We arrived in El Questo for the first part of our trip. We managed to get a private campsite. It was $174 for two days, though about half of that was the “park pass” that gave you access to the gorges. A bit pricey… but wow! It was worth it. It was the best campsite that I have seen. Right on a river, under some great trees, with no one around. It is a cattle station and we were a bit suprised to see a herd of cows sitting around the camp site. Most left but one was a bit bold and kept trying to come over. We shooed her away, but she would always come back. Eventually we managed to chase her off in the car.
Campsite
Moonrise by the River
The next morning we woke up early and headed straight to the thermal spring. It was a great spot to swim, with only a couple of people there we timed it really well.
Then we went to Emma Gorge. Claire nearly walked over a black snake. Usually snakes are quite scared of humans but this one was quite happy taking the path, not interested in leaving on account of us.
Emma Gorge
The Emma Gorge walk was amazing, when we got there it was far too cold to swim, but we had some bikkies and dip before heading back.
On the way back we went to El Questro gorge. It was really Jurassic Park like. Walking at the bottom of some massive escarpments all the way through. Had a good swim in the half way pool too, then headed back. The water crossing there was a bit scary, all of them are very easy but this one started easy at about 300mm on rocks then suddenly changed to 500mm on mud. But we got through without a problem.
That night we had some more fun with a swim a few drinks by our river, once again had a great moon in the blue sky. One of the neighbours was pumping music, and I went over to ask them to turn it down… turns out it wasn’t them, but the homestead. What was even funnier was, thanks to WA time, it was actually 7.30pm at night. I’ve clearly turned into a grumpy old man.
The next morning we packed up and checked the stockmans waterhole out. We had a bit of driving to do to get to the King Edward river camp site, so we didn’t go for a swim.
Stu and Claire
Awesome trip – great photos – our snakes are known most of the time not to bite the Irish – English they never miss.
Am surprised Mr Patrol was not carrying a fan and a/c belts.
IMO sometimes the smaller 4WD’s are better (providing ground clearance is not an issue) as they are lighter – it just depends on the application.
When you look at the adventures / photos you both have to date, living in Carlton is going to be a big change – I think the You Yangs to the west or Emerald to the east are you best bets ( … perhaps he can show you his Pro Hart skill Bron).
At Moss Vale NSW but with a temp lower than Belfast …. cant wait till Sept
Hey dad, yeah I think the car was bad luck. The before before the raise was 200mm and after was 240mm, I think stock larger cars are around the 210-220mm so after the raise that ceases to be an issue. Yes I am definitely looking forward to seeing a bit more of Victoria. Tom has identified the first aggressive snake as a Western Brown (venomous) and the second one as ‘most likely a Python’.