Day 40 Thursday 17th
.
We didn't get up to much in the morning, reading, drawing, relaxing enjoying our tented oasis by Emma Creek.
.
Sara (kiwi) from El Questro 4WD tours picked us up at 11 am and we headed off in a big bus, with a French family of four, to check out some of the One million acres that make up El Questro.

The name was registered in 1957 but El Questro doesn't seem to have any particular significance that we can work out.
.
The bloke who bought El Questro in 1992, Burrell, paid $1,000,000.00 for the million acres!
.
With Limited capacity to run cattle to make it a viable working farm they began their dream of making varying accommodations accessible to everyone. By law in WA to hold a pastoral lease you need to run a minimum of 400 head so the current owners (2010) Delaware run 400 head of their own and sub lease the remaining property to an adjoining station. The main income is from tourism. The whole place closes up for the wet season at the beginning of October until March as the roads are impassable and supplies need to be flown in.
.
Parts of the original property have been handed back to the government as part of a conservation attempt.
.
As part of our tour we were given exclusive access to the Zebedee Hot Springs. A natural oasis set at the base of sheer cliffs.
Sara went ahead and rousted out any morning stragglers.
.
GHD- The Spring were very nice and warm, they were very different to the the other Springs we had been to they were like little rocky pools full of hot water in the middle of a rainforest.
.
After a relaxing beautiful soak in the thermal springs, and a lot of excitement about the tiny frogs to catch we were back in the bus for a short but very 4WD including a couple of serious river crossings (glad we didn't attempt to bring the van in there's no ways she'd have made it) to the The Station, this is one of the three El Q accomodation options, from private camping under the stars, to powered and un-powered camping, permanent tents and cabins.
.
GHD- We had Beef and Bara at The Steakhouse, the steak was so yummy and The Barramundi was also good but was not good as the steak but we didn't tell mum that.
.
Grace was the only one hot or keen enough to get in the swimming hole in front of the restaurant.
.
Back on the bus to the jetty for the Chamberlain Gorge Cruise. We drove past the luxurious Homestead, the third most exclusive accommodation set over hanging the Chamberlain River. Rooms start at $2000 -$ 3500 per room per night twin share only.
.
The Chamberlain River is one of three mighty river systems running through El Q.
.
Then another 4WD stretch, JD may have gotten the van down there but there was no way we'd have ever got her out.
.
Before we set off on the boat Vinny our skipper gave us a safety brief, not a chance that was to be required as I don't think the boat went faster than 5 knots! Bit disappointing after fanging down the Ord!
.
But they had another treat in store further up the stunning Gorge.
.
GHD - Hand Feeding the elusive Barramundi and Archer fish. We all held our food out waiting for something to happen and then before you knew it you were all wet because the Archer fish spit water at their food and calculates exactly where the food will drop, they spit at spiders and flying bugs. Then Vinnie got little fish out and started splashing them in the water and these massive great big Barramundis start attacking his hand for the fish.
.
The fish feeding was rather amusing, we all ended up soaking wet, covered with fish spit.
.
Fresh fruit and orange juice. Champagne for the adults!
.
Back on the bus and Vinnie gave us some interesting dialogue about the El Q resident Salty. Currently resides at the Pigeon hole which is closed to public for obvious reasons. He'd been feeding it road kill wallaby, in an attempt to get up close and personal with his camera. He also said it's quite timid and takes off into the water when he approaches it and it particularly dislikes his camera! Then eyes him off....just waiting. Apparently the enormous croc 6+ meters can stay underwater for up to 8 hours by slowing its heart rate down to one beat per minute.
.
Cold Beer at the Swing Arm Bar before Sara ditched the big bus for a smaller 4WD that goes a lot faster to run us back to Emma Gorge.
.
Grace spotted some birds roadside "Emu!" so Sara did a u turn to go back to take a look, we actually found 4 great big Bustards but they didn't hang around to be photographed. Stunning sunset over the Saddleback ridge and a small herd of cattle quietly grazing, silhouetted against the fading pink sky!
.
Sara is heading to Tassie to work the Summer at Cradle Mountain the girls were keen to give her our contact details so she can come and stay.
.
Dinner at Emma's again equally as yummy as last night but tonight live music! Not sure where they found this country singing gem, but I doubt he'd make it big in the big smoke.
.
After dinner Matilda was whisked away to dance with Rebecca our lovely waitress. And JD bolted before there was any chance of a similar fate for him!
.
Another civil game of Trivial Pursuit. This time Olivia conquered all with much delight.
.
Girls not as happy to disappear quietly to their tent and there was a bit of who-har about bed placement until we were told in no uncertain terms to quieten down, by the grumpy old batalelax in the next tent. Ha! We weren't even that loud and it was only 9.30! Wished we'd camped next to her during the first few weeks! That would really have given her something to whinge about!
.
JD and Grace disappeared to the peaceful quiet of their own tent! While I was left to deal with the aftermath of the ticking off! Despite of which all in all Another great day!