Northern Western Australia has often been called “The Last Wilderness” in Australia with minimal population and infrastructure to support whoever might be in the area. Back in the 1960s the Western Australia Government recognised this but decided rather to abandon it, to recognise the potential of the area. Large expanses of land that seemed suitable for cultivation could be cultivated but some investment was required.
The Ord River Irrigation Scheme was created to develop the Kimberley region but crucial to that scheme was the construction of Lake Argyle. It can cover an area of over 2,000 sq/km and hold 35m Megalitres of water during flooding. This size is the equivalent of 2 x Hong Kongs! At a cost of $24m the Lake and associated dam wall was opened in 1971. It’s been very apparent that Australia is very keen to celebrate and acknowledge the construction of infrastructure – something that perhaps should be done back home a bit more?
The water can now be used for irrigation in the Ord River catchment but has at the impact of the flora and fauna within the same space. Many different crops can now be grown stabilising the local economy and leading to the development of the towns of Kununurra and Wyndham several kms to the west.
The dam wall and the surrounding hills not to mention the lake itself also provides a secondary function to lure tourists. Scenic flights and cruises are run from the Lake Argyle Tourist Village (read Caravan Park) but there’s loads of walks and drives that you can undertake self-guided.
Whilst under our own steam we managed a bit of fishing with even Amber having a go and I actually caught something. No idea what, and it freaked the hell out of me when it actually landed, but decided to throw it back..
Within moments of arriving at the Caravan Park, we decided to stay another night..
can you guess why?
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