El
Questro Homestead
Tours & Activities within the El Questro Valley
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El Questro
Homestead offers a range of activities included in the Homestead
tariff. Charges apply for other tours and activities. Please
note that guests may pre-request tours and activities during
their stay and that minimum and maximum numbers may apply.
All
tours and activities are subject to availability, may change
due to weather conditions and timings are approximate. Some
of these tours and activities are complimentary to El Questro
Homestead Guests (as they are included in the El Questro
Homestead tariff - indicated by *)
For
all activities involving walking we suggest that you will
need a reasonable level of fitness and wear appropriate,
comfortable footwear to undertake these activities. If in
doubt, please check with our Rangers at the property.
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Chamberlain
Gorge
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Chamberlain
Gorge Cruise
Boating
the Chamberlain Gorge is a must, a 3km fresh waterhole bound
by diverse flora and fauna, and belittled by a towering
escarpment. The Gorge can only be accessed by boat.
Enjoy
champagne as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Ask your
Ranger about the cheeky Archer Fish you can feed. This is
a 2.5 hour tour.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Champagne
Falls
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Bush
Tucker & El Questro History Tour
Learn
about the culinary delights of the Aboriginal people and
the foods they have survived on for thousands of years.
This
tour will give you an insight into the pioneering heritage
and former characters of El Questro Station, as it was when
it began as a working cattle station, right through to the
current status of the Wilderness Park.
This is a 2.5 hour tour.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Amalia Gorge
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Zebedee
Thermal Springs
5.30am
- 12.00pm and *2.30pm - 5.30pm
*Exclusive
use offered to El Questro Homestead guests only between
2.30pm & 5.30pm. A short walk through dense tropical vegetation,
known as vine thicket, takes you to a series of thermal
pools. Thermal water consistently rises from deep beneath
the earth's tectonic plates travelling from as far as New
Guinea.
Private
thermal pools are hidden amongst sheer cliffs and ancient
Livistonia Palms. Zebedee is an oasis, a natural day spa,
which is perfect for relaxing after a gorge trek or a horse
ride. You'll be intoxicated by the thermal waters, as you
watch the butterflies dance amongst the palms.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Zebedee
Springs
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Amalia
Gorge
8.00am
- 12.00pm
Amalia
Gorge is more of a steep-sided valley, than a narrow gorge
system, offering spectacular views and a deep plunge pool
at the end of the trail.
The
trail is a challenging and adventurous experience. We recommend
you take this walk in the early morning, as it can become
very hot later in the day.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Amalia
Gorge
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Bird
Watching Tour
Join
an El Questro ranger on an early morning drive and walk.
The locations will vary depending on the Ranger and conditions
of the day. You may just spot a pair of dancing Brolgas
or some colourful Rainbow Bee-eaters. Includes binoculars,
local species list and guide. 2 hour tour.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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El
Questro Gorge
8.00am
- 12.00pm (Half Way Pool)
This
trail passes along a deep, narrow gorge, flanked by sheer
cliffs. It features clear pools and lush tropical vegetation.
The rainforest canopy encourages a diverse ecosystem, which
thrives in perfect conditions. The first half of this track
is along moist sandy and rocky terrain and is suitable for
most walkers. It remains cool throughout the day due to
the rainforest vegetation and the deep narrow topography
of the gorge, although there are small sections that offer
no shade.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Champagne
Springs Tour
7.30am
- 1.30 pm and *7.30am - 11.30am (half way)
Champagne
Springs is named after the thermal springs that bubble from
deep inside the earth's interior and surface near the end
of this walk within a lush, tropical, hidden valley. To
the halfway point, the terrain is sandy and rocky, and most
of the track is shaded.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Guided
Barramundi 4wd Fishing Tour
Test
your skill (with a little local advice from the Rangers)
and you may catch an elusive Barramundi! All Barramundi
begin their lives as males, changing into females at 5 years
old and about 60cm long. A legal minimum size limit applies
and helps improve the average size of fish caught.
A recommended
maximum size limit will help protect large spawning females
and benefit the angler by promoting the opportunity for
the capture and release of 'trophy' Barramundi. Please check
with your fishing guide regarding legal limits.This Homestead
tour is 4 hours and conducted at Branco's fishing hole.
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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Self-Drive
Boats
Located
at the Chamberlain River jetty are a number of small boats
for hire. All boats are powered by small electronic motors
and can seat 4 adults. Remember to bring a fishing rod and
lure for the journey. See the tour desk staff for details.
For 5 hours, prices are charged per boat.
NOTE:
El Questro Homestead guests have access to their own self-drive
boat available from the Homestead.
El Questro
Homestead is located on the Chamberlain River at a topographical
location known as "The Big Hole". This area is 1.2kms long,
and is inaccessible at either end, providing exclusive use
for Homestead guests. An abundance of fish, turtles and
freshwater crocodiles inhabit this section of the river.
See
the tour desk staff for details. For 5 hours, prices are
charged per boat.
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Horse
Rides
6.30am
- 9.30am
Horse
treks are a great way to observe all types of Kimberley
wildlife. Recommended for experienced riders only, all horses
used for trail rides are ex-stock horses, that are not suitable
for inexperienced riders. Kimberley turf is particularly
hard if you happen to leave your saddle!
*This
tour is included in the El Questro Homestead tariff.
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El
Questro Homestead
Tours at the far reaches of El Questro |
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These
tours are not within El Questro Valley and therefore are
not complimentary or private to El Questro Homestead guests.
Please see the El Questro Actitivities and Pricing sheet
for tour and activities pricing.
For
all activities involving walking we suggest that you will
need a reasonable level of fitness and wear appropriate,
comfortable footwear to undertake these activities. If in
doubt, please check with our Rangers at the property.
Please
be aware that all tours and activities are subject to availability
and change due to weather conditions. Minimum and maximum
tour numbers may apply.
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Helicopter
Tours
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Guided
Emma Gorge Tour
El Questro's
most famous gorge. This scenic trail takes you along dramatically
changing vegetation, from Savannah woodland to Kimberley
rainforest. The gorge is characterised by massive scree
slopes and cliff face escarpments that reach 120m on either
side. View the "ripple rocks" along the way where you can
see how the shallow tidewaters created the pattern millions
of years ago.
Stop
at Flagstaff Falls lookout point for good views of the falls
further on, and be sure to take a camera to capture the
beauty of the Turquoise Pool. A cool reward awaits you at
the end where you can swim at Emma Gorge pool and falls.
Emma Falls is a permanent 200ft waterfall that is fed from
a series of natural springs high above on the Plateau of
the Cockburn Range.
Water
has fallen from here for millions of years creating a pool
that is no less than 30 metres deep. Emma Gorge Resort is
a 1.6km walk from the head of the falls. This tour is approx.
5 hours.
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Emma
Gorge Falls
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Cockburn
Range 4wd
Circuit 7.30 am - 5.30 pm
Circumnavigate the Cockburn Range by 4WD. Prior to the completion
of the Gibb River Road, the Karunjie Track was the original
route from Derby to Wyndham and on to the Northern Territory.
In earlier years, rugged drovers brought thousands of cattle
along this track to the meatworks at Wyndham. Venture into
this spectacular country with ease using our El Questro
4WD vehicles. Morning tea will be served prior to tackling
the Heritage Trail. This tour is inclusive of transfers
and lunch.
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Cockburn
Range
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Explosion
Gorge And Branco's Lookout At Sunset
2.15pm
- Approx 4 hours, subject to conditions.
Explosion Gorge was named after the old and environmentally
damaging fishing techniques. This unique 4-wheel drive track
extends along the Chamberlain Gorge as it narrows and then
along a riverbed with sheer cliffs rising above you. This
track is a great way to experience true 4-wheel driving.
Watch the sun set from Branco's Lookout while sipping sparkling
wine and add another beautiful memory to your stay.
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Explosion
Gorge
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Emma
Dreaming Trail
5.30am
- 3.30pm, can be less time when using helicopter for return
transfer. The Emma Dreaming Trail is a true wilderness trail.
Sheer cliff faces reaching up to 130 metres in height, rocky
outcrops resembling lost cities, spring fed water holes,
spectacular views, a diverse range of flora and fauna characterise
this unique trail. A Ranger will transfer you to Emma Gorge
where you commence your hike to the top of the Cockburn
Range. This tour includes lunch. NOTE: This is a strenuous
walk and we advise that you have appropriate, comfortable
footwear to undertake this activities. Return transfer option
by Helicopter is available. A Helicopter will meet you on
the plateau of the Cockburn Range and return you to your
accommodation.
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Helicopter
Scenic Flights
Operating
times 07.00am - 4.30pm - subject to pilot's discretion Views
of El Questro, denied to the earthbound! Seeing the Wilderness
Park from on high is breathtaking and from an open-door
chopper - it's exhilarating. It is the only way to access
distant waterholes and scenic areas where travel by land
is virtually impossible. Enjoy a scenic journey over some
of El Questro's many gorges and waterfalls, views of the
majestic Cockburn ranges. You can even the suggest your
own itinerary!
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Mirimiri
Gourmet Picnic
Lunch
By Helicopter Hidden in a remote corner of the Wilderness
Park is Mirimiri Falls. Spring-fed water cascades over a
105 metre fall from the plateau into a deep pool, then into
a dense valley of Livistonia Palms and Paperbarks. Take
along a delicious gourmet picnic prepared by the Homestead
Chef and fly by private helicopter to your private water
hole. Swim in the pool overlooking the falls and enjoy one
of El Questro's most secluded attractions.
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Heli-Fishing
Tours
Choose
from freshwater or saltwater destinations on El Questro.
Pristine waters, many of which rarely get fished, ensure
the angler the opportunity for plentiful bounties of Barramundi,
Mangrove Jack, Bream and Threadfin Salmon.
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The
Lost City Tour
At the
top of El Questro Gorge lies a newly discovered ancient
land. Explore with an El Questro Ranger, the intricate rock
formations and cave system carved out through time. A truly
unforgettable experience, this tour is the season's 'must
do'. Be one of the first to explore this forgotten part
of El Questro and enjoy a magical scenic flight.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Minimum 2 persons
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The
Lost City & Hidden Falls Tour
This
tour is for the truly adventurous. At the top of El Questro
Gorge lies a newly discovered ancient land. Explore with
an El Questro Ranger, the intricate rock formations and
cave system carved out through time. Then fly to hidden
falls and walk to a pure Garden of Eden, where thermal springs
meet a towering 40 metre waterfall. An unforgettable experience!
Duration:
3.5 hours
Minimum 2 persons
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Saddleback
Ridge Sunset Tour
Not
far from Station Township, you'll find Saddleback Ridge
- known as a 'true' 4WD experience. The impressive lookout
has been decked with a wooden viewing platform, providing
360 degree views over the million acre wilderness park.
The perfect place to enjoy a spectacular Kimberley Sunset.
Includes refreshments. This tour can be guided as above
or self-guided.
Duration:
2 hours
Minimum 4 persons
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El
Questro Homestead
Day Trips from El Questro |
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A range
of day trips are available from El Questro - further details
and pricing are available on application, please confirm
details at time of booking.
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Bungle
Bungle Range
The
Bungle Bungle Range is a unique sandstone formation dating
back 350 million years. One of Australia's natural wonders.
Tours
include air charter, helicopter scenic and gorge tours,
Scenic air tours and fishing safaris from El Questro’s airstrips
include the Ord Irrigation Project, Lake Kununurra, Lake
Argyle and the dam wall, Argyle Diamond Mine and the Bungle
Bungle Range. Fishing safaris to the Berkeley River and
Bonaparte Archipelago by float plane, joining a vessel on
the Kimberley Coast.
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Bungle
Bungle Ranges
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Argyle
Diamond Mine
Globally
renowned for its famous pink gemstones, Argyle offers informative
half-day trips and a chance to visit the largest diamond
mine in the world. Road or air tours or combined with a
Bungle Bungle tour. For an exquisite selection of Argyle
Diamond and Broome Pearl jewellery, please visit Kimberley
Fine Diamonds Australia.
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Mitchell
Falls
Fly
by airplane via the Diamond Coast, Wyndham, Cambridge Gulf,
King George Falls and Kalumburu to land at the Mitchell
Plateau airstrip. Tour includes a helicopter scenic flight
and lunch.
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Lake
Argyle
Once
a million acre cattle station Lake Argyle is now classed
as an inland sea. Lake Argyle can be seen on a 4.5 hour
Discovery Cruise that finishes to the setting of the sun.
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True
North and Kimberley Quest Luxury Cruise Boat
Take
a cruise along the Kimberley coastline and coral atolls
in style. Both luxury cruise boats offering departures from
Broome to Wyndham or visa versa.
This
journey exposes the wonders of the Kimberley coastline,
rivers and waterfalls like no other tour available.
Fly
by helicopter from the boat direct to El Questro Homestead
- price on application.
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Boating
Trip
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Day
Tours of Kununurra and the region
Kununurra
is one of the fastest growing districts in Western Australia
offering a wide selection of sight-seeing options for visitors:
- East
Kimberley Package - 2hr Bungle Bungle Flight, 2hr Ord
Irrigation Valley tour, lunch at Lake Argyle, 4hr Ord
River cruise
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Keep River National Park tour
- 3
hour Ord River Project tour
- Full
day Wyndham tour
- Zebra
Rock Gallery
- Ivanhoe
Crossing
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Lower
Ord River
Boating
trip and lunch or full day of Barramundi fishing.
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Upper
Ord River
The
freshwater of the Upper Ord River flows from Lake Argyle
to the Cambridge Gulf. Take a relaxing 110 km return boat
trip along this waterway and explore the wetland’s scenery
and wildlife, includes lunch. Try a combination cruise tour
including the Ord River and Lake Argyle.
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