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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    From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

    Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

    From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

    Why Silversea?

    Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

    Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

    silversea cruise ship pool deck
    Take a dip in the pool deck.

    1. Koolama Bay

    ​​Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

    Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

    King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise
    Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

    2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

    Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

    Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

    welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise
    Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

    Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

    The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

    aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise.
    Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    4. Horizontal Falls

    Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

    With each tidal shift,  the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

    Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide.
    Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    5. Montgomery Reef

    As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

    The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel,  turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

    Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

    aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef
    Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

    6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

    Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

    One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

    Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

    aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion
    See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

    The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

    Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

    Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

    Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys
    Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com