Perth & Western Australia - Australia 2004 - page 472

El Questro Homestead Perched over the Chamberlain River on the
edge of a gorge, this homestead is one of the world's most luxurious yet simple
getaways. Visitors (make that wealthy visitors) come for the sense of seclusion
and the wilderness experience. You stay in airy rooms furnished in a blend of
Aussie country style and Indonesian antiques, with a view of the gardens and the
river from your veranda. The premier suite even has a bathtub on the veranda!
Guests relax outside or in the inviting TV lounge. Everyone dines at one big
communal table at breakfast and lunch. At dinner you dine at tables for two set
up wherever you like—halfway down the gorge cliff face overhanging the river,
out by the pool, and so on. The Station Township is 9km (5 1 ⁄ 2 miles) away.
Gibb River Rd., approximately 100km (62 miles) southwest of Kununurra (P.O. Box 909, Kununurra, WA 6743).
Accor, & 1300/65 65 65 in Australia, 800/221-4542 in the U.S. and Canada, 020/8283 4500 in the U.K.,
0800/44 4422 in New Zealand, or 08/9169 1777. Fax [phone]. www.elquestro.com.au. 6 units (shower
only; 1 with veranda tub). A$750-A$850 (US$488-US$553) per person per night double or twin (including
all meals, open bar, laundry service, and all activities except helicopter flights). Minimum 2-night stay. The
homestead is 119km (74 miles) from Kununurra (about 1 3 ⁄ 4 hr.). Round-trip 4-wheel-drive transfers from
Kununurra A$75 (US$49) per person (scheduled) or A$150 (US$98) per person (private). Air transfers from
Kununurra, Broome, Darwin, Alice Springs, and Ayers Rock available on request—baggage limit can be as lit-
tle as 5kg (11 lb.) on flights from Kununurra or Darwin. Children under 16 not permitted. Amenities: Home-
style kitchen “restaurant”; free alcoholic beverages; small outdoor pool; tennis court; Jacuzzi; tour bookings;
laundry service. In room:A/C, hair dryer.
Emma Gorge Resort This neatly kept oasis of cute permanent tents
mounted on lush lawns under pandanus palms at the foot of the soaring red
Cockburn Range is a great way to “camp” in the wilderness without sacrificing
comfort. Although they are “only” tents, accommodations are comfortable, with
wooden floors, electric lights, fans, insect screens, nice firm beds with quilts, and
flashlights for getting around at night. Those without bathrooms share clean and
modern facilities. The reception desk stocks stuff like sunscreen and souvenirs,
and lends hair dryers. The rustic restaurant serves up gourmet bush-tucker meals
that would put many big-city restaurants to shame, and has a retractable roof for
stargazing. Free to guests is access to a 1.6km (1-mile) trail along lush Emma
Gorge to the natural swimming hole and trickling waterfall enclosed by 46m
(150-ft.) cliffs. The Station Township is 27km (17 miles) away.
See contact details for El Questro Homestead, above. 45 tent cabins, 27 with bathroom (shower only).
A$133-A$182 (US$86-US$118) double; A$198 (US$129) deluxe tent (sleeps 4). Emma Gorge is 85km (53
miles), an hour's drive, from Kununurra. Transfers are A$48 (US$31) per person each way (children under 12
half price). Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; tour desk; coin-op laundry; hair dryer (at front desk).
In room: No phone.
Station Township Bungalows These basic but comfortable cabin-style
rooms located by the store at the heart of Station Township are good for anyone
without their own transportation, as tours depart from right outside. The nicest
are the eight newish ones with balconies overlooking the Pentecost River. Two of
the four original stone bungalows sleep six but are the same price. The Steakhouse
restaurant and bar serves three meals a day of the steak and barramundi kind, and
there is often live music around the campfire. A swimming hole is nearby.
See contact details for El Questro Homestead, above. 12 bungalows (with shower only). A$198 (US$129) per
bungalow (sleeps 4). The Bungalows are 110km (68 miles), about 90 min., from Kununurra. Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; tour desk; 4-wheel-drive rental desk; coin-op laundry; hair dryer (at front desk). In room:A/C,
fridge, coffeemaker.
Station Township Riverside Camping In addition to the other El Questro
options, there are two camping areas. Black Cockatoo Riverside Camping has