Day Sixteen – with a lot of excitement, and some trepidation, we set off onto the famous Gibb River Road. Our journey took us from Kununurra to El Questro. It was a relatively easy 100km drive, and only the last 16kms were unsealed. The road was in great condition, busy with fellow travellers, and the river crossings along the way only added to the adventure.
The scenery was breathtaking from the moment we entered the Gibb River Road. Surrounded by the Cockburn Ranges, we found ourselves stopping along a couple of times to take in the view. Every bend seemed to reveal another incredible landscape.
We had booked a private, unpowered campsite on the Pentecost River, hoping for a little extra space and privacy. When we checked in and were handed a map directing us to Site 13, "Friar Bird". The entrance was marked with a small Friar Bird sign, and once we arrived, there wasn't another campsite in sight. We could only hear the occasional axe splitting firewood or a vehicle passing somewhere in the distance.
The campsite had already been cleared for us, complete with a fire pit and a stack of firewood waiting to go. It felt like our own little piece of paradise. We opened a couple of XXXX Golds, raised a toast and settled in to enjoy it all.
Later that afternoon, we headed off to Amalia Gorge. The 3.4km return walk led us took us to a stunning 45-metre waterfall. Every gorge we've visited on this trip has been completely different, each with its own character, colours and landscape.
Amalia Gorge was certainly no exception, we had the gorge almost entirely to ourselves for a while, making the experience even more memorable.
Back at camp, we sat beside the Pentecost River with the Cockburn Ranges towering behind us, listened to the birds and watched fish jumping from the water. It was probably our most relaxing evening of the trip so far.
For dinner, we ventured into El Questro Resort. The casual dining area was buzzing with families, live music and children running around having fun. We made our way to the Steakhouse, where the food was excellent and the service just as good.
The day finished back at Friar Bird campsite beside the fire, feeling like we were living the dream.
After waking to another peaceful morning beside the Pentecost River, we spent the first few hours of day seventeen catching up on a little work before what would become one of the biggest highlights of the trip so far.
At 10:45am we arrived at El Questro Resort for our helicopter flight with HeliSpirit to the spectacular Min Min Falls. This was something we'd wanted to do ever since reading Scotty Connell's 100 Things to See in the Kimberley, and it certainly lived up to every expectation.
Min Min Falls is one of El Questro's most exclusive destinations, with no road or walking access. The only way to experience it is by helicopter.
Flying above the Cockburn Ranges gave us a completely different perspective of the Kimberley. From the air, the landscape seemed endless, with winding rivers, rugged ranges and deep gorges stretching as far as we could see.
After landing, we had the falls entirely to ourselves. We enjoyed a swim in the clear spring-fed pool before unpacking the picnic we'd brought along.
Floating beneath the waterfall in such a remote location, surrounded by a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, was one of the most memorable experiences we've had while travelling Australia.
The return flight gave us another chance to appreciate just how vast and beautiful this part of the country really is.
The entire experience with HeliSpirit was exceptional. From the professionalism of the staff to the incredible flight and exclusive access to Min Min Falls, we couldn't fault a thing. If you're ever visiting El Questro, we'd highly recommend adding this experience to your itinerary.
Later that afternoon, we called in to meet Coralee McCarthy, an artist in residence at El Questro and, coincidentally, a former fellow Toowoomba local.
Coralee’s artwork is deeply inspired by the Kimberley, capturing its colours, textures and unique connection to Country. It was particularly cool to visit while travelling and experiencing the landscapes reflected in her works, which were amazing. A fitting way to finish another awesome day at El Questro.