LAKE ARGYLE

After ten nights at Parry Creek Farm, we stopover in Kununurra again before heading to Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle Caravan Park has a steady stream of travellers passing through. Macca guides us to our campsite on his bicycle with great efficiency. It’s a busy place.

Even though it is hot, we take a brisk walk to view the dam wall. Lake Argyle is a modern engineering feat, with the damming of the Ord River creating the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. It holds a volume of water, 21 times that of Sydney Harbour, providing hydro-power to Kununurra, Wyndham and Argyle Diamond Mine plus irrigating the fertile Ord River plains.

Lake Argyle has developed into a unique ecosystem, home to an amazing array of wildlife. For this reason, travellers come, as we do, to enjoy its beauty.

Being close to Zebra Rock, we opt to pop back to the Northern Territory to join their Argyle Lake Wildlife Sunset Safari. Ruth welcome us back, remembering us staying here a couple of weeks ago. After a play with their pet python, we are soon on a bumpy, cross-country track, heading for the boat.

 

In true safari style Kimberly, our skipper, weaves the boat through wetlands and up narrow inlets, giving us plenty of time for bird and croc spotting.

After drinks and nibbles, the mood on the boat is set when Kim cranks up the music as the sun dips below the horizon. He has a knack for selecting the prefect sounds. As the sky turns red, a couple of us jump overboard. It is a truly unique experience; spectacular scenery, beautiful music, cool water with a few freshwater crocs eyeing us out. 

Back at Lake Argyle camp we watch a very animated male bower bird wooing females with his magnificent bower and splendid displays. I am not too impressed learning that once he has won a female over, she has the lone task of building a nest and rearing the young, while he turns his attention to another lady.

Feeling energetic, we hire a double kayak keen to explore the lake a bit more. After four and a half hours of hard paddling we are both shattered. Clearly, we are not as fit as we think. Back on shore we realise the kayak has a hole and has been taking on water. No wonder we are both physically stuffed!!

Joining Josh on a wilderness safari, we meet Swiss born Barbara. This resilient 72-year-old lady has lived on this isolated bush property for 22 years, the last 12, after her husband Roy’s death, alone. Standing at Roy’s final resting place we listen to a recording of one of Roy’s poems. I hold back tears hearing his words. Thank you Josh for a truly insightful tour.

Lake Argyle Resort has an amazing infinity pool over looking the lake. The water is icy cold, we manage to stay in it long enough to snap a classic photo. Got to love kids!

Even though we are ‘living the dream’ we miss connection with family and friends. With our respective birthdays being two days apart, we head back to Kununurra for the third time on Greg’s birthday to have phone reception. Thank you everyone for your lovely messages and calls on our birthdays, they made us feel extra special.

FOOTNOTES: 

Lake Argyle – Lake Argyle Resort
73km from Kununurra
Sealed road
$36 per night, powered
Hot showers and flushing toilets
Stayed – 5 nights in July 2018
Our rating – 5*****
Comments: Excellent resort, with great live music each night.

Kununurra – Ivanhoe Village Caravan Park
73km from Lake Argyle
Sealed road
$40 per night, powered
Flushing toilet, hot shower
Stayed – 3 night in July 2018
Our rating – 4****
Comments: Great to have internet and phone reception for our birthdays