Speedykniebe; life in the fast lane!: El Questro Station, Kimberly, WA

Gibb River Road

26th -29th July

Zebedee Hot Springs

After crossing the Pentacoast River behind a film crew we arrived at El Equestro Station early enough to get into the Zebedee hot springs before noon. These beautiful pools of warm water were shaded and perfect for wallowing away the hours.

Base Camp

Having booked a private riverside campsite we found setting up camp a little more challenging than we anticipated. The level ground was limited and we ended up winching the trailer into position! After we established camp we went to explore the ‘croc free’ part of the river, still wondering how the river to our right could be croc territory when ours was croc safe! Anyway it was shallow enough to see anything coming so the boys dammed it to see if they could get it deep enough to swim in.

Our camp across the river

Sunrise Horse Trek

It was an early start to the day but well worth it as the horse riding was an awesome experience and included several river and creek crossings with steep descents! Logan had a naughty little horse called Rusty who seemed to think the trek was a breakfast buffet! Jacob rode calm fella called Moonshine while Simon rode a big beastie called Bobcat. I rode the matriarch who liked to nip the others and keep them in line she was called Mum! The trek took about 2 hours and after we went back to camp with a bit of saddle sore, cooked a breakfast and set off to Moonshine Creek for a walk.

Wild West country!

Moonshine Creek

This 5km circuit proved to be hard work! We were all feeling a bit lethargic and anticipated an easy walk to some pretty swimming holes, but what we got was a tough climb over boulders with some green slimy pools! However, we persevered and were rewarded with amazing views towards the end. We celebrated with a game of cards by the fire, listening live country music and dinner in the ELQ!

Amazing panorama from Moonshine Creek

Cards and music in the bar

Exquisite El Questro Gorge

We set of with the intention of completing one of the toughest gorge walks this station had to offer, with terrain described as challenging and only for the adventurous; it didn’t disappoint! The gorge was stunning from the outset with lush palms and towering red walls, with sparkling swimming holes and pretty waterfalls. With some tricky climbing and unstable footings we were literally kept on our toes! The reward at the top of the gorge was a clear cold deep plunge pool fed by a droplet waterfall which we had all to ourselves. This turned out to be everyone’s favourite gorge walk, and my favourite swimming hole so far.