Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
heli-fishing in croc-infested wetlands and rivers, soak under palm trees in the
thermal waters of Zebedee Springs (closed from noon daily), hike gorges, some of
which hide pockets of rainforest, take half-day four-wheel-drive fishing safaris,
cruise tranquil Chamberlain Gorge, horseback ride across stony plains, photo-
graph red rocky ranges, join rangers on bird-watching or “bush-tucker” tours, or
explore a rich lode of Aboriginal rock paintings. It's an unspoiled, primeval place.
El Questro is open from April 1 to early November (it closes in the Wet,
Nov-Mar). It is 100km (62 miles) west of Kununurra by road (58km/36 miles on
the sealed Great Northern Highway towards Wyndham, with the remainder on
the graded gravel Gibb River Rd.). Visitors must purchase a 7-day Wilderness Park
Permit to enter, which costs A$13 (US$8.45) per person; children under 12 enter
free. Buy permits from El Questro's office in Kununurra, on Banksia Street, where
the staff will give you a map and point out all there is to see and do, or at the
Station Township. The Township acts as a kind of headquarters—most tours and
activities depart here, and it's where you can buy road and other supplies and fuel,
and rent four-wheel-drives and camping gear. Consider renting a four-wheel-drive
in Kununurra or at the Station Township. Transfers from the Homestead and
Emma Gorge cost A$60 (US$39) per person to join tours and activities departing
the Station Township, so while it is not crucial to have your own four-wheel-drive,
it is less costly. Having your own vehicle also means you can explore independ-
ently. The Station Township rents them for A$130 to A$176 (US$85-US$114)
per day, plus A30¢ (US20¢) per kilometer after the first 100km (62 miles) (best
to book them ahead as the fleet size is limited).
If you're short on time, the station's 12-hour ranger-guided day trips from
Kununurra are a good idea. They include the highlights of a Chamberlain Gorge
cruise to see Aboriginal Wandjina rock art and a soak in Zebedee Springs, plus
a gorge walk, lunch at the Station Township restaurant, and four-wheel-drive
transfers, for A$145 (US$94) per person. Ask staff to identify which swimming
spots are croc-free, and don't swim anywhere else!
You pay for most activities—between A$60 (US$39) for a 2-hour horse ride
to A$565 (US$367) for a half-day's saltwater heli-fishing. Typical prices are
A$42 (US$27) for a gorge cruise, A$75 (US$49) for a 4-hour four-wheel-drive
trip to watch the sun set over the Cockburn Range, or A$175 (US$114) for a
half-day four-wheel-drive barramundi-fishing trip. The rangers are friendly and
knowledgeable. The tour desk also arranges such off-station activities as day trips
on the Ord River or around Kununurra, trips to the Argyle diamond mine and
the Bungle Bungles, and extended tours throughout the Kimberley as far afield
as Mitchell Falls.
GETTING THERE
4WD transfers for guests operate from Kununurra and
are driven by a ranger who gives a commentary en route. The cost is A$144
(US$94) per adult round-trip to Emma Gorge only, or A$180 (US$117) to the
Station Township; children under 12 are half price. If you are driving yourself,
take the Great Northern Highway 58km (36 miles) from Kununurra toward
Wyndham, then the (unsealed) Gibb River Road 25km (15
1
⁄
2
miles) to Emma
Gorge Resort (which is 2km/1
1
⁄
4
miles along an access road), or a further 27km
(17 miles) to the station store.
WHERE TO STAY
At El Questro
All of the accommodations accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard,
and Visa. All have public pay phones only, not in-room phones (or TVs).
