Lake Argyle was created when the Ord River was dammed in the 1960s and it is now the largest fresh water storage area in Australia. The water volume of the lake is about 18 times larger than Sydney Harbour.

Lake Argyle has developed its own eco-system and native flora and fauna flourish in the water and on the islands of the lake.

Lakes Argyle and Kununurra together are classified as a Ramsar Wetland Site, which is included on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar in Iran in 1971 and is an intergovernmental treaty which provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

View the lake by air to truly appreciate its grandeur, or explore it by boat and experience the diverse wildlife of the area.

Argyle Downs Homestead is another highlight of the area, as it was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Argyle when the Ord River was dammed and reconstructed stone by stone. The homestead was originally built in 1884 by the Durack brothers who survived a two year journey from Queensland that involved mustering 2000 head of cattle across the top of the Australia.

The Argyle Downs Homestead is now one of Australia’s best historic examples of an early cattle station home.

Location: Lake Argyle is located 70 kilometres south of Kununurra.

Australia’s North West

Kununurra Visitor Centre