Lake Argyle

How Lake Argyle was made

Lake Argyle is part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The Ord River District Co-operative (ORDCO) tells the story:

• The first stage was the diversion dam at Kununurra, built between 1959 and 1962. It formed Lake Kununurra. Kununurra was gazetted as a town in 1961.
• The second stage dammed the Ord River about 50 km upstream, forming Lake Argyle. That work was done between 1969 and 1972, and the lake filled to storage capacity by January 1974.
• In 1997, a 30-megawatt hydro-power station opened at the base of the dam. ORDCO says it supplies renewable power to Kununurra, Wyndham, the Argyle Diamond Mine and Lake Argyle.

Lake Argyle facts and figures

Figures differ slightly between sources, depending on how they're measured:

• Surface area: about 980 km² at normal full supply level (Discovery Resorts). Visit Kununurra rounds it to about 1,000 km².
• Storage: about 10.7 billion cubic metres, or 10,700 gigalitres, at full supply.
• Compared with Sydney Harbour: sources say about 18 to 21 times the volume.
• In flood: Discovery Resorts says the volume would more than triple at maximum flood level, covering about 2,072 km².
• Islands: Australia's North West says the lake has more than 70 islands.
• Ranking: it's often described as Australia's second-largest freshwater lake, or second-largest artificial reservoir.
• Ramsar: Visit Kununurra says it's designated a Ramsar wetland of international significance.

Wildlife

Visit Kununurra says Lake Argyle is home to:

• An estimated 30,000 freshwater crocodiles
• 26 species of native fish
• About a third of Australia's bird species

Australia's North West says more than 240 bird species can be seen around its wetlands and islands. That ranks it among the Kimberley's top birdwatching destinations. A wildlife cruise around the shoreline and islands brings close encounters with freshwater crocodiles, fish and wallabies.

See birdwatching and crocodile safety.

Things to do

• Cruises: Visit Kununurra describes lunch and sunset cruises as very popular.
• Hire: canoes, pontoons and stand-up paddleboards for exploring at your own pace.
• Fishing, kayaking, mountain biking and bushwalking: Discovery Resorts says staff can help with equipment hire, information and maps.
• Scenic flights: Australia's North West mentions flights over the lake, including by float plane.
• Ord River cruise: you can cruise the 55 km between Kununurra and the Ord top dam.
• Argyle Homestead Museum: a short drive from the resort. Visit Kununurra says it tells the history of the area.
• Tours: Discovery Resorts lists full- and half-day trips to the Bungle Bungle Range, the Ord River gorges and the lake's remote islands.

The infinity pool and caravan park

Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is famous for the views from its infinity pool. Accommodation ranges from unpowered camping sites to deluxe four-bedroom lakeview cabins. Facilities include a camp kitchen, laundry, barbecues, a swimming pool, a restaurant with beer garden, a kiosk and store, a tour desk and wi-fi.

Discovery Resorts says the general store, swimming pool and restaurant are open to the public. There's a charge for pool use.

Campfires: the park says campfires aren't permitted from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. Outside those dates, the manager may still ban them depending on conditions. Ask when you arrive.

Getting there

Australia's North West says Lake Argyle is about 75 km by road from Kununurra, via the Victoria Highway. Visit Kununurra gives about 70 km. The scenic drive through the Carr Boyd Ranges takes about 40 minutes.

When to visit

The dry season, roughly May to October, brings clear skies and the most tours. In the green, wet season, the lake is at its fullest and the country is lush, but heat, humidity and storms can disrupt travel. See wet season and road closures.

Safety

• Freshwater crocodiles are generally shy, but they can bite if disturbed. Never approach or feed them.
• Saltwater crocodiles can occur in Kimberley waterways. Follow local signs and operator advice. See crocodile safety.
• Carry water, and use sun protection on the water.

Combine with

• Kununurra
• Purnululu (Bungle Bungles)
• Wyndham
• The Kimberley road trip
• The Kimberley

Nearby park guide: Judbarra/Gregory National Park.