El Questro Station 4/7/15

An early start to El Questro and looking forward to the Pentecost River crossing. This end of the Gibb is quite corrugated particularly 20 km of road East of Ellenbrae Stn. The Pentecost is tidal at the crossing but didn't give us any problems crossing, just need to take your time. The road weaves and winds around the Cockburn Range, never short of a scenic snap. Arriving early at El Questro gave us the opportunity to choose a beautiful river camping spot right on the banks of the Pentecost. We have struck the school holidays for NT, Qld and WA and there are heaps of campers about. This place is very tourist driven hosting many permanent tents for adventure bus companies, a restaurant, bar/ coffee shop, entertainment most nights, massive camp ground and unfortunately not near enough facilities to cope. All the same, we enjoyed our stay taking in as many destinations on the property as possible. We were kept very busy with gorge walks, chopper flight over Chamberlain and El Questro gorges, sunset cruise on Chamberlain Gorge and a visit to the springs. Zebedee Springs was the highlight of the stay - advised to be up early and at the gates before 7 am because of its popularity and closure at noon each day. It is truly a tropical paradise dispersed with palms and pandanus over the thermal pools. It was magic on a chilly morning to immerse ourselves in the 28 - 32 deg trickling water, just didn't want to get out! However, there was a challenging narrow spring fed creek walk - El Questro Gorge - awaiting us. What a great time we had exploring through the narrow gorge, ferns wedged and hanging from rocks metres above on vertical cliffs, rock pools and the biggest challenge of all was wading through armpit height water to a massive rock waiting ahead ( a step ladder for me would have been handy)!! We continued on a further 100 mts or so to a very narrowing gorge, scenery much the same so returned to that massive rock where we sat to eat and enjoy lunch. The scenic flight was enjoyable, we were given a bird's eye view of where the rich and famous spend their relaxation on the Chamberlain Gorge at what is called 'The Homstead' right on the banks of the gorge @ $1400 per night. Must be good! The original homestead is actually close to facilities at the campgrounds. The gorge sunset cruise was informative - have not come across the little archer fish before, they actually spit when food or something shiny is above them and their aim is accurate! So sad we have come to the end of the Gibb. What an experience we have had travelling through this amazing country and interesting people we have met along the way.