Emma Gorge & Turquoise Pool

An incredible sandstone amphitheatre one hour from Kununurra.

To describe Emma Gorge in one word; breathtaking. As well as its natural beauty, anyone who’s swum here will agree that the freshwater literally takes your breath away! Cold water is invigorating, but if you want to warm up, walk across to the right-hand side of the gorge, where a hot spring spills from a gap in the rocky platform, heating the waters below it to lukewarm.

Located within Balanggarra Country, on the northern side of the Gibb River Road (within El Questro Wilderness Park), the walk to the gorge begins at the Emma Gorge Resort.

Allow an hour to reach the big swimming hole, fed by a spectacular, 65m-high, spring-fed waterfall.

Pack some lunch and something to float on, and plan to spend half a day here. The 3.2km return walk from Emma Gorge Resort’s carpark has little shade and some slippery boulders to negotiate, so wear your good hiking boots, pack plenty of water and avoid the midday sun. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour each way and set out well before 3 pm, as the day gets away quickly after that time and the trail is closed to hikers wanting to set off after then.

While Emma Gorge is the main attraction here, Turquoise Pool, 150 metres before the gorge, is worth a stop and a swim. When the mid-morning sun is overhead, this spot illuminates in an epic turquoise colour, hence the name. Keep an eye out for the small, resident freshies both here and in the gorge.