Big mistake people keep making at famous Australian resort

News.com.au

8 hours ago

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article may contain images and depictions of deceased persons.
Most visitors who check into one of Australia's most iconic wilderness resorts are making a huge mistake – and the boss wants you to know about it.
Located in the heart of WA's rugged Kimberley Region, El Questro is known for its breathtaking gorges, luxury accommodation and remote outback appeal. But General Manager Jodie Mott says too many guests are rushing in and out without experiencing what makes the property truly special – its deepening cultural connection with the Traditional Owners.
'People have a superficial visit,' Ms Mott told news.com.au.
'There is so much to see. It's really important to dig a little bit deeper.'
The property, run by the G'day Group and Discovery Parks, sits on the traditional lands of the Ngarinyin people, and recently began trialling an immersive Munbula cultural cruise, led by Traditional Owners.
Set to launch fully next year in 2026, the cruise follows the success of 'Injiid Marlabu Calls Us', a guided cultural experience that became part of El Questro's regular offering last season.
The cultural programs are the result of years of consultation and collaboration with local Traditional Owners, and come off the back of a landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) signed in 2022.
That agreement saw more than 165,000 hectares of El Questro land returned to the Wanjina Wungurr people, after being operated as a cattle station for over a century.
Under the deal, part of the land was leased back to the G'day Group to continue tourism operations, with a strong focus on environmental restoration and Indigenous employment.
The ILUA guarantees training and work for local Indigenous youth and has paved the way for a long-term partnership to grow cultural tourism in the Kimberley.
'It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear stories you may not have imagined, told by the people whose ancestors walked this land,' Ms Mott said.
The new Munbula Cruise is led by Ngarinyin family Mary, Nelson and their daughter Chanel, whose storytelling weaves Dreamtime mythology with ecological and historical knowledge.
'This has been 20 years in the making,' Ms Mott said.
'It's not just a product, it's an experience. It's an immersion. And it's world-class.'
While international tourists tended to gravitate toward the cultural offerings, Ms Mott hoped more Australians would realise what's on offer in their own backyard.
'It would be amazing to see more Australians engage in this learning,' she said.
'The international market picked up on it quickly, but once domestic visitors experience it, they're blown away.'
The experiences are offered separately to guests staying at El Questro's various accommodation options – from the ultra-luxe Homestead to the Station, which includes a campground and bungalows.
Ms Mott said El Questro's value goes far beyond its Instagrammable vistas.
'This is more than a property. It's a wilderness park. It's a privilege to be here,' she said.
Staff and guests alike are increasingly seeing themselves as caretakers of the land, with El Questro's evolving tourism model designed to enhance environmental sustainability and foster deeper relationships with Traditional Owners.
The cultural expansion is part of a broader goal to attract a wider audience, not just the hikers and four-wheel-drivers, but also those looking for softer, educational adventures.
'We're growing our passive experiences,' Ms Mott said.
'Not everyone wants an active holiday. Some want to learn, to listen, to reflect.'
She said Discovery Parks and the G'day Group had been fully supportive of integrating cultural products into their offerings and hoped to see more in the future.
'It's exciting to think we could see half a dozen more cultural experiences pop up across the network,' she said.
But Ms Mott's core message is simple: slow down.
'Most people don't rush back,' she said.
'So take your time. This is a massive property with layers that unfold. There's something here for everyone if you give it the time it deserves.'