Simply breathtaking

Tucked away in the rugged embrace of Western Australia’s Kimberley region lies a place that redefines the meaning of escape – El Questro Homestead. Perched atop a red sandstone cliff, this exclusive enclave marries rugged grandeur with refined indulgence, making it the ultimate escape for intrepid travellers with a taste for the extraordinary. It’s magnificent in every sense of the word. There are few places that stir the soul quite like this, and between the Homestead and its stunning surrounds, El Questro deserves inclusion on your Australian stays bucket list. The sunset skyline alone is worth the travel time, which is long irrespective of where you’re travelling from. El Questro is remote, but it’s here where the wild heart of the Kimberley meets refined comfort, where ancient escarpments, emerald gorges and thermal springs set the stage for a journey that is simply breathtaking. 

The Kimberley expanse is a stage of epic proportions - one sprawling with ochre cliffs, sun-scorched plains and emerald rivers, all under a dome of endlessly shifting skies. 

Yet, even here, El Questro stands apart. The Homestead’s luxurious suites – wrapped in panoramic views of the Chamberlain River - feel less like a resort and more like a private invitation into the beating heart of Australia’s wild frontier. El Questro doesn’t merely offer accommodation, it offers a front-row seat to one of the oldest stories on Earth. Each morning begins with birdsong and the gentle glow of a Kimberley sunrise. 

On arrival you feel more like you’re stepping into a National Geographic cover than a check-in process. Accessible via a scenic flight over the Kimberley plateau or a picturesque drive from Kununurra, the journey is a prelude to the adventures that lie ahead. The homestead reveals itself as a sanctuary amid the wilderness - a collection of stone-and-timber structures seamlessly blending with their natural surrounds.

Every aspect of the property whispers exclusivity. The staff, ever attentive yet unobtrusive, welcome you like an old friend returning to their private retreat. The expansive suites and freestanding bungalows are a masterclass in understated luxury. 

Think floor-to-ceiling windows and private verandas where evenings are spent under star-laden skies. But the real luxury here is something more profound – access to 700,000 acres of Kimberley wilderness, waiting to be explored.

Here, nature is not without its quirks. Take the crocodiles for instance – primeval beings that seem to belong more to myth than reality. While spotting one sunning itself on a riverbank is both thrilling and sobering, these creatures are a stark reminder that, no matter how luxurious the homestead, you are ultimately a guest in their domain.

The Kimberley is a land defined by its waterways and at El Questro, the gorges are nothing short of legendary. A guided hike through El Questro Gorge takes you into the heart of this landscape, navigating over boulders, through crystal-clear creeks and past towering sandstone walls.

For an inviting plunge, Emma Gorge is the crown jewel. This spectacular pool, fed by a towering 65-metre waterfall, is a safe turquoise haven for swimmers.

The gorge’s cooler, elevated waters are inhospitable to crocodiles, making it the perfect spot to surrender to the Kimberley’s raw beauty. A moderate hike leads you through rugged terrain and shady palms to this oasis, where swimming in the cool refreshing water feels like stepping into a sanctuary carved by time.

For those seeking a more leisurely adventure, the Chamberlain Gorge cruise is a must. This serene waterway winds through kilometres of dramatic escarpments, carved over millennia. To be clear, while the gorge's tranquil waters are stunning, they are the domain of saltwater crocodiles. And it’s teeming with wildlife so there’s resolutely no swimming allowed. Prepare to marvel at these prehistoric creatures from the safety of your boat, a thrilling yet humbling encounter with the Kimberley’s untamed wildlife.

El Questro is a playground for the adventurous at heart. With its own helipad located just a few paces from the main lodge, guests can enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective from a helicopter tour over the Cockburn Range – another truly unforgettable El Questro experience.

While every vista in this area can be wholeheartedly appreciated at ground level, the Kimberley’s vastness is best appreciated from above.

Perhaps the most iconic of El Questro’s excursions, Zebedee Springs is like stepping into a dream. Amidst the red dirt expanse, Zebedee is nothing short of an oasis, a series of thermal pools, fed by an ancient spring and shaded by towering Livistona palms. A short drive from the Homestead, guests can excursion to Zebedee during set times where they can enjoy a private experience. As you settle into the warm pools, any trace of the modern world melts away. The mineral-rich waters are said to have restorative properties, but even without the folklore, the experience is rejuvenating in its simplicity.

Back at the Homestead, the dining experience is an event in itself. Each meal is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced produce prepared with culinary precision. 

Breakfasts are served al fresco, overlooking the misty river below, while communal dining for lunch is enjoyed by uninterrupted views of the Kimberley horizon.

Evenings are where the magic truly unfolds. Candlelit dinners under the stars turn every meal into a romantic affair. The chef’s tasting menus are paired with fine Australian wines and the menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest ingredients available. This isn’t just dining, it’s immersion into the flavours of the region, seasoned with a hint of the outback’s wild spirit.

Leaving El Questro is bittersweet. It’s a place that defies easy definition – wild yet serene, rugged yet luxurious, remote yet deeply connected to its history and people. It balances on the delicate line between untouched wilderness and curated luxury. It’s a place where the land speaks and if you listen closely, it’ll tell you stories that will long live in the memory.