Top tip for the Top End
Travellers are flocking to the top end of Australia to relax in remote crystal clear hot springs during the winter months.
The Katherine Hot Springs are natural thermal pools located on the banks of the Katherine River, approximately three hours southeast of Darwin.
The beautiful temperature of the picturesque springs averages between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius - making it an ideal travel destination for winter.
Tourists 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.
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'.
Surrounding the hot springs is an 'epic' 58km Jatbula hiking trail along with southern and western walk in the Nitmiluk National Park.
Only an hour away from Katherine is another popular destination adored by travellers and locals alike.
Bittersprings, which are located approximately two km’s 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.
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.
Those who have visited Bitter Springs describe the experience as 'breathtaking' and 'magical'.
Images: Instagram