We have now made it to El Questro, our first stopover along the Gibb River Rd. Before arriving we had stopped off in Kununurra to stock up on supplies for the next two or three weeks. Supplies along the Gibb are a bit sparse and prices reflect the remote locations.

We stopped off at the start of the Gibb, which branches off the Great Northern Hwy, to check up on the road conditions ahead on the big sign.

The road to the El Questro turnoff is all sealed and a great drive through the landscape. There is a further 25km of sealed road to the Pentecost River crossing before the gravel starts in earnest. We will be tackling that section in a few days.

From the turnoff it is 16km along a good gravel road to the campground. The private road is graded regularly during the season. Smooth as a baby’s bottom as some would say!

Only three creek crossings of any significance and the levels all under 40cm. The first two were really big puddles of water. No dramas, a few splashes of water on the caravan indoor step.

We have got a good campsite at El Questro under some leafy trees providing some good shade, it continues to be in the low 30s during the day. No big branches.

There are a few gorge walks here with the opportunity of a swim in salti croc free pools, some freshies though maybe around to at least keep an eye out for and not agitate.

We are going to start with the easy one first, 600m return, to the Zebedee Springs. This is a stroll through the bush to a stoney creek that continuously flows rather warm water, 28-32 degrees thereabouts, from an aquifer deep within very old sandstones.

Here one can lounge all year round in the sandy bottomed pools between little waterfalls and tall palm trees. It might though get a bit vigorous in the wet.Very pleasant spot. Fortunately, we got there early around 7.30am and beat the crowds. Management closes access to the Spring at mid day. An effort to control numbers in the fragile environment.

Below is a slomo video of the creek it goes for a minute, patience required!

A small white crab like creature , an isopod, has recently been found to live in this creek. It is the only place in the world to date where this isopod has been found. Allthego kept his eye out for one as he lolled around in the waters, instead some big tadpoles were sighted.

Back in camp we had a lazy late morning and afternoon in the shade, with a belated democracy sausage for lunch. Until next time!