There are a few major infrastructure projects in Australia that really stand out as incredible, and Lake Argyle Dam would be sitting up pretty high in that list.  Completed in 1971, at normal supply level the area of the Lake formed by the Ord River Dam is approximately 1000 square kilometres!! that’s over 18 times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour.  A scenic flight with HeliSpirit gave an awesome perspective, not just of the lake region, but also through rugged beauty of the Carr Boyd Ranges.  The Kimberley abounds in spectacular sights!

The dam forms the backbone to the Ord River Irrigation Project, supplying water for an intensive agricultural development in the Kununurra region.  Today, Lake Argyle is a popular tourist destination offering a relaxed environment in a very picturesque setting at the Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park, complete with restaurant and bar and even a well positioned infinity pool, overlooking the lake.

The ‘sand pit’ was a very unusual feature in the Carr Boyd Ranges.  It is a small area of eroded sand at the base of a outcrop of rocks very similar to the Bungle Bungles.  I’d love to know the reason behind this very localised deposit of sand… but for the moment I’ll just admire its beauty as an oddity of nature!

A visit to the Durack family homestead museum is a great way to get a glimpse into the history of the area and learn about the courageous endeavours of the pioneering families.  There are a couple of walking tracks leading to spectacular viewing points over the lake and a drive or walk to the dam wall is well worth the effort and provides some information about the Ord River Dam and Irrigation project.  Boat cruises on the lake or a scenic flight are both popular ways to explore and learn about the area.

Lake Argyle may be a pivotal factor in planning future development of Northern Australia, and there is certainly a lot of economic development potential and natural beauty on offer.