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Mataranka Magic Snares Top Spot on Instagram

Office of the Chief Minister

A photo of the magical turquoise waters of the Mataranka Thermal Pools was the most liked image on Tourism NT’s Instagram channel @AusOutbackNT for 2018.

Instagrammers around the world loved the tropical oasis so much it received over 8,300 likes to take out top spot on the Top 10 most liked photos of the year.

The blissful image was captured by local Darwin photographer, @savvy_Social, and captured the Territory’s stunning natural beauty.

It was a big year for the Mataranka region, with an image of Bitter Springs liked by more than 1 million Instagram users around the globe after it was shared on the social media giant’s official account, @instagram, in July.

Uluru again proved popular on Instagram with six of the Top 10 most liked photos on @AusOutbackNT featuring the iconic destination.

Tourism NT’s official social media accounts have a combined following of more than 758,000 and are an important tool when marketing the Territory to a global audience.

Top 10 Most Like Instagram Images on @AusOutbackNT for 2018:

  1. Mataranka Thermal Pool by @savvy_social received 8,300+ likes
  2. Uluru night sky by @bmillar.au received 8,300 likes
  3. Kakadu road trip by @elisecook received 7,900 likes
  4. Helicopter flight over Uluru by @shaun_jeffers received 7,500 likes
  5. Uluru Field of Light by @kate_miles_ received 7,500 likes
  6. Swimming at Maguk, Kakadu by @lisahnl received 7,200 likes
  7. Rain waterfalls on Uluru by @chaseolearyphoto received 7,100 likes
  8. Uluru storm by Kartikeya Sharma (via Facebook) received 7,100 likes
  9. Helicopter flight over Kata Tjuta by @jasoncharleshill received 7,000 likes
  10. Darwin storm by @c_a_s_s_a_n_d_r_a received 7,000 likes

Quotes from the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss

“The Territory’s spectacular natural beauty is like nowhere else on the planet.

“The Mataranka Thermal Pools are a classic example of some of our natural hidden gems that have to be seen to be believed.

“The stunning turquoise colour of the Thermal Pools along with the nearby Bitter Springs and Katherine Hot Springs are a huge drawcard for tourists and Instagram lovers as revealed by Mataranka securing top spot on our most liked photos for the year.

“From the Top End to the Red Centre, the Territory offers an abundance of unique natural landscapes, attractions and experiences for today’s Insta-traveller that will give them the ultimate brag-ability to all their friends.

“And that’s exactly what we want. Word of mouth marketing is so important in the modern age, particularly when selling the Territory as a must-visit tourism destination to millennials.

“I encourage all Territorians to get out and show off your own backyard by posting a great Territory snap on Instagram with the hashtag #NTaustralia.”

Quotes from Savvy Social, Mel Brautigam

“I’m very excited to have taken the most liked Instagram photo for 2018. I was born in Darwin and have lived in the Territory my whole life and am still left in awe when exploring the NT.

“This photo was taken after my family and I flew to Alice Springs in January to watch the BBL and WBBL and we road tripped back to Darwin. Along our travels we stayed at the Devils Marble Hotel and Territory Manor in Mataranka where we spent the day practically by ourselves swimming in the crystal clear Mataranka Thermal Springs. 

“The wet season is a magical time to explore our backyard as everything is lush and green and our waterholes are fresh with not many tourists to compete with. 

“Everyone should become a Territory ambassador and share the best of their experiences via the #NTaustralia hashtag.”

Attached images:

  • Mataranka Thermal Pool
  • Uluru night sky
  • Kakadu road trip
  • Helicopter flight over Uluru
  • Uluru Field of Light
  • Swimming at Maguk, Kakadu
  • Rain waterfalls on Uluru
  • Uluru storm
  • Helicopter flight over Kata Tjuta
  • Darwin storm
  • Bitter Springs, Mataranka


Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242


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