Lake Argyle - NT

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.