El Questro Station

Yes it’s been a while since we’ve been able to update our whereabouts.  No internet or phone reception for the past ten days – it’s quite nice to be completely free of technology for a while. 

We left Kununurra ten days ago to “go bush”, or to be more precise to explore the areas along the Gibb River Road and the far north Kimberley.  It’s been absolutely amazing, so read on!

Friday 20 June

It was a bit of fun to be starting the journey along the Gibb River Road, hence the photo.  This has long been an iconic 4 wheel drive adventure, though the road is far less rugged than it used to be.  It’s no highway though, that’s for sure!

However it is bitumen through to the turnoff to El Questro Station.  The road into El Questro isn’t sealed and with a couple of river crossings and sandy bits definitely requires 4WD.  It’s a lovely spot with a nice camping area by the Pentecost River where they have croc-free swimming holes.  There’s an outdoor bar, a restaurant, lots of scenic tours available and live entertainment at night.  The campground was quite full the two nights we were there. 

Phil enjoying Zebedee Springs

El Questro gorge 'halfway pool'

We did the walk halfway into El Questro gorge (that’s as far as you can go) which follows a creek along a palm-shaded track and ends at a great swimming hole.  We enjoyed a dip in here before the walk back.

Zebedee Springs, also on El Questro Station (the station’s a million acres) is the most natural, beautiful springs you could imagine.  The water’s warmish, and there are lots of little pools among the rocks in which you can sit and enjoy the view up through palms and gums to the cliffs above.

The second night there we drove up to a lookout for sunset.  Wow, that was some drive.  We had to cross a croc-infested river (not that we saw any) with the Troopy having to crawl over submerged basketball-sized rocks – this was the track through the river!

Then it was a rugged climb up to the lookout area but well worth it.  The views were across the Chamberlain River, El Questro Homestead (the really exclusive place) and the Cockburn Range.

So while we both thought El Questro was a bit commercial with its expensive tours, restaurant, compulsory 'park pass' and even expensive camping fees, it was well worth seeing and the natural features of this area are fantastic.