Round Australia Road Trip #5
Lake Argyle, just over the border in Western Australia, is large. At 100% capacity, it holds 11 000 billion litres of water, 21 times more than Sydney Harbour. It is the largest man made lake in the Southern Hemisphere and the eighth largest lake in the world.
The lake was created by damming the Ord River and harnessing the massive volume of water that flows during the wet season. The dam wall, constructed of earth and rock, was completed in 1972, ensuring a regulated water supply to the Ord River Irrigation Scheme all year round. A hydroelectric power station at the base of the dam wall generates enough power to service Lake Argyle village, the towns of Kununurra and Wyndham and the Argyle Diamond Mine.
As well as providing life-giving water and clean energy, the lake is the perfect location for leisure activities. We went cruising on a sleek orange catamaran, Kimberley Durack, named after the man whose vision led to the creation of Lake Argyle.
Because of its size the lake is classed as an inland sea and at times the shores were distant smudges on the horizon. We sailed from one calm bay to the next around islands that were once mountain tops.
We saw freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves in the late afternoon sunlight, seven-spotted archer fish in the shallows and rock wallabies grazing on the shore.
In late September the water in the lake is a comfortable 26 degrees, and with beverages, cheese and crackers within easy reach, a swim was a highlight of our cruise.
As the sun went down on the western side of Lake Argyle, the colours were deepened by smoke from bushfires in the hills,
while on the eastern shore, a full moon rose over the mountains of the East Kimberleys. This beautiful landscape is larger than life!
Looks good! Though swimming in water inhabited by crocodiles isn’t exactly my idea of fun…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine either, but these freshwater ones aren’t interested in people. We were too far out anyway. They tend to stick close to shore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am amazed to think that this is man made! I love the idea of the swim (I would have to ignore the fact that crocodiles might be somewhere around) with drinks etc in the water.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so much fun Elaine and the water temperature was ideal. The crocs are freshwater ones so they don’t come out into deep water. They’re also not aggressive like salties and their jaws are long and narrow. If you were to annoy one it would probably have a go at you but we weren’t in any danger.
LikeLike
I didn’t know that freshwater crocs aren’t aggressive like the other ones – I just thought I should beware of ALL crocodiles, and that they might come and attack me without provocation. Eeek.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The freshies will only attack if provoked and the worst they could do is give you a nasty bite. We saw heaps of them today, although we didn’t go close. I wouldn’t be tempting fate!
LikeLike
Isn’t it amazing what human beings can do – the fact you can scarcely see the shore boggles my tiny mind!!
LikeLike
It just seemed like every time we turned a bend there was more and more.
LikeLike
That is definitely a huge lake!
Did you get to see the Bungle Bungles?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we did see the Bungle Bungles, twice – coming up in the next post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of taking your wine and cheese with you for a swim! Your photos are beautiful too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Bec. It was all very civilised!
LikeLike
This looks magnificent. A hidden gem for sure. If I ever head west I’ll definately be going there! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes Dianne it is a must on a visit to the Kimberleys. We highly recommend the sunset cruise. It was excellent.
LikeLike
I had no idea this existed! Love the little Cat and that photo of the floating cheese and wine did make me smile 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps you might come and see it for yourself one day Jo. The floating bar was definitely a highlight!
LikeLike
I’d love to! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a good idea the floating drinks station is. Beautiful photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it sure was a great idea. Thanks for the compliment!
LikeLiked by 1 person