East Kimberley, Western Australia
El Questro Homestead
If a remote hideaway within a diverse landscape is what you want, then El Questro Homestead measures up in every way. The hardy cattlemen of yesteryear saw the potential of this phenomenal spot, and now it’s been transformed into a gorgeous and exclusive luxury cluster of dwellings in the Kimberleys.
If a remote hideaway within a diverse landscape is what you want, then El Questro Homestead measures up in every way. The hardy cattlemen of yesteryear saw the potential of this phenomenal spot, and now it’s been transformed into a gorgeous and exclusive luxury cluster of dwellings in the Kimberleys.
If a remote hideaway within a diverse landscape is what you want, then El Questro Homestead measures up in every way. The hardy cattlemen of yesteryear saw the potential of this phenomenal spot, and now it’s been transformed into a gorgeous and exclusive luxury cluster of dwellings in the Kimberleys.
If a remote hideaway within a diverse landscape is what you want, then El Questro Homestead measures up in every way. The hardy cattlemen of yesteryear saw the potential of this phenomenal spot, and now it’s been transformed into a gorgeous and exclusive luxury cluster of dwellings in the Kimberleys.
Location
A former cattle station in the famed frontier region of the Gibb River Road, El Questro Homestead perches on the golden cliffs above the unhurried waters of the Chamberlain River. Known as the East Kimberley, this region is part of Western Australia, but you’ll find that Indonesia is much closer than Perth.
Access is via Kununurra, about 80 kilometres away by road. If you want to avoid the rocky river crossings of the last 16 kilometres of the homestead’s ‘driveway’, there’s an airstrip for fixed-wing planes or helicopters.
However you arrive, what awaits is a reserve that’s almost double the size of Greater London encompassing towering escarpments, meandering rivers and verdant forests. As a beacon of sustainable and appropriate tourism, the area is collaboratively managed with the custodian Ngarinyin people, who know it as Marlabu.
Access is via Kununurra, about 80 kilometres away by road. If you want to avoid the rocky river crossings of the last 16 kilometres of the homestead’s ‘driveway’, there’s an airstrip for fixed-wing planes or helicopters.
However you arrive, what awaits is a reserve that’s almost double the size of Greater London encompassing towering escarpments, meandering rivers and verdant forests. As a beacon of sustainable and appropriate tourism, the area is collaboratively managed with the custodian Ngarinyin people, who know it as Marlabu.
Accommodation
You may wonder about the name ‘El Questro’, which sounds Spanish but turns out to have no meaning to anyone from Iberia. If you’re looking for answers, concentrate on things that are undeniably true: that this is a remote and intrepid location where you can enjoy both an iconic Australian adventure and also sublime luxury.
Cork-swinging hats off to the person who decided to build the homestead in this fantastic location; a handsome sandstone bluff above the tranquil depths of the river at its widest point for miles around. Don’t be tempted to dive in, though, for there may be a few crocodiles lying in wait.
Cork-swinging hats off to the person who decided to build the homestead in this fantastic location; a handsome sandstone bluff above the tranquil depths of the river at its widest point for miles around. Don’t be tempted to dive in, though, for there may be a few crocodiles lying in wait.
What was once the base for the ranchers at the centre of the cattle station is now a ten-suite hideaway. Indeed, that’s small enough to entice some to book it for exclusive-use, perhaps for a multi-generational group trip of a lifetime. Whoever is in charge will pick the gorgeous dual-aspect Chamberlain Suite, which cantilevers out from its prime geological position to accommodate its wraparound deck.
No one will be disappointed with the alternatives: cliff-top bungalows and others looking out onto the lush gardens. All have terraces or balconies, of course, and are luxuriously appointed with air conditioning and top-notch ensuite bathrooms.
Venture along paths through manicured lawns beneath flowering frangipani trees and you’ll find the swimming pool, spa and tennis court. Meals in the main lodge are enjoyed on a sweeping veranda with those all-important views of the gorge, and you’ll enjoy dishes such as barramundi ceviche or slow-cooked water buffalo.
No one will be disappointed with the alternatives: cliff-top bungalows and others looking out onto the lush gardens. All have terraces or balconies, of course, and are luxuriously appointed with air conditioning and top-notch ensuite bathrooms.
Venture along paths through manicured lawns beneath flowering frangipani trees and you’ll find the swimming pool, spa and tennis court. Meals in the main lodge are enjoyed on a sweeping veranda with those all-important views of the gorge, and you’ll enjoy dishes such as barramundi ceviche or slow-cooked water buffalo.
Experiences
- Enjoy twice-daily guided activities, including bushwalks through shady gorges to cascading waterfalls and craggy escarpments with spectacular lookouts. There are more than 200 kilometres of established trails to discover.
- Exploration on two feet is not the only option. Horseback is an alternative, or you could opt for a helicopter tour. A flight to the UNESCO-listed Bungle Bungles is our recommendation.
- Discover three different gorges: the boulder-strewn Emma Gorge, the fantastically weathered Amalia Gorge and the fern-lined oasis of the El Questro Gorge.
- Wherever you go, look out for the birds. There are rainbow bee-eaters, whistling kites, blue-winged kookaburras and endangered Gouldian finches, to name but a few.
- Take a boat trip up the Chamberlain Gorge while spotting tiny rock wallabies. In the water you’ll see barramundi, playful archerfish and perhaps a shark-tailed catfish.
- Need to soak your aching limbs? The nearby Zebedee Hot Springs are for the exclusive use of the homestead in the afternoons.
- Snap away at the mysterious shape of the Durack boab tree, the distinctive local landmark at the river crossing to Branco’s Lookout. That’s just one of the serene vantage points for a sunset drink.
- Be welcomed in a genuine and authentic manner by the custodian people of the land you are being allowed to discover. It’s called the ‘Injiid Marlabu Call Us’ ceremony and ends with a smoke blessing.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Elders past, present and emerging, on whose land El Questro Homestead stands. In sharing elements of their history, heritage and culture we honour their deep connection to country.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Conservation
El Questro is a member of the Savanna Guide Network, a non-profit affiliation of professional tour guides that share their knowledge of the tropical savannas of northern Australia in the interests of ecosystem conservation.
Community
El Questro represents the very best practices of collaborative community tourism. The owners, G’Day Group, have entered into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) and returned 165,000 hectares of land to the ancestral custodians, from whom they lease it back. The agreement also means that local young people are trained and gain employment under the guidance of an experienced industry player.
Environment
El Questro partners with Revive, a local business that employs indigenous people to recycle materials that would otherwise go to waste. In partnership with the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation, the homestead is working towards being ‘net zero’ by purchasing carbon credits.
Why Travel with Journeysmiths
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.