In some of the most remote parts of Australia it isn’t too unusual to camp on sprawling cattle stations or ranches. It is the quintessential ‘true blue’ Aussie experience as some of these stations are located amongst some of the most spectacular countryside. We experienced several station stays on our travels around Australia, but the one whose reputation preceded itself, was down on the ranch at El Questro in the East Kimberley region of North Western Australia.
El Questro, which somehow sounds like it has Spanish overtones, is located off the famous Gibb River Road 110 kilometres west of Kununurra on mostly sealed roads. It is described as being a Wilderness Park of 700,000 acres of vast and stunningly beautiful terrain. The park comprises of Emma Gorge, El Questro Station, El Questro Homestead and a camping ground. El Questro’s accommodation options range from luxury rooms at the homestead; to glamping in tented cabins; or pitching your own tent in their camping ground.
Entrance sign into El Questro Wilderness Park
We decided to do a day trip out of Wyndham to see what all the fuss was about this massive wilderness park. Once we hit the Gibb River Road it was only a distance of approximately 35 kms to Emma Gorge the first stop on our itinerary. The rugged Cockburn Ranges loomed in the distance and changed colour according to the time of day, from pale pink to ochre, orange and fiery reds.
The Gibb River Road & Cockburn Ranges in the distance
Once we arrived at Emma Gorge we paid our visitor permit fee for entering the park at the reception office of the campground. With a rough map in hand we set off through the tree lined, rocky bottomed shallow creek towards Emma Gorge Waterfalls. Criss-crossing the creek along the way and scrambling over large rocks and up steep creek banks, we eventually reached the waterfall.
Emma Gorge walk
An aqua blue water hole in the gorge
After approximately one hour of a challenging but picturesque walk we were rewarded with a cool oasis and a 65 metre droplet waterfall, surrounded by cliffs adorned with greenery. We discovered that Emma Gorge waterfall is also home to a trickle of a small thermal spring. The spring provides welcome warmth whilst swimming in the somewhat icy cold waters of the waterhole.
Emma Gorge Waterfall
The steep rocky escarpment in Emma Gorge
A further 11 kms along the Gibb River Road is the turnoff to El Questro. Although the dirt road it is in fairly good condition, there are several creek and river crossings that you have to negotiate, so it is strictly 4WD only. At one point the water in one of the creeks driving into El Questro Gorge came up over the bonnet of our 4WD.
One of the creek crossings in El Questro
The drive into the park is very scenic and there are various turnoffs into places of interest, such as:
Zebedee Springs
Pentecost River
El Questro Gorge Rockface
Entrance into El Questro Gorge
Branchos Lookout, El Questro
Rock pools and pretty streams in El Questro Gorge
Meanwhile down on the ranch, if you’re cashed up you can stay in luxury 5 star accommodation at El Questro Homestead. Perched atop the picturesque Chamberlain Gorge and River, the Homestead is a private and exclusive oasis hosting only 18 guests at a time. It boasts luxurious comfort, fine dining and guests are offered complimentary excursions, providing a fully immersive Kimberley experience.
El Questro Homestead perched on Chamberlain Gorge Photo Credit: El Questro
Meanwhile the peasants have a selection of more affordable accommodation at The Station, the central hub of El Questro, offering air conditioned resort style bungalows, station tent accommodation or campsites on the Pentecost River. Here there is a Steakhouse Restaurant, Swinging Arm Bar and Grill and the general store.
The Bar and Grill at El Questro Station
As you can imagine with 700,000 acres of wilderness park, there are heaps of things to explore. For starters:
A bright yellow tree snake we encountered in El Questro Gorge
As day visitors we set off on our own adventure around the wilderness park, but if you’re staying here you can grab one of the many guided tours for a fee. There are scenic flights, helicopter tours, guided 4WD tours, boat cruises, guided hikes and horseriding tours. Take your pick!
Horseriding tours at The Station
It was an adventure filled day for us exploring this vast wilderness and we regrettably weren’t able to stay longer. We vowed that we would return with either a tent or camper trailer to spend some time camping at this magnificent station. We did discover however that even camping here does not come cheaply, but I guess you have to splurge now and again! I think this unique Kimberley experience would be well worth it.
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Comments are closed.
budget jan
May 28, 2017Gosh you fitted a lot into that day Kathy. I would have been totally exhausted, but the pools at the end of the walks would be restorative! Beautiful country and photos to match. Thanks for the tour.
Kathy
May 29, 2017We did a bit of a rush trip through El Questro I must admit, but we sure did pack a lot into our day here. It is a beautiful spot and as I said in the blog post we would like to visit for a few days again to explore some more. :)
Life Images by Jill
June 1, 2017El Questro is a fabulous place to stay, though we thought when we were in the Kimberley last time it was outpricing itself somewhat. That being said, there is a lot to do at El Questro so it is certainly worth staying for a few days. It’s a beautiful spot and the gorge walks are wonderful and Zebedee Springs is a great place for a soak. We were lucky enough to secure one of the riverside campsites when we stayed a few years ago. No facilities, but we loved the bit of seclusion it gave us. Yes, station stays are great places to stay when travelling around Oz.
Kathy
June 2, 2017I agree about El Questro being a bit pricey. They certainly have aimed at the market for the higher end station stay, catering for the rich and famous. We got kicked out of Zebedee Springs at 12 noon because the paying customers were given exclusive use of this area! However it is definitely worth spending a few days camping on the river away from the touristy part. Beautiful countryside! :)
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute
June 4, 2017That was one gorgeously packed day. I think I could handle a stay at the station (at least in a tent or camping spot). I’m not sure about plunging through a river pr creek crossing like that. I guess you get used to it. #wkendtravelinspiration
Kathy
June 4, 2017You do get used to the creek and river crossings. If you have a good sturdy 4WD it is relatively safe and easy to cross. You just need to wade through first to establish the depth and feel if there are any rocks in the creek bed. El Questro was one of my favourite station stays in Western Australia. :)
Rhonda Albom
June 5, 2017I was in Australia last year but it was the wrong time of the year to visit the Kimberley. El Questro looks like a good place to visit with lots of options and price ranges. The other options I had checked out sounded much more expensive (well, maybe even more than the 5-star accommodation you mentioned).
Kathy
June 5, 2017It is expensive visiting the North West of Australia because of its remoteness. My advice would be to hire a campervan or similar from Broome or Darwin and see it that way. A home on wheels is the ideal way to see The Kimberley. :)
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
June 12, 2017We head to The Kimberleys soon. We have three nights booked at El Questro Station so i read this post with interest. Thanks.
Kathy
June 12, 2017I’m so jealous. I would love to spend 3 nights at El Questro at this time of year. We would really like to return here in the future and explore more of the Gibb River Road in The Kimberley. :)