Frequently Asked Questions

Camping

Q: Can I bring a caravan to El Questro?
A: Whilst we do recommend off road Caravans and Campers, many Caravans do make the trip out, our Driveway is 16km and is unsealed, corrugated in sections, and has two water crossings that are usually between 30cm to 50cm deep

Q: Can I leave my Caravan here while I explore the Gibb River Rd?
A: You can store your caravan or trailer at El Questro for $10 per night, please note we take no responsibility for the van or contents while stored. The storage area is unpowered.

Q: What option do I have for campsites at El Questro?
A: Our campground has 60 powered sites, 30 private sites along the Pentecost River and 109 unpowered sites.

Q: What kind of Caravans are allowed on the Private sites?
A: We do not allow caravans on our Private Sites. Access to these sites is very limited due to narrow access roads lined with trees and bushes right at the road. We only allow Vehicles with Rooftop Tents, swags, tents, or trailers on these sites. Should you book a private site with a caravan, we will not be responsible for any damage.

Q: Can I have a generator?
A: Generators are permitted in the General and Private Campground between the hours of 8.00am & 8.00pm only.

Q: Is there a waste dump point for my Van?
A: Yes, the dump point is at the ablution block ‘B’ along the road. Please make sure that all waste goes in there, not onto the ground or in the river.

Q: Is there a grey water dump point for my Van?
A: Yes, the grey water dump point can be found at the camp kitchens besides ablution blocks ‘B’ and ‘C.’ Please make sure that all grey water is disposed of in there, not onto the ground or in the river.

Hikes & Lookouts

Q: How far from El Questro Station are the hikes and lookouts?
A: Most hikes are situated along the driveway into the Station. The furthest from the Station on the driveway is 6 km. Emma Gorge Resort is around 27km away from the Station and the start of the Emma Gorge hike. Leading in the opposite direction from the Station you have the lookouts that are between 1km and 10km distance. The furthest Gorge is Explosion Gorge, 20km from the Station.

Q: What is the easiest hike at El Questro?
A: The easiest hike to do is to Zebedee Springs from the carpark. It is a 600m return walk along a boardwalk making the springs accessible for everyone.

Q: What is the most difficult hike at El Questro?
A: The most difficult hike by distance is the Champagne Springs hike. The hike itself is about 10km return and should only commence in the early hours of the morning as the terrain is in full sun.

Q: What is the best location for a Sunset experience?
A: We have 3 lookouts for sunset located near the Station. Saddleback Lookout is the closest to us with Brancos being the furthest and most difficult to reach. Saddleback and Pigeonhole tend to be busier as they are closer and easier to reach than Brancos. All will give a magnificent view over El Questro.

Q: Why does El Questro Gorge have 2 different Grades for the hike?
A: The El Questro hike is graded based on 2 distinct sections. The 1st section from the car park to Halfway Pool is considered a Grade 4 while from Halfway Pool to Mac Micking Pool is a Grade 5. Guests must be physically fit and surefooted to traverse in these sections due to slippery and steep areas.

Q: Do you have Maps for the hikes and 4WD tracks?
A: You can find the maps for the hikes and 4WD tracks on our website via this link: El Questro | Experience.  We also have maps for guests available at our receptions.

General Information

Q: Can I have a campfire?
A: We do NOT permit campfires in our campground. During the colder month we will have a supervised fire going at the Swinging Arm Bar. Also be aware that at certain times of the year there will be total fire bans.

Q: Where can I source firewood from?
A: You can source fallen timber off the ground for your onward journey. Please DO NOT chop down dead trees or remove large hollow logs from the ground as they are often habitats for native fauna.

Q: Can I bring my pets?
A: Dogs are allowed at El Questro’s campsites; however, they must be on a lead at all times and any signs of antisocial behavior will result in a move on notice. Dogs are not permitted at any of the Gorges or waterways.

Q: Do you have an off-leash dog park?
A: Yes, we have an off-leash dog area, located near amenity block ‘B’ for your convenience. Please be aware that any signs of antisocial behavior will result in a move on notice. Dogs are not permitted at any of the Gorges or waterways.

Q: Do you offer dog sitting?
A: El Questro does not offer dog sitting to its guests. You are welcome to speak with our friendly Front Office staff to see if someone would like to look after your dog, however this is something we do not guarantee.

Q: Do you sell Diesel & Unleaded Fuel?
A: We sell both varieties of fuel at our 24 h Fuel bowsers, just as you come into the Station on your left-hand side. as well as LPG Gas Refills. Please note that due to our remote location we recommend that you always carry enough fuel to get to your next destination comfortably.

Q: Do you sell LPG Gas Refills?
A: Yes, we sell LPG Gas Refills. You will need to see our Maintenance Office for refills. Refills are done between 9.30 am and 2 pm. Payment must be made to the General Store prior to picking up your gas bottle.

Q: Am I able to get my tires repaired and mechanical work done on my 4WD or trailer?
A: We can order replacement tires at El Questro through our workshop and are adept at tire repairs. All other mechanical issues must be sorted out in Kununurra as we are not a licensed Mechanic.

Q: Can I bring and use my own boat at El Questro? 
A: No, at El Questro we have environmental guidelines that prevent outboard motors in our pristine freshwater river systems. Also, due to Saltwater Crocodiles in our larger waterways, we cannot permit Kayaks or Canoes.

Q: What is the road like?
A: A very broad question and widely asked. The Gibb River Road is sealed all the way to The Station turn off. The ‘driveway’ is a 16km unsealed section of road, we have a grader on property that works on the road every 2-3 weeks keeping it in very good condition. We recommend calling Derby visitor Centre (08) 9191 1426 for up-to-date road conditions and check the Main Roads website for details of the surrounding areas.

Q: Do you accept cash?
A: El Questro is a cashless business. We offer EFTPOS facilities at all our outlets for your convenience.

Restaurants

Q: Does Emma Gorge have a Restaurant? 
A: Yes Emma Gorge Resort has a Restaurant. They serve a Breakfast Buffet, Lunch and Dinner (opening times are seasonal, please check with Reception). You can make reservations for Lunch or Dinner by El Questro | Emma's Restaurant - Make a Reservation.

Q: What options for meals do we have at the Station? 
A: The Station is home to the Steakhouse Restaurant which is open for Lunch and Dinner. Bookings can be made via this link, El Questro | Station Steakhouse - Make a Reservation. if you are looking for something more casual our Cantina offers simple Takeway Meals (no reservations required) that can be taken back to your site or enjoyed in our outdoor seating area.

Q: Do you have a Bar at the Station? 
A: Yes, we have a Bar at the Station, it is called the Swinging Arm Bar and serves beer on tap, wine, and a selection of spirits.

Swimming and Fishing

Q: Where can we swim at El Questro? 
A: Swimming is allowed for our Guests in the Emma Gorge Resort Pool and at the Station in the swimming hole behind the Steakhouse Restaurant. Certain pools along the hikes are safe to swim in, marked on the hiking maps with a small symbol. 
On our maps you will also find areas, especially along the rivers, where we prohibited swimming due to the danger of Saltwater Crocodiles.

Q: Are we allowed to fish at El Questro? 
A: We do not allow fishing withing the El Questro waterways due to the danger of Saltwater Crocodiles.

Tours

Q: What tours do you offer? 
A: We offer a selection of Full, Half day and short tours. Our most in demand tours are the Full Day Tour, which includes the Emma Gorge Hike, Zebedee Springs and the Chamberlain Gorge Cruise and Injiid Marlabu Calls Us, which is a cultural tour lead by local Traditional Owners.

Q: Where can we book tours? 
A: You can book your tours via this link, El Questro | Experience and find all available tours open to book. If you have questions about the tours, you can also contact us via email, and we can help you choose the right tour for you and book you in.

Q: Do I need a Visitor Permit? 
A: Any Guests who have booked Accommodation at El Questro have the Visitor Permit included in their booking. For Day Visitors, you can purchase the permit online (El Questro | Experience), at the Kununurra Visitor Center or directly with us at the Emma Gorge Resort and the Station Receptions.

Wildlife

Q: What Wildlife can we see? 
A: El Questro is home to a variety of Wildlife, from Birds, lizards, dingoes, and small mammals. As with all Wildlife, do not approach the animals as they are wild and not used to humans.

Q: Do you have Crocodiles at El Questro? 
A: Yes, we have both Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles in our waterways. While Freshwater Crocodiles tend to be very timid, they can be aggressive if they are antagonized. Saltwater Crocodiles can be found in the Pentecost River and the Chamberlain River, so we do not allow swimming or fishing in these for the safety of our guests and the animals.

Q: What do we do if there are cattle on the road? 
A: While El Questro is not a working Cattle Station, we do have cattle living on the property that on occasion wander along the roads. Should you encounter them, slow down and slowly make your way past them. They tend to move out of the vehicle's way. If needed, you can use your horn. These are wild cattle and are not to be approached under any circumstances. If you see cattle that are injured, take notes on where you saw it and a photo and contact reception.

Q: How likely is it to encounter snakes? 
A: Snakes tend to be more active during the summer, but as the Kimberleys are warm during the day in winter as well, you can encounter snakes as well. We recommend wearing enclosed shoes and avoiding tall grasses. Snakes can also be found on rocks or trails sunning, so ensure you are careful as to where you are stepping.

Q: Do you have Cane Toads at El Questro? 
A: Yes, you can encounter cane toads at El Questro. They are mainly active at nighttime and cause dogs to get severely sick from ingesting them.