Mataranka Never Never Festival
Posted: 21 February 2020
“In 1902 Jeannie Gunn, a Melbourne schoolteacher, went with her new husband to live on the remote Elsey cattle station near the Roper River in the Northern territory. though she spent little more than a year there, her experiences in the outback and her contact with the local Aborigines impressed her deeply, and on her return to Melbourne she set down her recollections in two books, We of the Never Never and the Little Black Princess. these books have become classics of Australian literature, beloved by generations. they are presented here in a special condensed edition for the enjoyment of today’s readers.” - HarperCollins Publishers Australia
When: 15-17 May & 22-24 May 2020
Where: Roper Tce, Mataranka, Northern Territory
Theme Night, Rodeo, Mega Markets & Campdraft
Head to Mataranka in May as the Never Never Festival turns on 10 days of fun!
2020 Never Never Festival Dates
Weekend 1
Fri 15th May - Museum function
Sat16th May - Rodeo Mataranka Fishing, Sporting and Recreation Club
Sun17th May - Mataranka Markets
Cricket
Weekend 2
Fri 22nd to 24th May - Mataranka NNF Campdraft
NNF Heritage and History
The Never Never Festival embraces and celebrates the diversity of the Never Never and is a tribute to Jeannie Gunn's famous novel “We of the Never Never” which was responsible for putting Mataranka on the international stage. The town has united to showcase the magic of the Never Never extending the Festival over two weekends. The family friendly festival will be full of culture, music, food, art, dance and sport.
The Never Never Festival is run by community volunteers and has been an important Mataranka fixture for several decades.
Surrounding Region
If you are attending the Mataranka festival and passing through Katherine why not stop for a day or two at The Beagle Motor Inn and check out the many sights and attractions of our local region.
Festival News
Stay up to date with Mataranka Never Never Festival news
Accommodation
The Beagle Motor Inn Katherine offers a choice of accommodation options including double, twin and family rooms. At Beagle Motor Inn you can also enjoy access to our outdoor pool and spa, complimentary WiFi*, onsite restaurant ’Stormy’s Bar & Bistro’ and our tour booking service.
BOOK KATHERINE NORTHERN TERRITORY ACCOMMODATION.
*pictured: Mataranka Bitter Springs, Northern Territory