23-25 June El Questro Station

The last stop for us on the Gibb River Road was El Questro Station. Here the accommodation ranges from $30 a night for camping to $1000 a night for the fancy homestead style accommodation. Guess which one we went for? However, before arriving at ELQ, we had to yet another river crossing. This one was a bit of fun (could I really be starting to enjoy 4WDing??). Crocodile infested, rocky and probably the widest yet. Crossed without a hitch.
We arrived at ELQ early in the day which turned out to be good as it turned out to be a very popular place. Set up camp in a shady spot by the river right next to a rope swing and close to the station swimming hole, where we spent a great deal of our time.
Also found that some families we had met in our travels were also camping nearby. Had a great time catching up with the parents and kids around the campfire. Kids were thrilled to find playmates who enjoyed playing 500 as much them.
The next morning we rose early to beat the crowds to the Zebedee Springs. The springs are warm, around 32 degrees, and crystal clear. We soaked in the pools in the cool of the morning surrounded by palms and cascades of warm water. Gotta love the Kimberleys!
El Questro gorge was next on the agenda, which turned out to be the nicest gorge walk we had done in the Kimberleys. It was a 3km round trip walk along a creek bed within a narrow gorge. As is customary, Nicholas had raced off to lead the way. Just short of the middle pool, we heard an almighty scream and were confronted with the sight of Nicholas racing back towards us with a look of sheer terror on his face. He had stumbled across two tree snakes, about 3 meters long, entwined around each other. Nicholas sense of self preservation rose to the surface as he bundled straight past Lara, almost shoving her into the creek – ah brotherly love!!
The remainder of the time at ELQ was spent lazing around the homestead swimming hole doing a couple 4wd tracks. Tim and I even managed to enjoy a lovely lunch while the kids picnicked on the lawns outside (and came up to us every 5 minutes asking for ice-cream). It was still very enjoyable.
Left ELQ to head for Kununurra, and stopped at Emma Gorge on the way through with some of the families we had caught up with at ELQ. Another pleasant walk ending at a large swimming hole. The water here is reputed to be the coldest in the Kimberleys, but we all had a swim, and climbed on the rocks where a thermal spring seeped into the pool. Finished off the walk with lunch back at the Emma Gorge Resort with the other parents, while all the kids swam in the resort pool. A fantastic way to end a Kimberley trip.