Quick FactsOverview
About Zebedee Springs
Zebedee Springs, Australia is a tiered series of natural thermal pools and small waterfalls within El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, approximately 110 kilometres west of Kununurra. The pools are fed by geothermal springs brought to the surface through ancient fault lines, maintaining a temperature between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius year-round. Access requires an El Questro visitor permit and is limited to the dry season between May and September.
The springs sit beneath sheer rock cliffs in a dense grove of Livistona palms and pandanus, creating a lush microhabitat distinct from the surrounding red rock landscape. The pools are shallow and tiered, connected by small waterfalls. Visitors reach the pools via a 750-metre walk from the carpark through the palm forest. General public access is 7am to 12pm; afternoons are reserved for Homestead guests and guided tours.
El Questro covers approximately 700,000 acres of the East Kimberley, on Wilinggin Country in the north and Nyaliga Country in the south where Zebedee Springs is located. Natural hot springs in Australia of this geothermal type are relatively rare, and Zebedee is one of the most accessible examples in the Kimberley. The springs are a short drive from El Questro Station and are among the most visited features in the park.
Location & Access
Getting to Zebedee Springs
Zebedee Springs is reached by driving to El Questro Wilderness Park, approximately 110 kilometres west of Kununurra via the Great Northern Highway and the Gibb River Road. From Kununurra, 58 kilometres on sealed highway toward Wyndham is followed by 36 kilometres on the sealed Gibb River Road, then a final 16-kilometre gravel section. The springs are approximately 15 minutes drive from El Questro Station, with a dedicated carpark and a 750-metre walk to the pools through the Livistona palm forest.
A 4WD vehicle is recommended, though 2WD vehicles can reach the site if conditions allow. Two rocky water crossings on the main approach road can reach 500mm deep, so 2WD drivers should check conditions before departing. Scheduled transfers from Kununurra run twice daily. For those searching for natural hot springs near Kununurra by road, Zebedee is the most visited option in the Kimberley.
General public access to Zebedee Springs runs from 7am to 12pm, with the gate locked at midday. Afternoon access is reserved for El Questro Homestead guests and guided tours. The springs are only accessible during the dry season, May to September. A visitor permit is required to enter El Questro, available at reception. Sunscreen must not be applied before entering the pools, as it damages the aquatic ecosystem.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability at Zebedee Springs
Zebedee Springs suits active travellers, adventure tourists, and families who are comfortable with a short 750-metre walk over uneven terrain, as the track from the carpark involves some rock hopping and uneven ground near the pools. The pools are shallow and the setting is sheltered, making the experience manageable for most visitor types including families with older children. For those interested in natural hot springs in Australia in a Kimberley wilderness setting, Zebedee is one of the most accessible examples in the region.
Wheelchair access is not available. The track is rocky and uneven, and moving between the tiered pools requires stepping over rocks and through shallow water. Visitors with mobility limitations will find the terrain challenging. Water shoes or sandals are strongly recommended, as the rock surfaces can be slippery when wet.
Sunscreen must not be worn into the pools to protect the aquatic ecosystem, which includes thermophilic organisms adapted to the warm water. The pool temperature of 28 to 32 degrees Celsius is warm rather than hot, comfortable for extended soaking but cooler than traditional bore baths. Geothermal pools in Australia of this type are rare in the Kimberley, and visiting Zebedee is typically combined with other El Questro attractions such as gorge walks and the Chamberlain Gorge cruise. The springs are popular and the carpark can fill quickly on busy mornings.
Safety & Etiquette
Zebedee Springs Safety Tips
Zebedee Springs requires awareness of several conditions, as it is a remote wilderness location in the Kimberley with specific seasonal access, wildlife present, and no emergency services directly on site. The pools are warm and shallow at 28 to 32 degrees Celsius and are generally safe for swimming, but freshwater crocodiles are present in the broader El Questro area. Visitors should follow all signage at the springs and check with El Questro staff about current crocodile advisories before entering the water.
The access track from the carpark involves rock hopping and uneven terrain. Appropriate footwear is essential; thongs or bare feet are not recommended on the approach trail. Rocks near and within the pools can be slippery. Children should be supervised at all times. El Questro rangers and staff are present in the park during operating hours and can assist with emergencies.
The springs are accessible only from 7am to 12pm for the general public, and the gate is locked at midday. Visitors who arrive late may find the carpark full, as popular periods see the parking area reach capacity. Arriving when the gates open at 7am is strongly recommended. Afternoon guided tours offer an alternative for those who cannot arrive in the morning.
Sunscreen must not be applied before entering the pools, as it damages the thermal spring ecosystem. Apply sunscreen before the walk down and rinse off before entering the water. No glass is permitted near the pools. Insect repellent should be applied before the walk rather than at poolside. The Kimberley is crocodile country broadly; while Zebedee is a spring-fed pool, visitors should remain vigilant and follow any safety instructions posted at the site or given by park staff.
