Retirees Enjoying Travel: Lake Argyle in the Kimberley, Western Australia.

Long before Greg retired he was saying how he wanted to travel to the Kimberley. So, once we retired, the Kimberley was always top of our travel bucket list.

As retirees enjoying travel we continue our road trip around Australia. We headed south west from Darwin, travelling towards Broome. After crossing the Northern Territory Border we entered the Kimberley. And, let me tell you, we entered the Kimberley with great excitement and anticipation.

The Kimberley is a sparsely populated, remote, rugged area. It is located in the top northern part of Western Australia. The Kimberley is renowned for magnificent landscapes and and unforgettable travel experiences.

The first place we visited in the Kimberley was Lake Argyle.

About Lake Argyle

We travelled to Lake Argyle along a good, sealed road. Lake Argyle is 78 km from Kununarra, and 510 km from Katherine (in the Northern Territory).

Lake Argyle was formed after the Ord River was dammed in 1972, as part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. It is the largest man-made lake in Australia, covering an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometers. Another way of putting it, Lake Argyle is said to be the more than twenty times larger than Sydney Harbour. It is massive!

Lake Argyle is estimated to be home to 25,000 fresh water crocodiles, over 26 species of native fish, and over 240 species of birds. And, yes, we did see a few fresh water crocs.

After all the arid country we have seen in recent months Lake Argyle was a visual delight.

Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park

The Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park refers to itself as the “Jewel of the Kimberley”. And we would not argue with this title. The jewels are the Infinity Pool, the spectacular surrounding scenery, and the very friendly and efficient staff.

The park has a restaurant, beer garden, general store, and all the usual amenities.

Accommodation options at the resort include self contained villas, ensuite cabins, studio rooms, and a large caravan park (grass and shade available).

We loved our stay at Lake Argyle. Here are the reasons we believe Lake Argyle is unforgettable.

Infinity Pool

The jewel in the crown of the Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park is the Infinity Pool. A tour guide told us that the Infinity Pool at Lake Argyle was voted as one of the top five sexy pools in Australia. I don’t know I would describe the pool a sexy. But, without exception, everyone raved about the beauty of the pool, with Lake Argyle as the scenic backdrop.

While the Infinity Pool looks empty in these photos, this is where people gathered. We were at Lake Argyle in May, and it was very hot. The temperature was usually 33 – 35 degrees. Therefore, everyone was in and out of the pool all day.

Kimbeley Durack Sunset Cruise

What a fun experience we enjoyed on this 3 1/2 hour sunset cruise. Firstly, we enjoyed the scenic cruise, with commentary, around a section of Argyle Lake. This lake is so massive. We only saw a tiny fraction of the Lake during the cruise.

Then, as the sun was setting, we enjoyed a swim stop in Lake Argyle. The water was a lovely 26 degrees. Complimentary beer, wine and nibbles were floated out to the passengers who chose to enjoy a swim. As retirees enjoying travel there was absolutely no  hesitation from us. We simply jumped in and enjoyed an unreal, fun experience.

Have a guess what? We were swimming as the sunset! Anyway, the colours at dusk, reflecting in the lake, were totally amazing.

Pannikin Bay Sunset Lookout

Drive 1.5km to the turnoff from the caravan park, then walk or drive (4WD) the 1.2km to the lookout. We intended to see the sunset at the Pannikin Bay Lookout. But, we forgot about the time change after crossing the Northern Territory Border. So, we were 1 ½ hours too early for the sunset. Even so, the views were spectacular.

St Georges Terrace – The Bluff Walk Trail

This is a 5km return walk. The trail grade is moderate. It took us about 2hrs to complete this walk. The trail takes you up to the lookout on the southern end of the Banangum Ridge. From the panoramic cliff top you gain exceptional views of Lake Argyle. There are also stunning views towards Pannikin Bay and, if you wish, you can choose to walk to the Durack Homestead Museum.

There is next to no shade on this walk, so we suggest you do an early morning walk to beat the heat. Also, wear lightweight long trousers , as the spinifex grass was scratchy against our legs.

Argyle Homestead Museum

This is the original Durack homestead, built on Argyle Downs. The original site of the homestead was flooded by Lake Argyle. The homestead was dismantled and rebuilt, exactly as it was, and is now a museum about the famous pastoralist family.

Each room in the house provides information about the pioneering Durack family. On one wall is the route of their  cattle drive from Cooper’s Creek, Queensland in 1879. They arrived in Argyle Downs, in the Kimberley, in 1882. They travelled 4,800km. This is the longest ever recorded cattle drive.  Amazing history. Driving through the Top End of Australia we appreciate what an amazing feat such a venture must have been.

We found the inside of the homestead lovely and cool, despite the temperature being 35 degrees. They certainly knew how to build a home suitable for the hot conditions.

Day trips from Kununurra

If you are staying in Kununurra,  we suggest you at least do a day tour.   Consider these great options:

• Best of the Ord Waterways Day Tour. We spoke to people who did this tour and they said it was fabulous.
• Travel out for the day on a bus tour
• Take a scenic flight

Other things to do at Lake Argyle

• Canoe ride
• Fishing
• Boating
• Bushwalking – there are more trails and lookouts to enjoy
• Mountain bike riding
• Take a helicopter flight over Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles.

As you can imagine, our Kimberley adventure was off to a great start. Greg was a happy man. The start of his Kimberley experience hadn’t let him down. Life in retirement is fabulous when we can enjoy such wonderful times, as we did at Lake Argyle.

We thoroughly enjoyed at time at Lake Argyle. So much so, that we would definitely return, if we were ever lucky enough to travel this way again. We highly recommend anyone planning a trip to the Kimberley to put Lake Argyle on their “must do” list.

Safe and happy travels

Cheers from Estelle and Greg -Retirees Enjoying Travel