Lake Argyle Dam Wall

Nestled amongst a billion year old landscape of the Carr Boyd Ranges, Lake Argyle has a surface area of over 1,000 square kilometres, a shoreline stretching 900 kilometres and holds 18 times more water than Sydney Harbour. It is located near the East Kimberley town of Kununurra in West Australia.

Colours of Lake Argyle

The man-made reservoir was built as part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and is recognised as an important wetland area under the Ramsar Convention.

Now if that doesn’t impress you then maybe the words of Dame Mary Durack, Australian author and member of the Durack family, the original leaseholders of Argyle Station and where Lake Argyle is located today.

“If one were to paint this country in its true colours, I doubt whether it would ever be believed.  It would be said at least the artist exaggerated greatly, for never have I seen such richness and variety of hue as in these ranges.” (extract from the novel Kings in Grass Castles).

Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle is home to an estimated 25,000 freshwater crocodiles, some 150,000 waterbirds and 26 species of fish.  Then there are the flying foxes, the wallabies, the frilled neck lizards and more.

Wildlife of Lake Argyle

Amongst the many things to do, there are boat cruises, scenic flights, bushwalking, birdwatching or hire a boat and get out on the lake island-hopping, water skiing, swimming and fishing.

Boat Cruise

A visit to the old Argyle Homestead is also a must see to wander through the relocated stone built cottage and learn about the history of the Durack family who originally ran a cattle station where the lake stands today.

Argyle Downs Homestead

The Lake Argyle Resort offers a range of accommodation from lake view villas, cabins, outback safari huts to caravan and camping sites. An infinity edge pool which overlooks the rocky escarpments and the vast expanse of lake has one of the best views in the world. The resort also boasts a shop, cafe/restaurant, bar and entertainment, including trivia nights, singer/guitarists and the Sunday night roast dinner.

Infinity Pool

If I were an artist and I could paint a canvas to portray the beauty of Lake Argyle, people would be astounded with what they saw. I can only photograph and describe the scenery, but it is so much more – it was like stepping onto that russet red canvas and becoming part of the painting. It was truly astonishing and it simply took my breath away!

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