Day Trip from Kununurra – El Questro is a popular place where you can enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the Kimberley region. The area was originally established as a cattle station in early 20th century, and later developed as a wilderness park with accommodation. The accommodation at El Questro ranges from camping sites or cabins to luxuary homestead. You can also visit El Questro as a day visitor to explore the wilderness – so it is a good place to visit as a day trip from Kununurra.
El Questro has two sections; Emma Gorge and the Station. Emma Gorge is located approx 80km from Kununurra, and the Station is located approx 110km from Kununurra. Although the driveway into El Questro are not sealed, the main roads from Kununurra to the El Questro turnoffs are all sealed, and it’s a very scenic drive.
If you do not want to drive for yourself, El Questro also provides transfer services from Kununurra.
El Questro “Emma Gorge”
After you drive 78km of sealed roads from Kununurra, you will see the turnoff to Emma Gorge. From here, you need to drive 2kms of gravelled road until you reach the parking lot at Emma Gorge Resort. When we visited, the road condition was OK to drive with 2WD. However there was a small creek crossing, so you may want to enquire about the road condition if you are planning to visit Emma Gorge with 2WD.
The highlight here is the 3.2km (return) picturesque walk along the Emma Gorge.
The trail runs along a stream sandwiched between high cliffs. It is an easy walk with almost no elevation gain, although the trail is very rocky and uneven.
The scenery is so beautiful, with red cliffs, green trees, and the blue sky.
As you walk deeper into the gorge, climbing over rocks and jumping over streams, you will come across a beautiful pool.
After you reach the end of the valley, you walk back on the same track. Emma Gorge section of El Questro is small, but very peaceful and picturesque place.
If you want to stay overnight at Emmer Gorge, they offer safari-style tented cabins, with proper beds and ensuite bathroom.
If you come here as a day visitor, you need to purchase a permit either online or at the reception of the Emma Gorge Resort.
El Questro “The Station”
You drive the same roads from Kununurra, pass the turnoff to Emma Gorge and drive another 10km on the sealed road until you see the turnoff to the Station (El Questro Road).
From here, you definitely need 4WD.
This section of El Questro covers a huge area.
Wild drive continues, bumpy roads full of rough stones, soft sandy roads that tires could sink into, driving over rubble, and crossing rivers. It makes you realise you are truly in the wilderness.
Driving in the wilderness is fun, but there are also many places you can park your car and explore on foot.
The place I really liked was Zebedee Springs, which is a natural hot springs in the forest of palm trees.
You can relax in the hot springs surrounded by the tall palm trees. Unbelievable !!
Like Emma Gorge section of El Questro, this section of El Questro also provides varieties of accommodation. The accommodation called “The Station” is located by the Pentecost River and provides bungalow type rooms, tents, and RV sites for camper vans. There is also a luxury accommodation called “The Homestead” in more secluded area, on the cliff along Chamberlain River, where Nichole Kidman stayed while she filmed the movie “Australia”
El Questro opens only half of a year during dry season (generally from April to October). The exact dates for opening/closure varies every year. Please check their website for the information.
The best time to visit Kimberly region is between June and August, which is winter in Australia.
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