Once again today’s trip takes us across the NT-WA border into the magnificent Kimberley area.
Q is for El QUESTRO
El Questro Wilderness Park lies in the north-east of the Kimberley’s 421,000 square kilometres of natural wonderland. The property is perhaps more well-known for its high-end luxury accommodation in the homestead, but that shouldn’t deter those of us with less well-lined pockets as there are other options for staying here.
When we visited back in 2001 we chose to stay in the secluded camping spots alongside the PentecostRiver, which have no facilities, rather than the busier camp site nearer to the Station. It was blissful to be just relaxing in the midst of the bush listening to the birds, rather than other campers. It’s not as if you’re miles from anywhere as it’s a short drive, or longer walk, to the shop near the campground. Why didn’t we take a photo of our campsite I’d like to know?!
Apart from the two camping areas, the more upmarket bungalows, and the lodge, there are also the safari-style tents at Emma Gorge, closer to the entry to the property. Even if you’re not staying there you can go into the restaurant/bar area and have a “coldie” either before or after your walk into the gorge.
Although you may be tempted to do a lot of chilling-out (not always easy in the 30+C heat!), there are plenty of activities you can organise through the Station. We chose to do the Chamberlain Gorge boat cruise and absolutely loved it. The scenery is magnificent, once again with the landmark red cliffs and fresh water. Of course the colour of the rocks changes with the time of day and when the sun is angled on it.
The guide will also show you some of the ancient Aboriginal art that’s tucked away among the cliffs, overhangs and mini-caves. It is such a privilege to see this art that dates back thousands of years, perhaps as much as 20,000 years.
If you want to know more about the facilities and touring options you can check out their e-brochure, and sadly I’m not getting any kick-backs on this promo. But I am reminded that it’s far too long since we visited ourselves, though it will be tents once again for us.
The other really important thing you need to know is there is no access during the northern Wet Season (about December-March or April), so you need to keep this in mind. Similarly what sort of vehicle you’re driving will determine how early in the open season you can drive in, as the river may still be impassable in a sedan (especially a hire car!!).
And if you want to know what it’s like staying at the homestead you can check out this post by the couple we met recently in Papua New Guinea.
Q is for QUEENSLAND
Okay I’m not going to talk about Queensland here except to say the northern half of the state sits in the same latitudes as the other places we’ve been talking about. Some of the scenery may be similar but east of the Great Dividing Range you hit the Wet Tropics. More on that anon. How could I not mention my home state under Q?
Why visit: For yet more magnificent outback scenery, to see ancient Aboriginal art and just to have fun.
FYI: Don’t forget to check out where these places are on the maps on my A to Z planning post which will help you to pinpoint where today’s tourist spots are situated.
TODAY’S AUSSIE-ISMS
Queer as a fish: feeling sick ie crook
Quid: a pound in the old money pre–decimal currency on 14 February 1966 (a jingle that those of us who were around then remember vividly).
Quids: as above but a measure of value: you wouldn’t be dead for quids.
Quack: the doctor. Not a reflection on his medical qualifications or skills. My dad always referred to his GP as “the quack”.
Queasy: sick, especially nauseous.
Where shall we travel for R, I wonder?
Tropical Territory & Travel 
Very nice! My challenge blog is “places I have lived and visited”. Do check my Z when we get there – it’s about my dinner at Zacatecas, Mexico! My posts are in Blogger but I prefer the look of yours. I also use WordPress.com – can’t yet cost-justify .org but I’d like to have some of its features. Next year I’ll use WordPress for the Challenge. Mary at Mary A to Z
Thanks Mary…will go and look at yours too. I do like WP -it’s just a pain sometimes “speaking” to Blogger but then I think it can be a problem in reverse too. Pauleen
queasy is one we use. quack would be a doctor put down. I have heard of a quid. The scenery is so magnificent. I would enjoy a trip down the river there. And also the drawings, I would love to see them.
Yes it’s a magnificent place Kristin. Sometimes quack is meant as a put down but others time it’s just an alternate word without the insult factor eg Dad never meant it insultingly but if you say “that doctor’s a quack” then obviously it’s insulting.
What a amazing place though it looks a little overcast in your photos. Nothing like that this side of the globe.
No these places really are unique Bill. I don’t think it was overcast -either the photographer or the difference between the sky and the cliffs 😉
Great choice for your Q post. I like the Wandjina paintings and think it’s great you can buy a pair of earrings in those shapes.
Me too, Pete, now all I need to do is get them 😉
Those petroglyphs are gorgeous and so is the scenery. Looks like this is a great place for both wildlife and history. 🙂
It’s a very impressive area C B.
Wonderful petroglyphs and paintings. They seem far more advanced than those in New Mexico if memory serves. I’m glad you began with the planning map which I just visited. Thanks for sharing all the beauty of the area as well as the jolly baobabs! They always make me chuckle. Mary at Mary A to Z
Thanks Mary, glad you enjoyed the visit.