The range of activities and attractions at El Questro suit those of any interest. Whether you are a nature photographer or a fisherman on the hunt for the elusive Barramundi, there are many ways to fully appreciate the magnificent region. Get introduced to the vast wilderness surrounding Emma Gorge by exploring El Questro on a guided tours, or take the opportunity to explore the gorges and landscape yourself on one of the many self guided walks.
The full ELQ Guide is available here
Emma Gorge Trail - We will do this the morning after the wedding... hangovers permitting!
As one of the best-known, most spectacular gorges of the Kimberley, Emma Gorge is a sight to behold. The brisk 1-hour walk ends at a large cool waterhole, graced by a droplet waterfall, perfect for a relaxing swim. Graced by a 65m droplet waterfall, perfect for for a relaxing swim. Nestled beneath towering cliffs, a second smaller thermal water outlet trickles from the rocks.
Please note: the Emma Gorge Trail is open from 7am to 10am. The walk must be completed by 12pm
El Questro Gorge Trail
Walk along a narrow spring-fed creek, 1.3km through fern-dressed escarpments to a small swimming hole and unwind in the rainforest environment. More adventurous hikers continue on from this halfway point, allowing another 1.5 hours to reach the top as the path increases in difficulty.
Amalia Gorge Trail
A fairly easy walk in the dry season, this requires some level of fitness and balance as the trail does involve some rock scrambling and ledge hopping. However, the best time to see Amalia Gorge is after the wet season when a mass of waterfalls cascade from one pool to the next. The 1.7km walk each way should take about one hour.
Zebedee Springs
Hike a short 750m distance to Zebedee Springs, through dense Livistonia Palms that open to a series of rocky thermal pools. This trail is open to general public from 7.00am – 12 noon daily. We ask that you respect that this trail is closed in the afternoon to facilitate private tour groups to this area, helping to ease the pressure on this delicate ecosystem.
Saddleback Ridge
Begin the hike to Saddleback Ridge at the Township, where the round trip should take about two hours. The viewing platform atop the ridge is one of the most spectacular lookout points on El Questro. This is a shared walking and 4WD trail; visitors can walk or drive the track, although experienced drivers only are recommended as the track up is steep and narrow.
Moonshine Gorge Circuit Walk
The Moonshine Gorge Circuit trail follows Moonshine creek, with tall Livistona Palms and cliff faces on both sides providing shade and plenty of areas to rest and swim. A 5km trek, this is a 2.5-hour hike.
Champagne Springs
Hiking to Champagne Springs is much different than the other El Questro walk. The 4.8km riverside trail is long with broken terrain, and promises added difficulty toward the end. The rigor is worth the reward though, as you reach the top to find pools, lush scenery and soothing thermal springs.
The Station Walks
Take a leisurely stroll from The Station along the Pentecost River, or for a more rigorous experience, veer up to Telecom Hill. Find shallow swimming holes and go for a dip while taking in the magnificent El Questro surroundings.
Explosion Gorge 4WD
Take a drive to Explosion Gorge, a bone rattling 17 km from The Station to Explosion Gorge turn off one way. Stop along the way to travel several access tracks to waterholes and remote fishing areas and Branco's Lookout. Take a guided tour or make your own itinerary. Boat hire is also available in the morning to enhance the fishing experience.
Cockburn Circuit 4WD
A 133km round trip from the Gibb Road and Station driveway turnoff, the Cockburn Circuit is the most scenic of tracks at El Questro. The track encircles the Cockburn Ranges allowing riders to see spectacular scenery on a variety of different terrains.
Saddleback Ridge 4WD
A 7 km round trip from the Station, the steep, narrow Saddleback Ridge track is much more of a challenge and recommended for experienced drivers only. A true outback adventure, experience the Pentecost Valley with its rich riverside vegetation and rocky, sloped landscape sparsely covered with spinifex, grevilleas and strands of snappy gums. Drive to the top for the spectacular 360-degree view from a platform overlooking sandstone escarpments, with all of El Questro in the distance.
Sunset Tour to Buddy's Point
Find extensive views of the Wilderness Park on this 2-hour guided tour, exclusive to guests who book the Sunset Tour or a private lookout booking. Take a relaxed stroll up to the lookout at Buddy's Point – named to honour El Questro legend Buddy Tyson who passed away in 2011. A former rodeo champion, animal drover and tour guide at El Questro, Buddy was known for his love of people and knack for storytelling.
Offering stunning 360-degree views of the entire property, this sunset tour begins with a steep guided 4WD adventure through the Kimberley and ends with a view into the heart of the Chamberlain Gorge. Take in spectacular viewpoints of the Chamberlain River converging with the Pentecost River system at sunset as you enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese platter.
AUD 88.00 per person - from Emma Gorge (minimum 4 persons)
AUD 65.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Cruise to Chamberlain Gorge
This tranquil 1.5-hour cruise through the Chamberlain Gorge provides a rich introduction to the history and environment unique to El Questro. Accessible only by boat, enjoy a private tour of the 3km fresh waterhole and spectacular surrounding of the region's flora and fauna. Enjoy sparkling wine and freshly sliced melons against the towering escarpments as your knowledgeable guide shares informative commentary.
AUD 88.00 per person - from Emma Gorge (minimum 2 persons)
AUD 65.00 per person - from The Station (minimum 2 persons)
AUD 60.00 per person – self-drive to jetty (minimum 2 persons)
4WD Barramundi Fishing Tour
This guided 5-hour excursion, complete with 4WD, is a thrilling adventure that may put you face to face with the elusive Barramundi! A unique species, the Barra begins life as male and matures to female, typically after one spawning season at about 80cm long. The legal minimum size is limited at 55cm, which helps to protect the large spawning females over 7kg – a benefit for the angler by facilitating a larger average size of fish caught.
AUD 290.00 per person (minimum 2 persons)
Historic Tour of El Questro & Bush Culture
An insightful and historic tour, this 4-hour trek will provide you with a deeper understanding of the pioneering heritage of the El Questro Station. Go on a journey through the former working cattle station as your guide talks of traditional medicine, aboriginal hunting, tracking techniques and use of fire.
AUD 99.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Sunset Tour through Explosion Gorge to Branco's Lookout
This rugged 4-hour trek takes you on a four-wheeling adventure along the Chamberlain River as it narrows and drops into a riverbed beneath towering cliffs. Steer through the river systems in small boats while passing the cliffs, splashed with afternoon sunlight. As the sun sets at Branco's Lookout, enjoy beverages and a cheese platter – a beautiful end to an adventurous day.
AUD 130.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Zebedee Springs & Chamberlain Cruise Tour
For those seeking a leisurely activity, this 5.5-hour excursion begins with an 11.30am departure from the Station Store and a brief 10-minute drive to Zebedee Springs. Be sure to bring a towel! After a dip in the tranquil spring, continue on for lunch at the Station's Steakhouse Restaurant where you can enjoy a satisfying meal overlooking the Pentecost River. The Chamberlain Gorge Cruise leg of this tour begins with a 2.30pm departure from the Station Store.
AUD 149.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Bird Watching Tour
Take an early-morning excursion led by a knowledgeable ranger to alluring bird watching sites all around El Questro, complete with a species list and binoculars. The wide-ranging varieties of ecosystems in the area attract bird species from the Brolga Australian crane, Pheasant Coucals to the beautifully coloured Bee-eaters and Finches.
AUD 79.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Sunset Tour to Saddleback Ridge
Located just behind the Station lies one of the most magnificent lookouts El Questro has to offer. The 2-hour sunset tour to Saddleback Ridge is for the brave hiker, as the road to the summit is steep and winding. Under the guide of an experienced tour leader, the rigorous trek ends with a cheese platter and champagne on the timber deck at sunset with stunning 360-degree views of your surroundings.
AUD 65.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
El Questro Full Day Tour
This tour offers some of the highlights of the Kimberley and gives an informative overview of El Questro. The tour starts with
a guided hike to the halfway pool of El Questro Gorge, a soak in Zebedee Springs, 'Beef or Barra' lunch at The Steakhouse
followed by an afternoon Chamberlain Gorge Cruise. Departs The Station Store or Emma Gorge Resort.
AUD 199.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Horse Riding
Horse riding at El Questro is a great way to get off the beaten track and experience secluded, otherwise restricted areas. Our 2hr morning horse ride, 1hr station ride and sunset ride cater to any type of rider. Our horse guides adjust the horse trek to your riding capabilities. Horse riding activities are subject to seasonal track and weather conditions.
Helifishing
Fishing by helicopter - Heli-Fishing Tours Choose from freshwater or saltwater destinations within El Questro's one million acres. Pristine waters, many of which are rarely fished, ensures the angler plenty of opportunity to catch Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Bream and Threadfin Salmon. This tour requires a minimum of 2 persons. If you find a third, the prices are cheaper! Fishing may be tidal dependant - so enquire upon arrival.
From $600 per person
Bungle Bungle and Lake Argyle Scenic Flight 2 Hours
One of Australia's natural wonders, the World Heritage Listed Bungle Bungle Range is a unique sandstone formation dating back 350 million years. This two hour aeroplane flight from El Questro's airstrip takes you first over Lake Argyle and the Carboyd Range.
Before entering the 240,000 ha Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle massif rises 300m out of the desert to meet you. For the next 20 minutes you will discover the awe inspiring striped bee hive domes and gorges of this 350 million year old icon. Orbitting the range take a photo or two of the Gibb Face. See the famous Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Gorge, the longest and deepest.
On the return journey to El Questro, pass over the Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest producer of pink and coloured diamonds in the world.
A once in a life time experience.
Departures 7:45 and 11:45 from El Questro Station
Other times available as requested
AUD 465.00 per person (minimum of 4 persons)
AUD 825.00 per person (minimum of 2 persons)
The same 2 hour flight originating or concluding at Kununurra Airport to meet your commercial flight:
AUD 580.00 per person (minimum of 4 persons)
AUD 1,045.00 per person (minimum of 4 persons)
Mitchell Falls and Kimberley Coast Flight 3 Hours, 20 Minutes
Depart El Questro tracking NW over ancient Kimberley landscapes towards Mitchell Falls where you will orbit the spectacular falls before landing at the airstrip to stretch your legs. Back on board head out over the coast of Western Australia flying over Kimberley Coastal Camp, Kalumburu Aboriginal Mission, the famous double waterfalls of King George Falls and the mouth of the Berkley River. See the exclusive lodge perched on sand dunes and follow the gorge upstream before tracking east towards the historic town of Wyndham and taking in the Cockburn Range before landing back to El Questro.
Departure times as requested
AUD 765.00 per person (minimum of 4 persons)
AUD 595.00 per person surcharge (if only 2 persons booked)
King George Falls and Kimberley Coast Flight 2 Hours and 15 minutes
Depart El Questro tracking north over ancient Kimberley landscapes for the famous King George Falls where you will orbit for 10mins taking in the 80 meter double waterfalls. Continue on, taking in the exclusive Berkley River lodge and the unique Kimberley Coast keeping an eye out for dugongs, manta rays, sea turtles and whales. Pass over Cape Dueesjour before heading south over the Cambridge Gulf, the historic town of Wyndham and the Cockburn Range before landing back at El Querstro.
Departure times as requested
AUD 499.00 per person (minimum of 4 persons)
AUD 400.00 per person surcharge (if only 2 persons booked)
Scenic Aeroplane Transfers from Kununurra to El Questro
Arrive in style and ahead of the rest when you take El Quetsro's Cessna 210 from Kununurra Airport to El Questro. Operated by Kimberley Air Tours, this flight is a quick way to get on the ground to begin enjoying your stay at the property.
Pre booking is essential
25 minute direct flight from Kununurra to El Questro (or return)
Does not include driving time of 15 minutes to Homestead
AUD 775.00 per aeroplane (maximum 5 persons, total of 440 kg)
** Note luggage may need to travel by El Questro road transfer
35 minute extra scenic route flies from Kununurra down the Lower Ord River where you may spot some mighty salt water crocodiles, then flies across to Wyndham and the Cambridge Gulf, over the Cockburn Range landing at El Questro (or reverse the route)
AUD 885.00 per aeroplane (maximum 5 persons, total of 440 kg)
** Note luggage may need to travel by El Questro road transfer
Helicopter Transfers from Kununurra
A range of helicopters are available for transfers from Kununurra Airport.
Pre booking is essential
Kununurra to El Questro
AUD 1,525.00 per aircraft each way in an R44 (maximum 3 persons)
AUD 1,685.00 per aircraft each way in a Jet Ranger (maximum 4 persons)
AUD 2,085.00 per aircraft each way in a Bell Long Ranger (maximum 6 persons)
Weight restrictions apply for all air and Helicopter scenic flights and charters.
The average temperature in April in the Kimberley is 34 degrees during the day and 23 degrees at night.
Make sure you bring your summer wardrobe and your hats/sunnies.
Running Shoes: Emma Gorge is about a 20 minute walk from the resort. We recommend you bring some good walking shoes to make sure you get the opportunity to see this beautiful waterfall the day after the wedding.
Swimming Gear: There are many different places to swim in the Kimberley - so be ready to cool off in the pool or the waterhole.
Cameras: You will see scenery that will be etched in your memory forever... make sure you can capture it!