I’ve spent a while at Lake Argyle which is very close to the WA/NT border. This massive man-made lake was created in the early 1970s by damming the mighty Ord River. After a good Wet season, it apparently reaches eighteen times the size of Sydney Harbour, so I guess that means it’s big!
The original road built for the dam construction is the only access to this area. The caravan park is actually left over from those dam construction days but it has been modernised and is a nice place to chill for a while.
They have installed an infinite-edge swimming pool on the cliff-top overlooking the lake. This makes for a rather nice place to cool off while you enjoy the view.
The colours of the spectacular backdrop of hills and water are constantly changing during the day, as the sunlight plays across the landscape. In the evening these hills glow a deep crimson, reflecting the light of the setting sun.
But the only place to actually really experience the impressive scenery here is from the lake. And fortunately they offer a brilliant cruise to do that, just in case you didn’t bring your own yacht!
The boat takes you around part of the lake, stopping off to allow for a swim or two along the way. As it is over 40oC here every day, jumping into the lake is not a problem and the water is a rather pleasant 27oC.
They also set you up with beer and nibbles at sunset, too – my kind of cruise!
I enjoyed a beautifully still afternoon on the lake, which left the water surface like a mirror, spectacularly reflecting the surrounding country.
It is not always so peaceful; during summer storms, the lake can attain a scary 3.5 metre swell!
Stately pelicans glide on the calm water. Many hilltops now form islands, which are home to cute little wallabies, many carrying joeys.
There is history to contemplate as you cruise across this water. Underneath are the remnants of Argyle Downs Station, a vast cattle station established around 1885 by the Durack family.
Even if you had never been to the Kimberley, you have probably heard of the Durack’s. Their story is well documented in the book “Kings in Grass Castles” by Mary Durack.
The family pioneered overland cattle droves, from Victoria to Queensland and then across to the Kimberley. With their friends the Costello’s, they founded a vast cattle empire along the way.
I enjoyed a couple of beers while watching the sunset reflected on the calm water, which marked the end of a fabulous day. But, as we returned to the dock, the full moon was rising majestically over the surrounding hills, providing one further treat.
There are Great Bowerbirds living in this area, too. These funny birds are amazing to watch. They are pretty vocal and make sounds much like kittens mewing, so you keep thinking there are cats around!
The males build beautiful bowers to display ‘precious’ objects to impress the females and will happily steal any appealing goodies they spy. This impressive bower I found is surrounded by white stones, with some green cellophane and a white plastic bottle lid for added effect!
