Here’s how to plan a trip of a lifetime to El Questro Station

Leah McLennanBy Leah McLennan
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Sprawling 283,000 hectares of wilderness, East Kimberley’s legendary El Questro encompasses charred orange sandstone gorges, palm-fringed thermal springs and some of the oldest rocks (and rock art) on the planet.

Fish for barramundi in locations accessible only by air, hike one of the many walking trails and marvel at the oh-so-picturesque Zebedee Springs. Whether you explore by helicopter, 4WD, horse or boat, this ancient landscape is so unique it will forever be etched on your psyche and soul.

The El Questro story

First established as a cattle station in 1903, Englishman Will Burrell and his Australian wife Celia, nee Shelmerdine, bought the pastoral lease in 1991 with a dream of showcasing El Questro to the world. They certainly achieved that goal. In 2021, the pastoral lease was bought by the G’day Group, which has spent millions on giving El Questro’s properties a refreshed look.

Accommodation at El Questro

El Questro offers many accommodation options for travellers to choose from, each with a unique ambience. You’ll find most adventurers stay at The Station where you can slumber in a family-friendly bungalow, a pre-erected tent with air con, plug in your caravan and either dine at the steakhouse and outdoor bar or cook at the camp kitchen.

Located nine kilometres down the track, The Homestead is a polished retreat set atop Chamberlain Gorge where guests soak up the rugged landscape with gourmet picnics packed by the chef.

luxury lodges perched on the side of the cliff at El Questro Homestead
Stay in the luxe riverside lodges at El Questro Homestead. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Camping

Price: $

The Black Cockatoo General Campground at El Questro’s main hub, The Station , boasts unpowered and powered sites, hot showers, camp kitchens with BBQs and laundry facilities. For those who like a bit more comfort, opt for a Station tent, which comes fully equipped with a cosy bed, power, towels, outdoor dining setting and air conditioning.

a couple outside a camping tent at El Questro Wilderness Park
Stay at The Station for affordable camping or the fully-equipped Station tents. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

If you want to get off the beaten track, there are 30 private riverside sites along the Pentecost River about 10 minutes’ drive from The Station’s central facilities, which are available for use by all campers. Sizes of sites, shade and access to eco toilets vary, and these sites are not suitable for caravans.

camping tents at dusk, El Questro Station
Sleep under the stars at the heart of El Questro Station. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The Station

Price: $$ – $$$

Next up on the comfort ladder after the pre-erected tents are the air-conditioned bungalows, each sleeping up to four people and featuring sleek ensuites and a back deck looking out onto the river.

The Gardenview Rooms, built from Kimberley river stone, sleep four or six and have large bathrooms and air con.

a Gardenview room at The Station, El Questro
Curl up inside The Stations’ Gardenview Rooms.

Emma Gorge 

Price: $$$

Some 25 kilometres away from The Station is Emma Gorge Resort, hard up against a spectacular sandstone escarpment called Cockburn Ranges.

two people sitting outside a tent at Emma Gorge, El Questro
Relax in the cosy quarters at Emma Gorge. (Image: Dan Avila)

The resort has 60 safari-style tented cabins with ensuites, a gorgeous swimming pool and a very good restaurant. All tented cabins are powered and have fans (no air con), linen, towels and outdoor dining areas in the shade of shiny Boab trees.

boab trees at sunset in El Questro Station
Boab trees with scenic sunset views in the backdrop. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The Homestead

Price: $$$$$

Teetering on the edge of a cliff in the Kimberley’s rugged east, with mighty views over the Chamberlain Gorge, The Homestead has 10 suites with double king bedrooms. The tariff covers guided tours, minibar, gourmet meals and drinks, including wine, beer and cocktails. Additional charges apply for helicopter flights, private touring and transfers from Kununurra.

a private tub in El Questro Homestead, The Kimberley
A soak in the private tub delivers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Breakfast is served on the verandah overlooking Chamberlain Gorge. Lunch and dinner is offered at a communal table under a shady awning. Guests can dine at a private location as an optional extra.

The bedroom at El Questro Homestead
Inside the luxury rooms of the Homestead. (Image: Supplied)

El Questro Wilderness Park experiences

Exploring El Questro Wilderness Park in WA’s East Kimberley combines classic outback adventure with a splash of luxury.

a couple admiring the scenic views at El Questro Wilderness Park
Lose yourself in the marvellous rugged landscapes within El Questro Wilderness Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Emma Gorge 

A favourite among Kimberley hikers, Emma Gorge trail weaves its way through rocky terrain, which can make for slow going. The carrot at the end of this 1.6-kilometre hike is the glorious swimming hole beneath a waterfall – one of 10 waterfalls at El Questro.

a woman dipping in the swimming hole at Emma Gorge
Dip into a swimming hole surrounded by towering rock walls at Emma Gorge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Chamberlain Gorge 

Take a Chamberlain Gorge river tour in a large boat to spot shy Charlie, the 4.5-metre resident saltwater crocodile, and equally shy rock wallabies among the towering escarpments. Less elusive are the archer fish that spit water to bring down insects as far as 3m away.

a boat tour at the Chamberlain Gorge in Kimberley, WA
Cruise along the calm waters of Chamberlain Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Heli Fishing 

Head out on a fishing adventure with an El Questro guide either by Helicopter or in a 4WD. With a little local knowledge you can try your hand at catching a barra. All fishing gear, lunch and drinks are provided.

two men smiling while holding a freshly caught barramundi, Heli Fishing Adventures
Go heli fishing and catch a giant barramundi. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Zebedee Springs 

An easy jaunt from the carpark, Zebedee Thermal Springs is a beautiful spot where you can bathe in warm water pools surrounded by lush vegetation. Exclusive use of Zebedee Springs is offered to Homestead guests every afternoon.

a couple floating on the Zebedee Springs
Bathe in the natural geothermal waters of Zebedee Springs. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Explosion Gorge 

Set off on a bone-rattling 17-kilometre drive from The Station to Explosion Gorge, part of the Chamberlain Gorge system. The track follows the beginning of the Elgee Cliffs escarpment and along the way there are several access tracks, which take you to waterholes, remote fishing areas and Branko’s Lookout.

Explosion Gorge in El Questro Station
Soaring sandstone walls surrounding the Explosion Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Branco’s Lookout 

A stunning location to take in sunset, Branco’s Lookout was named after Branko Raicevic, a Wyndham local who served as a councillor and shire president for the town.

Pentecost River

The Pentecost River passes through El Questro Wilderness Park and makes an ideal place for camping. It is famed as one of the best spots in the area to go barramundi fishing.

the Pentecost River at sunset
The Pentecost River flows through the Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Buddy’s Point 

Can there be a more perfect way to finish a Kimberley day than with cheese and bubbles at this private 360-degree lookout? Buddy’s Point was named in honour of El Questro legend Buddy Tyson, a former rodeo champion, cattle drover and tour guide who was renowned for his ability to spin a good yarn.

Miri Miri Falls 

Jump in a helicopter and zoom off to a remote corner of El Questro where you will find Miri Miri – a spring-fed waterfall cascading over a 50-metre drop.

FAQs

How to get to El Questro 

The 110-kilometre drive from Kununurra is on mostly sealed roads. Kununurra Airport is served by Qantas, Air North and Virgin from all major Australian cities via Darwin, Broome and Perth. El Questro operates twice daily scheduled road transfers from Kununurra and it is also possible to charter a light plane or helicopter and hire 4WD vehicles.

a couple stands on a cliff edge marvelling at the vast landscapes and towering escarpments on a helicopter tour at El Questro Station
It is possible to charter a helicopter to El Questro. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Do you need a 4WD to visit? 

You will need a 4WD to get into El Questro Station.

an aerial view of 4WD travelling through the Pentecost River Crossing
The outback terrain of El Questro definitely requires a 4WD. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Can you take a caravan to El Questro?

El Questro does recommend off-road caravans and campers, but many other caravans do make the trip into The Station. There is a 16-kilometre unsealed section with two water crossings that are about 300-500mm in depth.

Best time of year to visit

The winter months of June to August. The property is closed during the wet season, November to April.

an aerial view of a vehicle driving along El Questro Wilderness Park
Go off-grid at El Questro Wilderness Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
For more wonders of the Kimberley to see on your way, read our travel guide to this awe-inspiring region of Western Australia.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.