Lake Argyle, 75km south of
Kununurra, is the biggest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere and when full is about 18 times the size of
Sydney Harbour. It can reach 40 Syd Harbs when surcharged after a big wet season. The
Ord River Dam was opened in 1972 and was constructed to provide a major storage reservoir called Lake Argyle and provides reliable power to the region via the hydro power station.
The turn off to Lake Argyle is 35km east of
Kununurra and 7 km west of the NT/WA border
check point. From there it is another 35 km, an exceptionally scenic drive through the hills of the Carr Boyd Ranges.
Lookout Points:
The signposted Spillway
Lookout is found just a few kilometres after you cross the
bridge over Spillway Creek, on your drive towards the lake.
Pannikin Bay
Lookout is also on your left, also shortly before you get to the Argyle village. It can also be reached on foot via a short walk from the Arglye Resort.
Several more lookouts, all
well signposted, are situated between the Argyle Resort and the main
dam. Of course the
dam itself offers great
views, too.
But the best
views you have to earn, they can only be reached on foot via the
Ord River Gorge Walk Trail and the longer St. Georges Terrace &
The Bluff trail.
Before you get to the
dam a track to the left takes you down to the
boat ramp. You can also access the lake for a swim from here, unfortunately there is little shade to be found. (A popular alternative for swimming is the famous Infinity Pool at the Argyle Resort). To get to the
picnic area just continue following the road across the
dam to the end.
In 1971 the famed original
homestead of early
Kimberley pioneer Patsy Durack was dismantled and moved from its original site to prevent it from being flooded by the
dam. It has been reconstructed as a museum about those early pioneering days. You can reach it on foot from Argyle Resort via a scenic walking trail or drive the 2 km.