Western Australia · Attraction
Lake Argyle
Kimberley's vast inland sea
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Lake Argyle is Western Australia's largest freshwater reservoir and one of Australia's largest man-made lakes by volume, holding roughly 21 times the water of Sydney Harbour. Formed by the Ord River Dam completed in 1972, the lake stretches across a dramatic landscape of red ridges and islands 70 km south of Kununurra. It is home to an estimated 30,000 freshwater crocodiles along with abundant birdlife and fish.
The lake was created to support the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, one of Australia's most ambitious agricultural projects. The original Argyle Homestead, home to the pioneering Durack family, was relocated before the valley flooded and can still be visited near the dam wall. Today the lake draws travellers for its extraordinary scale, vivid sunsets reflecting off red escarpments, and the chance to swim in designated safe sections.
Cruises depart from the lakeside resort, offering morning, lunch, and sunset options that wind through bays and island clusters. Wildlife spotting is a highlight, with freshwater crocodiles basking on rocks, ospreys nesting on clifftops, and large gatherings of flying foxes at dusk. The dry season runs April to September and is the best time to visit.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Lake Argyle.
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