El Questro Station: A Guide to Planning A Trip of a Lifetime

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)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

With its prime position on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, lush tropical surrounds and exceptional dining, wellness and leisure experiences, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Kimberley region.

For many travellers, Broome is the gateway to the wild grandeur of the Kimberley – a launch point for epic 4WD journeys along the legendary Gibb River Road, rugged outback tours and expedition cruises tracing the remote coastline. Whether you’re arriving dust-covered from the red dirt or preparing to venture deep into the region’s untamed landscapes, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa offers the perfect place to begin or end the adventure. The only fully integrated resort in Broome, the property unfolds along meandering pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens, past tranquil lily ponds and hand-carved timber sculptures that subtly guide guests towards reception.

Location

camel ride along cable beach broome — Let friendly staff help you book a camel ride on Cable Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA/ Matt Deakin)

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa lies just steps from the famed Cable Beach, where the silhouettes of camels crossing the shoreline at sunset have become one of Australia’s most enduring tourism images. The only beachfront resort in Broome, it’s also just a few minutes’ drive to the centre of town, where guests can wander through Chinatown and peruse its pearl stores and galleries or catch a movie beneath the stars at the heritage-listed Sun Pictures.

The friendly team at the resort’s tour desk can also help tailor your stay, whether that’s an iconic camel ride along the beach, a visit to Willie Creek Pearl Farm to discover how the gems are harvested or a guided tour to see the ancient dinosaur footprints revealed among the rust-red rocks of Gantheaume Point at low tide.

Style and character

Cable Beach Club Resort broome lobby — Walk into an eclectic blend of influences and eras.

Few resorts capture the essence of their surroundings quite like Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. First opened in 1988, the resort is a celebration of Broome’s rich multicultural past, from its Japanese pearl divers to Chinese merchants. The result is an eclectic blend of influences and eras. The resort features wide timber verandahs, corrugated iron walls and tin roofs designed to temper the tropical climate. To keep it breezy, Broome’s signature lattice (a distinct painted timber lattice detailing iconic to the tropical architecture of the Kimberley region) has been used across the resort with two functions – allowing a breeze through while maintaining privacy.

Scattered throughout the manicured gardens is an impressive collection of rare Asian and international artefacts. Chinese bluestone lions stand sentinel at the entrance, while terracotta warrior horses, vermillion Japanese torii gates and traditional Shishi (lion-dog) statues lend an air of quiet grandeur. Fragrant with frangipani blossoms and shaded by century-old boab and mango trees, the grounds are also a haven for native wildlife. Birds provide a constant soundtrack, while wallabies and tiny lizards rustle through the foliage.

Rooms

Cable Beach Club Resort broome Price Jones Suite — Sleep in comfort and style.

The extensive accommodation options span studios, bungalows, club apartments, villas and suites. Family bungalows draw inspiration from the grand homes of Broome’s pearl masters, translating that heritage into generous layouts, high ceilings and verandahs that open to the gardens. Studios and villas are perfect for couples and solo stays, pairing soft coastal tones with private balconies or courtyards. While club apartments and suites are designed for longer stays, offering multiple bedrooms, kitchen facilities and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Food and drink

kichi kichi at Cable Beach Club Resort broome — Tuck into an Asian fusion menu at Kichi Kichi.

The dining scene at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa reflects Broome’s position at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and Asia, where coastal produce meets a tapestry of multicultural influences.

Contemporary Asian fusion dishes – from crisp fried pork belly and roast Peking duck breast to Burmese lamb curry – deliver bold, vibrant flavours at Kichi Kichi. While the handmade tortellini filled with pearl meat and prawn served at atmospheric Italian restaurant, Cichetti, is the kind of dish that you will remember long after the final bite. Elsewhere on the menu, find effortless flair across dishes like Wedge Island octopus, market fish crudo and silky goat’s milk panna cotta.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, Sunset Bar & Grill becomes the place to be. Here, guests gather over freshly shucked oysters, cured meat platters and buckets of sweet Exmouth prawns. Or, for a quieter evening in, guests can retreat to the comfort of their room and order from Cable Eats, the resort’s in-room dining service.

Pools

Cable Beach Club Resort broome ocean pool — Relax by the adults-only Ocean Pool.

Two distinct pool settings invite guests to shape their day exactly as they please. Drift into the calm of the adults-only Ocean Pool, where attentive service delivers dishes such as grilled prawn skewers and salt-and-pepper calamari straight to your cabana or sunbed well into the afternoon.

The mood at the family-friendly Kimberley Pool – framed by a cascading waterfall, the heart of the resort’s recreational precinct – is decidedly more playful. Here, younger guests are catered for with a dedicated kids’ menu of familiar favourites including chicken nuggets, fish and chips and ham-and-cheese toasties, while parents can graze on more refined poolside fare, such as fried squid, soba noodle salad and gourmet burgers.

Chahoya Spa & Salon

Cable Beach Club Resort broome Chahoya Spa — Book a treatment at Chahoya Spa.

Chahoya Spa brings a refined sense of indulgence inspired by its Japanese name, meaning “pamper”, with signature treatments including the Kimberley Dreamtime ritual and Chahoya Pearl Massage designed to soothe tired bodies and quiet busy minds. There is also an on-site salon providing personalised cuts, colour services and restorative hair care, ensuring guests leave feeling polished and renewed.

Other facilities

yoga class in the buddha sanctuary at Cable Beach Club Resort broome — Join a yoga class at the Buddha Sanctuary.

Wellness continues at the Buddha Sanctuary, a serene open-air pavilion just beyond the main resort grounds, where yoga classes are held six days a week amid ornamental gardens and a striking 3.5-metre hand-carved crystal Buddha statue. Beyond the sanctuary, the resort caters to every pace of stay, with a children’s playground, mini golf, tennis courts and a fully-equipped gym. Guests can also browse the resort’s boutique gift shop, home to Allure South Sea Pearls – the brand behind Broome’s first dedicated pearl boutique in Chinatown.

Book the ultimate Broome getaway at cablebeachclub.com.

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

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.

The El Questro story