Insider Journeys: El Questro Homestead

Property Overview

El Questro Homestead is an all-inclusive Luxury Lodge of Australia immersed in the rugged wilderness of Western Australia's remote East Kimberley region. Located a 90-minute drive from Kununurra on the scenic Gibb River Road, the Homestead is a veritable oasis perched on the clifftops of Chamberlain Gorge with stunning views of the Kimberley landscape.

The adults-only Homestead accommodates up to 20 guests in 10 luxurious guest rooms featuring rustic Australian furnishings, spacious private bathrooms and a complimentary in-room beverage selection. As their names suggest, the premium Chamberlain Suite, three Clifftop Retreats, and two Gorge View Rooms offer breathtaking gorge and river views; the three Homestead Rooms each include a private verandah overlooking the Lodge's beautiful manicured lawns and gardens.

An extensive range of complimentary activities such as guided gorge walks, bird-watching tours, exclusive use of Zebedee Thermal Springs each afternoon, a sunset 4WD safari with clifftop drinks and a Chamberlain River cruise are included as part of your stay. For an extra special experience, scenic heli flights exploring Kimberley icons including Mitchell Falls, the Bungle Bungles and the Cockburn Ranges can be arranged at additional cost.

Enjoy all-inclusive dining at El Questro, from leisurely breakfasts overlooking Chamberlain Gorge to communal dinners under the stars. With a daily changing menu showcasing modern Australian cuisine, and a generous selection of wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, you'll feel spoiled for choice. Luxury guest facilities at the Homestead include a pool, guest lounge and library, ideal for relaxing after a long day exploring the wilderness.

What we loved

El Questro really is a world of its own, so secluded in the middle of what feels like nowhere. The Homestead is luxurious but not overdone, with ample space for everyone to relax in privacy or mingle with fellow guests. The food was exceptional, and the selection of drinks at the Open Bar was also fantastic.

Even before you arrive, El Questro Homestead's wonderful hosts cater to your every need - the attention to every detail is exceptional! Throughout our stay, staff went above and beyond, from remembering our favourite drinks to offering their advice and recommendations for daily experiences.

Changing plans last minute was also no trouble. After a day of flight disruptions, we didn't get to the Homestead until late evening. My partner had secretly organised a private cliffside dinner for our first night which wasn't possible due to our delayed arrival, and staff discreetly discussed alternative options with him without me knowing. Despite missing dinner with the other guests, the team prepared a late meal for us, ensuring a relaxing start to our stay.

My favourite memory was my partner proposing to me during our Miri Miri Falls heli-lunch. It was a perfect location, so private and beautiful. Following our return to the Lodge, the staff were happy and excited for us, making sure celebratory bubbles were readily available. They also arranged a private poolside lunch for us, which was a lovely touch.

What surprised us?

Everything about El Questro exceeded my expectations, especially the staff. We had a very bumpy start, with flight cancellations meaning we missed a night of our intended stay. The ground team were constantly in contact, rearranging our transfers and making the whole situation less stressful - they even generously upgraded us to a private transfer from Kununurra Airport.

One thing that surprised me was how relaxed the Homestead is. It feels like a home away from home, with guests welcome to grab a snack or drink any time. During the day, staff cater to your every need – no request is too big! Once the staff left the Homestead for the evening, we were free to create our own cocktails at the self-service bar in the main Lodge which we enjoyed back in our room overlooking the lit-up gorge.

Recommended experiences

So many experiences are included in an El Questro stay! Due to our shortened journey, we were unfortunately limited to two activities. We opted for the complimentary Chamberlain Gorge Cruise and a Lost City and Miri Miri Falls heli-picnic (additional cost applies). I was disappointed to miss a relaxing soak at Zebedee Springs and the guided Emma Gorge and El Questro Gorge hikes, but I heard nothing but positive reviews from other guests.

I highly recommend visiting Miri Miri Falls. They're only accessible by one helicopter at a time so it's a truly private experience. Viewing the ancient, rugged landscape from the air is really something special, allowing you to appreciate just how vast the Kimberley region is.

From above, the Homestead looks tiny and an oasis of green in the middle of the red rock. We followed the river to try and spot a crocodile, but they were relaxing elsewhere.

The Falls are incredibly peaceful and beautiful, and the perfect place to enjoy a picnic (or marriage proposal!)

The Chamberlain Gorge cruise was also a pleasant surprise. Admittedly, it wasn't something I was initially excited about. However, you couldn't help being drawn into our passionate guide Scotty's stories about the Gorge, its formation and seasonal changes. There is also a little surprise at the end (no spoilers), which was great fun and had everyone on the boat joining in and laughing together.

To make the most of the Homestead, I suggest extending your booking by one or two nights beyond your initial plans. Every guest we spoke to recommended the same – more time. With so many activities available, you could easily fill three whole days without leaving room for a special heli-experience or factoring in time to relax in the pool or read a book in the library. Five or six nights would be ideal.

El Questro Homestead truly is an oasis of luxury amid the rugged Kimberley landscape. This extraordinary destination is ideal for adventure, relaxation and connecting to nature, your travel partner, and fellow guests.