What is special about Lake Argyle?

With a surface area of over 1000 square kilometers and a shoreline stretching 900 kilometers, Lake Argyle is home to an estimated 30,000 freshwater crocodiles, 26 species of fish and 3 varieties of freshwater tortoise. The RAMSAR Wetland of International Significance is also a habitat to more than 270 bird species.

Does Lake Argyle have crocodiles?

Crocodiles. Although Lake Argyle is home to the world’s largest population of Johnston River Freshwater Crocodiles, these prehistoric creatures are timid and generally considered not dangerous to humans. The locals at Lake Argyle swim in these waters and respect that this is the Crocodiles’ natuaral habitat.

What is the biggest man made lake in Australia?

Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle is a majestic man made waterway, several times larger than Sydney Harbour. In fact, it is Australia’s second largest (Lake Gordon/Lake Pedder, Tasmania is the largest) artificial lake by area.

What is the water in Lake Argyle used for?

Irrigation
Water releases for hydropower generation are the largest releases from Lake Argyle. Irrigation is the primary consumptive use of water from Lake Argyle. The other main water benefit is for the lower Ord River, below the Kununurra Diversion Dam.

Is Lake Argyle worth visiting?

Really lovely scenery around the lake, well worth a visit. We stayed in the Caravan Park, the facilities at the resort were very good. Had a swim in the Infinity Pool and got some great pictures. We went on the 3 hour sunset cruise and it was very informative and enjoyable.

Can you drive around Lake Argyle?

The easiest way to visit Lake Argyle is to drive the sealed road from either the Northern Territory or the town of Kununurra. Other travel options include a scenic cruise up the magnificent Ord River from Kununurra, a scenic flight in a float plane from Kununurra or even a helicopter flight.

Are there sharks in Lake Argyle?

Clean freshwater awaits all solo, duo or quad teams, no sharks, no bluebottles, no ocean rips and no chafing, just a very pleasant 22 – 26 degrees in 980 square kilometres of lake to enjoy.

Are there any saltwater crocodiles in Lake Argyle?

Freshwater Crocodiles can only live in freshwater, whereas Saltwater Crocodiles (Estaurine Crocodiles – Crocodyllus Porosus) can survive in fresh or saltwater. Salties can survive in Lake Argyle and the occasional small one has been found entangled in fishermens’ nets, the largest being approximately 1.5 metres long!

Who owns Lake Argyle?

owner Charlie Sharpe
Lake Argyle Resort owner Charlie Sharpe said the prospect of finally having mobile coverage at the popular tourist spot was “huge” but had come after seven years of lobbying government.

Where does Lake Argyle get its water from?

The lake flooded large parts of the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley on the Kimberley Plateau about 80 kilometres (50 mi) inland from the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, close to the border with the Northern Territory. The primary inflow is the Ord River, while the Bow River and many other smaller creeks also flow into the dam.

Do you need 4wd for Lake Argyle?

You can get to Lake Argyle on 2wd. Also, Emma Gorge is all 2wd fine. From Emma Gorge you get the El Questro tour that takes you there and does their gorges which are amazing.

How many nights does Lake Argyle have?

Two nights
Two nights at Lake Argyle would be enough and a must do is the Lake Argyle cruise. Two nights in Kununurra would enable you to have a good look around, if you have time and the finances you can fly to Argyle Diamond mine or better still do a flight to the Mitchell Falls.

What is Argyle Lake State Park known for?

Known as a fisherman’s delight, Argyle Lake State Park has a full complement of recreational opportunities. Just 7 miles from Macomb, Argyle Lake also offers picnicking, camping, hiking and boating facilities in a scenic, natural setting.

Is Lake Argyle a man made lake?

Lake Argyle. The lake is a DIWA-listed wetland. as it is the largest lake in northern Australia and an excellent example of a man-made lake. Additionally Lake Argyle, along with Lake Kununurra, are recognised as a Ramsar protected wetlands and were listed in 1990 as Australian Site Number 32.

What is happening to Lake Argyle?

Higher areas have become permanent islands within the lake’s area . Lake Argyle, together with Lake Kununurra, is part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. There are currently some 150 square kilometres (58 sq mi) of farmland under irrigation in the East Kimberly region. The original plan was for dam water to irrigate rice crop for export to China.

Is Lake Argyle a protected wetlands?

The lake is a DIWA-listed wetland. Lake Argyle and Lake Kununurra were listed in 1990 as Ramsar Convention protected wetlands. The traditional owners are the Miriwoong Gajerrong peoples who have inhabited the area for thousands of years and knew the Ord river as Goonoonoorrang.