairs (with handrails), the path is wheelchair-accessible. You can't camp here, but the nearby Jalmurark Campground has BBQs, showers and toilets. Visitors should exercise caution when swimming or exploring the area, as there are potential hazards such as freshwater crocodiles. It's important to heed the signs and warnings about crocodile safety and avoid swimming if there has been a spotting (check online beforehand, along with the weather conditions). Despite the "freshie" situation, the Bitter Springs Walk offers a unique and breathtaking experience. Swimming against the current is not recommended. The walks and pools are closed right now, but it is planned to reopen this area on the first of February 2023. Let us begin by acknowledging the Mangarayi and Yangman people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-14.9110612,133.0887199)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Stuart Highway, Mulggan.
  • Turn on to Martin Road then drive for 2.9 km
  • Keep right onto Martin Road and drive for another 40 m
  • Turn right onto Martin Road and drive for another 55 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Bitter Springs Walk.
After another 7 m pass the toilet (30 m on your right).
After another 175 m continue straight, to head along Bitter Springs Walk.
After another 35 m veer right, to head along Bitter Springs Walk.
After another 135 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. A little side trip taking you closer to the thermal pools. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 285 m turn right, to head along Bitter Springs Walk.
After another 265 m turn sharp right.
After another 25 m come to the end.

A little side trip taking you closer to the thermal pools.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Bitter Springs Walk.
After another 45 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 45 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Bitter Springs Circuit


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 940 m
Time 15 min to 30 min
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Flat, no steps (1/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (2/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 30 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
30 m[toilet]
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Articles
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| Elsey NP | Camping in Elsey NP | Stay safe in the heat
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