Lake Argyle Lake

Address: Lake Argyle, East Kimberley region, Western Australia (near Kununurra)

Website: https://www.lakeargyle.com/

Hours: Lake and surrounding areas accessible year‑round; boat cruises operate on scheduled times (check Lake Argyle Resort)

Admission: No entry fee for the region; paid activities (cruises, accommodation) at Lake Argyle Resort vary

Lake Argyle is a large man-made freshwater reservoir in the East Kimberley of Western Australia formed by the construction of the Ord River Dam, completed in 1971. It is the largest freshwater man-made lake in Australia by volume.

A network of waterways, islands and peninsulas makes the lake a focus for boat cruises, houseboat stays and fishing; wildlife viewing is a major draw, with diverse waterbirds and crocodiles reported along the shoreline and river channels. Boat tours typically pass the dam wall and visit prominent inlets and islands. Facilities and organised tours operate from nearby accommodation hubs.

The lake was created when the Ord River Dam was built to support the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and regional development; the flooded basin submerged former pastoral land and natural river channels. Since inundation the area has been managed for water supply, irrigation and tourism.

Lake Argyle sits in the East Kimberley region south of the township of Kununurra in northern Western Australia, on the Ord River system. Road access is from Kununurra and other regional routes serving the Ord Valley.

• Best time: Most reliable wildlife and water-level viewing occurs in the dry season, typically May to September, when boat cruises and houseboat operations run most often.
• Visitor services: The reservoir was formed by the construction of the Ord River Dam and is used for irrigation and recreation; organised cruises and houseboat stays depart from the main marina.

Kununurra, the regional hub, is approximately 20-40 minutes’ drive from Lake Argyle depending on the launch point; regular tours and shuttles operate from Kununurra and Lake Argyle Resort.

• Boat cruises on Lake Argyle are the best way to understand its scale - book an early‑morning cruise for freshwater crocodile sightings and calm water photography.
• Stay at least one night at Lake Argyle Resort to see sunrise and sunset; the dam wall viewpoint at dawn is particularly wide and luminous.
• Bring binoculars for birdwatching - the lake supports eagles, swans and large waterfowl.