Are you curious about whether Emma Gorge at El Questro is worth visiting? You’re probably aware that El Questro is in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia and that a trip to Emma Gorge is a big commitment.
Read on to find out exactly why visiting Emma Gorge is worth all the effort. You’ll find out how to get there, what the hike is like, the best time to visit, how much it costs, and the magical things you can expect to find there.
1. It’s the most easily accessible of all the gorges at El Questro
Most of El Questro’s gorges and walk trails are quite long and difficult, but Emma Gorge is the opposite, which is why it is one of the best. The Emma Gorge Walk Trail is a short and relatively easy hike, suitable for people of all ages.
- Distance: 3.4 km return
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate (mostly flat well-marked trail, some rocky sections)
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Suitable For: Almost anyone – kids can hike Emma Gorge too
Most of the Emma Gorge walk trail is flat and easy to navigate. There are lots of markers along the way and it’s quite difficult to get lost. The trail crosses back and forth over the creek a couple of times, so if you’re walking sideways up towards cliffs, it’s a good sign you’re probably going the wrong way!
There are a few sections with stepping stones across the creek and some big rocks to navigate over. Before you set off, consider whether you’re comfortable tackling a few rocky sections that have nothing to hold onto.
Most people will take much less time than an hour to complete the Emma Gorge Walk Trail. When I visited it was early in the morning, so there was no one else around – no traffic problems! It took me about 20 minutes to get from the carpark to the end of the Emma Gorge Trail. I stayed at the gorge for about two hours and took about 20 minutes to hike back.
You can check out other people’s time and map your own walk on AllTrails.
2. Dry season is the only time you can visit
El Questro is a remote place in Western Australia’s Kimberley region which experiences a wet season every year. The wet season fills up the rivers and usually cuts off most of the roads in the area. Due to the wet season, El Questro is only open from April to October each year (during the dry season).
When I visited in May it was warm and very humid. Temperatures at El Questro range from the mid 20’s to low 30’s during the winter months, making it perfect for hiking and exploring. In humid climates your body will require lots of hydration, so make sure to bring plenty of water – at least 3 litres for this hike, and more if you’re planning to stay for a while.
3. Early mornings are the best time to go
As I mentioned earlier, Emma Gorge is an incredibly spectacular place – which means it’s very popular and always extremely busy. Emma Gorge does not have opening or closing hours, so you can start hiking as early as you like.
My top tip for having a blissful time at Emma Gorge is to get there at the crack of dawn. This will allow you to not only beat the crowds, but you will also beat the heat of the day. Even though the walk is partially shaded and the gorge itself towers over you creating abundant shade – the hike back to the carpark is sure to be hot.
Set your alarm and get yourself to the trailhead before 7am. Get hiking as the sun comes up and experience the wonder of the land coming alive as you walk. If you’re lucky, you might get the gorge all to yourself for a while before anyone else arrives.
I was treated to this luxury when I visited – I had a solid hour and a half with the gorge and pool completely to myself before anyone else got there. The early wake-up and drive was absolutely worth the effort to experience the magic of a totally-silent Emma Gorge at sunrise.
4. You can swim at Emma Gorge
Perhaps one of the biggest drawcards at Emma Gorge is the natural pool that is full year-round. You can spend some time swimming around to cool off after your hike – but beware, the pool is COLD! The pool is huge and surrounded on 3 sides by sheer cliff faces, making it shaded for most of the day. The water rarely gets a chance to warm up.
It’s magnificent to float on your back looking up at the looming rocks and sky above. If you’re a good swimmer, you can paddle over to the waterfall and get yourself a lively shower! The water drops tens of metres from the top of the cliff above, pelting the pool with strong force.
5. There’s a mini hot spring in the corner
Emma Gorge even has a mini thermal spring that you can warm up under. If you’re anything like me and can’t deal with cold water, the mini spring on the right-hand side of the pool will be your saviour! Paddle over to the cluster of boulders on the side of the pool and have a look for some clear water gently bubbling out of the rocks. The water isn’t as warm as Zebedee Springs, but it’s just enough to take the edge off.
6. It’s suitable for kids
Emma Gorge’s easy accessibility makes it the perfect hike to bring your children on. Kids of all ages will have fun hopping over the rocks, looking for fish in the clear ponds, spotting birds high above and swimming in the cool water hole.
Keep in mind that there’s no phone reception out there and it’s a long way from medical services. Make sure you keep your children in sight at all times, don’t let them wander off the trail, and supervise them in the water.
7. It’ll be extremely busy
Emma Gorge is popular – it’s the easiest natural attraction in all of El Questro to access, and the hike is short and easy. It doesn’t matter what time of day or year you visit, it’s sure to be busy while you’re there. That’s why it’s important to respect the land and other visitors, so that everyone can have an amazing time.
Here’s a handy list of ways you can be a good trail user and visitor:
- Take your time when there are lots of people on the trail
- Give way to people coming the other way (especially if the trail is too narrow to pass)
- Be patient – don’t barge around people, especially in tight or rocky sections
- Lend a hand – offer to help someone if they’re a bit shaky on their feet. It’s always nice to be kind 😊
- Don’t jump into the pool – nobody wants to be splashed with water or a tidal wave while they’re floating in bliss
- Don’t pick flowers or leaves off plants
- Stay on the trail – making your own tracks harms the fragile ecosystems
- Take all your rubbish with you
- Pick up rubbish if you see it, even if it’s not yours. Rubbish doesn’t belong in the wild
- Remember that you’re all there to enjoy the same tranquility and magic – respect others’ space
8. You will need a 4WD to get to Emma Gorge
The road from the nearby town of Kununurra to the Gibb River Road is sealed. From there, the Gibb River Road to the Emma Gorge turnoff is also sealed. Once you turn onto the Emma Gorge ‘driveway’, it’s a 2km long corrugated gravel road before you get to the carpark. There is one water crossing just before you get to the carpark, which could have any amount of water over it.
Do I need a 4WD to get to Emma Gorge?
Technically, if you’re visiting in winter and there’s no water over the road, you could access Emma Gorge by 2WD. However, I would recommend a 4WD to access Emma Gorge. This is because you never know how much water could be over the road at the final river crossing, and having to turn around at the very last hurdle would be completely disappointing.
When I visited Emma Gorge in late-May, there was a small amount of water over the road. I was in Beryl, my trusty 4WD, and would not have attempted to drive through the water in a 2WD.
How far is it from Kununurra to Emma Gorge?
It’s about a 55 minute drive from Kununurra to Emma Gorge (about 80km), and is a sealed road most of the way. The final part is the 2km Emma Gorge ‘driveway’ which is gravel, corrugated, and has a water crossing just before you get to the carpark.
How far is it from El Questro Station to Emma Gorge?
If you’re coming from El Questro Station it’s about a 35 minute drive (28km) to Emma Gorge. From the Station, head back out El Questro Road and turn right onto the Gibb River-Wyndham Road. Travel about 10km east on the sealed road until you get to the Emma Gorge turnoff.
9. There’s a tiny chance you might see a small freshwater croc!
Although I never saw a crocodile on my visit to Emma Gorge, people have spotted small freshwater crocodiles in the pool before. If you’re lucky enough to see a crocodile at Emma Gorge, make sure you keep a good distance and give the animal space. Freshwater crocodiles are not aggressive creatures, but, like any animal, will not hesitate to defend themselves if they feel trapped or crowded.
10. Sturdy shoes are the best option
The hike to Emma Gorge, although fairly easy, is still a total of 3.4km. It’s best to wear enclosed sturdy shoes like runners or hiking boots. The loose rocks and boulders make it easy to roll an ankle if you’re wearing the wrong footwear.
Enclosed shoes will also protect your feet from sticks, very hot ground, and snakes. Like any hike in a remote area, make sure you bring adequate water (at least 3 litres per person), snacks, a hat and sunscreen.
Refrain from putting on sunscreen before going in the water – the pool supports a surprising amount of life, and the ecosystem is easily harmed by sunscreen polluting the water. Wait until after your swim to apply sunscreen.
If you’re an avid hiker or planning to stay and explore more of El Questro, I would recommend investing in an emergency location device such as a personal locator beacon or SPOT tracker. This will allow you to make emergency contact with the outside world in a life-threatening situation. El Questro is exceptionally remote and a long way from medical help. I carry a GME personal locator beacon on every hike with me, it gives me peace of mind when I’m exploring wild places alone. You can get the GME personal locator beacon from Anaconda Stores.
11. A Visitor Permit is Compulsory
El Questro is actually not in a National Park, it is a privately run wilderness park. The El Questro team do a lot of work to preserve, protect and improve the natural environment, and charge a visitor fee for all people visiting El Questro’s natural attractions.
They use the proceeds of this fee to maintain trails, eradicate pests and weeds, undertake fire management, and develop new tourist areas.
A visitor permit is $23 per adult, and $11.50 for children aged 5-15 years. The permit is valid for 7 days. If you’re staying anywhere in the park your visitor permit will be added to the cost of your accommodation booking. Check out El Questro’s website to find out more about getting your visitor permit.
12. There’s no phone reception at Emma Gorge
There is no phone reception at Emma Gorge. If you’re lucky you might get a weak Telstra signal in the carpark, but don’t count on it! Providers other than Telstra definitely won’t have reception. If you really need to contact the outside world, there is a payphone and paid wifi available for use at the Reception area near the carpark.
13. Drones are not permitted at Emma Gorge
El Questro does not permit the use of drones at any time, anywhere in the park. This is to ensure that the helicopters and small aircrafts that frequently fly across the property have a safe airspace.
14. There are lots of accommodation options at El Questro
El Questro is a huge property with an equally huge variety of accommodation options for all kinds of travellers. Options range from budget camping all the way up to complete luxury lodging. The accommodation is split into multiple location hubs, including El Questro Station, El Questro Homestead, and Emma Gorge Resort.
You can camp at El Questro station in the close-knit campground near all the awesome amenities (bar and restaurant, campers kitchen, toilet/shower/laundry blocks), or you can get yourself a secluded campsite along the banks of the Pentecost River, away from all the hustle and bustle.
There are also a variety of air-conditioned eco-tents and cabins available at El Questro Station, starting from $295 per night.
If you love the sound of Emma Gorge and want to be close to the action, you could stay at Emma Gorge Resort in a luxury safari-tent. Prices start at $350 per room per night.
The most luxurious option of all is to spend some time at the El Questro Homestead. Luxury lodgings overlook the magnificent Chamberlain River, and included in your stay will be private tours, special experiences, and even daily private access to Zebedee Springs. This option is not for the budget traveller, prices start at $2155 per room per night.
Check out all your El Questro camping and accommodation options here.
15. Dogs are not permitted at Emma Gorge
You can bring your dog to stay at the campgrounds at El Questro, however dogs are not allowed at any of El Questro’s attractions, activities or tours, including at Emma Gorge.
Is Emma Gorge the Best Gorge at El Questro?
Perhaps the answer to this question lies with personal choice, however I would say that Emma Gorge is one of the most beautiful places at El Questro.
I absolutely loved Emma Gorge – it’s easy to get to, has a stunning waterfall and refreshing swimming hole, and it even has a mini thermal spring to warm back up under after floating around in the cold pool.
The simple pleasure of enjoying such a uniquely stunning landscape is second to none. If you make the effort to wake up early and experience Emma Gorge come alive a sunrise, your visit will be well worth the effort.
Do you want to know anything else about Emma Gorge?
Leave a question in the Comments below if there’s anything else you want to know about Emma Gorge. If you’ve got your own stories to share I’d also love to hear those.