Lake Argyle

5 - 10 August 2022

After 6 fabulous nights in Purnululu National Park we left the park and returned to the Great Northern Highway on our way to Lake Argyle. We had stopped at the picnic area at the turn-off to put air back in the tyres, do a small repair and have a cuppa. From there we drove on to Dunham Rest Area again where we disposed of our rubbish in the industrial bins provided then continued on to Cockburn Rest Area where we stopped for lunch.

We had left the national park very early to allow time to stop in Kununurra to refuel and do some shopping. Once we had restocked we continued on the 70 km to Lake Argyle, where we would spend the next 5 nights. The resort/caravan park was built around the old workers village with some remnants of the time when the dam was being built still visible. 

The forecast was for hot days, and hot nights (24 - 27 degrees overnight) so we were hoping for a shady spot. We did get some shade but no view of the lake from our site, even though it was only a short walk away. We spent the afternoon settling in and familiarising ourselves with our surroundings. We decided on dinner at the onsite bistro/beer garden. It was a good way to end a long day in the car.

In the morning we drove down to the boat ramp and called into the cruise office to check a few things out about the cruises we had booked. We were both going on the sunset cruise and Mick was going on a birdwatching cruise.

Because of the early sunset in this part of the world, the pick-up for this cruise was 2:30pm. The bus picks up at the caravan park for the short ride to the boat ramp. The boat ride was comfortable and took us to a number of interesting spots to see the wildlife including short-eared rock wallabies, freshwater crocodiles and archer fish. Along the way our guide told us about the constuction of the dam which created this massive lake. He also related a little of the story of white settlement by the well-known Durack family. The commentary was interesting and well presented and included a map display to show where we had been on the lake which helped to put the massive size into perspective.

We then motored on to the sunset spot where guests are invited to jump in for a swim - pool noodles provided - and a drink. The combination of the cold water and a cold beer meant most people didn't stay in long. Some young chaps who had decided not to use a pool noodle soon found that paddling one handed in cold water while trying not to spill your beer was quite difficult and happily accepted the pool noodles offered by those leaving the water. Swimming in the lake with a glass of bubbles or can of beer, while the sun set, is an experience not to be missed! 

The following day we pottered around at home for the morning and had a swim in the infinity pool - with obligatory photos - in the afternoon then enjoyed sunset drinks on the lawn overlooking the lake. It was another great way to end the day.

The next morning we made an early start for the short drive to Dead Horse Springs which had been recommended as a birdy spot. Mick found lots to photograph there. The afternoon was very hot so we had another swim followed by drinks on the lawn at sunset.

On Tuesday morning Mick was booked on the sunrise birdwatching cruise which departed at 5:30am so that meant a very early start. The tour included some land based birding as well and went for about 6 hours. The opportunity for photography wasn't as good as he had hoped but Mick still managed to take over 2 600 photos. Of course much of the afternoon was spent going through them - but we did find time to have another swim and to go for a drive to the barbecue/picnic area past the dam wall. We finished the day with drinks with a birdwatching friend.

Early on our last morning Mick revisited Dead Horse Springs before we packed up and headed back in to Kununurra to fuel up and restock again, then on to Wyndham.