Why Lake Argyle is a Must-Visit for Families
Lake Argyle - The Hidden Gem of Western Australia
As we officially left the Gibb River Road behind, we made our way toward the border of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Our destination? Lake Argyle. While it’s technically a reservoir created by the Ord River Dam in 1971, it has become a lush, vibrant paradise that feels completely wild.
With over 1,000 square kilometers of water and some 25,000 crocodiles, this was an adventure our kids will never forget!
A Pitstop in Kununurra
Before reaching the lake, we spent a few days in Kununurra, the biggest town in this part of the north. We stayed at the Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park, right on the edge of Lily Creek Lagoon. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream—we even saw an ibis snacking on a frog right outside our camper! It was the perfect place to “chillax” and prep the Broome and Beyond van for the next leg of our journey.
The Most Beautiful Infinity Pool in Australia
There is only one caravan park at Lake Argyle, but it happens to be on the best spot imaginable.
The View: The park features an infinity pool that overlooks the rugged cliffs and the vast blue water of the lake.
The Vibe: Gathering at the pool for sunset is a local tradition. Watching the sky turn orange over the reservoir while swimming is a world-class experience.
Exploring the Lake: Crocs, Wallabies, and Beer
We booked a 4-hour boat cruise to truly see what Lake Argyle is all about. It’s an investment, but worth it!
Crocodile Spotting: We visited “Croc Bay,” where we saw dozens of freshwater crocodiles sunbathing on the banks.
The Cutest Locals: We stopped at Banion Island to feed the Short-eared Rock Wallabies. These tiny, fluffy creatures are only found along the north coast, and they are absolutely adorable.
The “Crock” Swim: Despite the 25,000 crocodiles living in the lake, we ended our tour with a swim in the deep water. The crew assured us it was safe (freshies are generally shy!), and having a cold beer while floating in the middle of the lake was the ultimate “cheers” to our trip.
Practical Tips for Lake Argyle (2026)
Best Time to Visit: The absolute best time is during the Dry Season (May to September). The weather is perfect for swimming, the infinity pool is refreshing, and all boat tours are operational. In July (when we were there), the nights are comfortable and the days are sunny.
Distance to Darwin: Lake Argyle is very close to the Northern Territory border. It is about 450 km (7-hour drive) to Katherine and 760 km (9-hour drive) to Darwin.
Distance to Broome: If you drive via the Great Northern Highway (paved road), it is about 1,100 km (12-hour drive). If you take the adventurous Gibb River Road like we did, it takes much longer—but it’s worth every second!
Wildlife: Keep your camera ready for the Jabaru (Black-necked Stork) and the Australian Darter.
Booking: The Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park fills up fast because it’s the only one there—book ahead!
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