Emma Gorge, Western Australia: Walk, swim and visitor permits
Emma Gorge in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia offers a pool at the bottom of a 65 metre waterfall in the Cockburn Ranges. It’s part of the El Questro Wilderness Park on the Gibb River Road.
There’s an argument for Emma Gorge offering the finest swimming hole in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia.
As with Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge is part of the El Questro Wilderness Park, which covers a million acres of tropical north-west Australia.
Where is Emma Gorge?
You’ll find Emma Gorge in the heart of the Cockburn Ranges. These rugged red hill hide a series of indents, hidey-holes, gorges and chasms. Emma Gorge just happens to be one of the easiest to reach.
That doesn’t mean that getting to the Emma Gorge pool is a doddle, however. You need to walk amongst the Cockburn Ranges for around an hour before emerging at the photogenic honeypot. It’s a pleasant walk, but can be hot.
4 top Kununurra experiences to book
- Take a cruise along the Ord River – including the spectacular Kimberley sunset.
- Or go for the Ord River lunch cruise instead.
- Dine in the outback – cooked in a camp oven at an atmospheric secret location.
- Take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles – and land for the Cathedral Gorge Walk.
Is it safe to swim at Emma Gorge?
Once there, the pool is at the bottom of a 65 metre waterfall, which sprinkles down over the imposing, gnarled cliffs. It’s safe to swim in the pool, although be warned – the water can be surprisingly cold.
Emma Gorge is a 50 minute drive from Kununurra along the Gibb River Road. You can only get there in the dry season between May and September, and you need a 4WD unless you organise a transfer from Kununurra.
El Questro visitor permits
For those not staying at El Questro – either at the luxurious El Questro Homestead or the three star Emma Gorge Resort – a visitor permit is necessary. These permits cost $22 for adults and $11 for children, but they are valid for seven days.
Other attractive options near Kununurra include the Lake Argyle Resort, from where you can embark on a cruise across Lake Argyle.
More Western Australia travel
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How long is the Perth to Busselton section of the Perth to Dunsborough drive?