Thomas Family Road Trip: We're back!! Lake Argyle (10/5/12

Saturday 12 May 2012

We're back!! Lake Argyle (10/5/12 - 12/5/12)

In WA that is!

Once we crossed the border we drove another 40 kilometres to Lake Argyle. Once we were set up we had a lazy afternoon, which included a swim in the "best" caravan pool of our trip. A beautiful infinity pool with an amazing view. Then drinks and nibbles to watch the sunset. It was dark by 5.45! Given the time difference, the day dragged on.....

We spent Friday doing the tourist sites. A drive across the dam wall and visits to two lookouts reminded us of the massive size of Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle was created by damming the Ord River in the early 1970's and forms a storage reservoir for the Ord irrigation area. It is the largest man made lake in the southern hemisphere. At flood capacity it is estimated the lake would cover 2000 square kilometres. It also houses a hydro-electric plant that supplies power to Kununurra, Wyndham and the Argyle Diamond Mine. It is also home to 25,000 freshwater crocodiles.

Next stop, Argyle Homestead Museum, the former home of the Durack family, a prominent pioneering pastoral family. The original homestead, built in the 1880's was located at Argyle Downs Station, where Lake Argyle is now. The homestead was relocated to its present site when plans were made for Lake Argyle. The kids enjoyed seeing all the "old" things - including the 1837 piano, stove heated irons and a wooden ironing board.

From here we visited the spillway and then took two 4wd tracks - one to Dead Horse Spring and the other to Possnock Lookout, providing a great view of a different perspective of Lake Argyle.

A quiet afternoon and a final swim in the pool.

Next stop.....Kununurra.