Lake Arygle in The Kimberley
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration
How absolutely fascinating. 1000 square kilometres! I had no idea it even existed. What a lucky country we live in.
Neither did I until we were talking to some fellow travellers during our travels and they absolutely raved about Lake Argyle. We soon found out why! We do live in a lucky country for sure. :)
Sounds and looks heavenly! Here from the A-Z, and enjoyed getting to know a little about Lake Argyle.
Best wishes,
Nilanjana.
Ninja Minion
Madly-in-Verse
It was heavenly in every way, but located in a very remote area in North West Australia. Australia is such a vast untamed country that it is not easy to get to some of these hidden gems. Thank you for dropping by my blog. :)
Great photos and I really enjoyed reading your blog. I subscribed to your email and am looking forward to reading more! Dropping by from the A to Z Challenge. Keep up the good work! http://www.dianeweidenbenner.com
Thank you so much Diane for your kind words. I will be coming over to visit your blog. This is such a great challenge! :)
I love the nature landscapes here. It would be a nice place to visit.
Lake Argyle is one of remotest, untouched and untrodden places that I have visited in North West Australia. A photographer’s dream actually! :)
Beautiful lake, although you mentioned crocodiles and it looks like there are sharks in the water too.
The crocodiles are fairly harmless and those sharks are actually silver cobbler (or catfish)! No such thing as freshwater sharks thank goodness!!