Gibb River Rd’s El Questro Station enforces river swim ban as swollen Pentecost increases saltwater croc risk

An increased risk of saltwater crocodiles has forced El Questro Station to change a number of its bookings, with swimming deemed unsafe along the river at the popular Gibb River Road campground.

El Questro this week contacted guests with bookings at its five private riverfront camp sites, informing them their reservations would be adjusted, with swimming banned at the sites along the Pentecost River due to an increased risk of crocodiles.

“After a significant wet season that has caused our rivers to swell more than usual, the risk has increased for the potential presence of saltwater crocodiles,” the letter read.

El Questro said it had received advice from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction’s Parks and Wildlife service, and had made the decision to remove swimming access along the river of its campsites for the safety of its guests.

The sites were heavily booked for the 2021 season and are now being re-advertised as private sites at an adjusted price.

Swimming will remain open at a number of other El Questro locations, including at El Questro Gorge, Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs and behinds its Steakhouse Restaurant.