Zebedee Springs, Australia

What it is

Zebedee Springs is a series of small thermal pools tucked into a palm-filled gully within El Questro in the Kimberley, Western Australia. Think warm rock pools, filtered light through Livistona palms, and a short, easy walk from the car park. Tourism Western Australia notes public access is limited to the morning window (7:00am to noon), and the area is also managed as part of a larger private wilderness property.

What makes it distinct

The shade is a big deal in the Kimberley. Many popular walks here are open sun and exposed rock, but Zebedee is cool-feeling even when the air is heating up. It’s also a rare “easy” Kimberley thermal stop: you get a natural setting without committing to a long gorge hike. The trade-off is that it’s time-gated and can feel busy in that morning rush.

What to expect

This is not a spa facility. There are no steamy indoor rooms or long loungers. You’re bathing in natural-style pools with other visitors, on a schedule, in a remote region where road access and seasonality can be the deciding factors.

Where it is

Zebedee Springs is within the El Questro area on the Gibb River Road touring corridor, with Kununurra the main service hub most travellers use for fuel, supplies, and last-minute updates. To reach the springs, you’ll enter the El Questro property and follow internal roads and signage to the Zebedee Springs car park, then walk in on the formed track.

Road conditions and seasonality

Tourism Western Australia notes access is between May and September (the dry season). That lines up with how the Kimberley behaves: wet-season closures and road damage are common, and you do not plan this like a year-round attraction. Before you commit, check the current El Questro access advice, permits, and any road warnings for your route and vehicle.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, a towel, and footwear with grip for wet rock and leaf litter. A water bottle is non-negotiable, the region’s heat and dry air dehydrate you quickly. Pack sunscreen for the walk and waiting areas, but keep it off your hands when you’re climbing in and out of the pools. Insect repellent is helpful around dawn and shaded gullies. If you’re doing other walks the same day, bring a dry bag or at least a zip pouch so wet gear doesn’t swamp the rest of your kit.

Who it suits best

Zebedee suits people who want a gentle warm-water break without a big hike. It’s a good family option by Kimberley standards because the walk is short and the bathing is easy to dose, one pool, a short dip, out again. It also works for travellers who are doing tougher walks (Emma Gorge, El Questro Gorge) and want something restorative that doesn’t demand more effort.

Mobility and access reality

No verified wheelchair access is published for the pool entries themselves. Even if the approach path is relatively easy, the final entries are rock pools with uneven edges and wet surfaces. If you have limited balance, bring help and plan to move slowly, using hands where needed. If you require step-free, ramped water entry, this is unlikely to meet that need.

Expectations vs reality

Because public hours are limited to the morning, the springs can feel crowded, especially if everyone arrives at the same time. The best move is to arrive early, keep your soak short and pleasant, then move on. If you’re chasing silence and long, uninterrupted soaking, you’ll need to pick a quieter spring elsewhere or time your visit carefully within the access window.

Heat and remote-region basics

The Kimberley is not forgiving of poor planning. Drink water before you feel thirsty, take shade breaks, and avoid stacking Zebedee on top of a long exposed hike without a reset. If you’re driving internal roads, keep speeds conservative and watch for corrugations and washouts.

Slips and rock edges

Wet rock, leaf litter, and smooth pool edges are the day-to-day hazard. Wear shoes with grip on the walk, and take them off only when you’re ready to enter. Step in slowly and use stable handholds. Skip jumping between pools, it looks fun until someone slips.

Sharing pools well

Keep voices down, the gully amplifies sound. Avoid blocking narrow entry points while chatting. If a pool is full, rotate out after a reasonable time so others can have a turn in the limited public hours. Photos are fine, but keep them tight on your group. Leave soaps and detergents out of the water.

Respect access rules

Tourism Western Australia publishes the public access window and the seasonal access pattern. Treat those as fixed. If staff or signage says move along, do it without arguing. It keeps the springs open and the mood decent for everyone.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes. Zebedee Springs sits within El Questro, which operates with visitor access conditions and fees/permits. Check the official El Questro information for current entry and permit requirements.

When can the public visit?

Tourism Western Australia states Zebedee Springs is open to general visitors from 7:00am to noon, with afternoons reserved for Homestead guests.

How far is the walk?

El Questro’s official FAQ describes the Zebedee Springs walk from the car park as a very short return walk on a boardwalk, making it one of the easiest on-site outings.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No wheelchair-accessible pool entry is officially verified for the springs themselves, and natural rock pool edges are typically uneven and slippery. If step-free access is essential, plan a different stop with confirmed ramp entry.