LAKE ARGYLE
Located 70km from
Kununurra by road, 55km from Kununurra created by the Ord River
Dam, itself located 72km south of Kununurra, Lake Argyle contains
12 times the water volume of Sydney Harbour, the original valley
peaks being transformed into raw, rugged islands of isolation. The
lake has developed its own eco systems and native flora and fauna
abound, both in the waters and on the many islands. Boat cruises on
the lake are the best way to experience the magnificent scenery and
wildlife of the area.
The Giant Beef
Industry in the Kimberley began when 'Patsy' Durack, with his two
brothers, made an epic two-year trek from Queensland, bringing
carts, wagons and 2,000 head of cattle. In 1884 they built a
Homestead, using natural stone boulders for the walls, Corrugated
Iron for the roof and flagstones for the paved
verandah.
In 1971, to
prevent this rare link with history being submerged by the rising
waters of Lake Argyle, it was dismantled and now stands,
reconstructed, at the Dam Head. Argyle Downs Homestead is one of
the best known and historic examples of early Station Homesteads in
the north-west of Australia.
Lake Argyle
offers a greater expanse of water from which steep red rocky slopes
reach up a hundred to a hundred and fifty metres, in awe-inspiring
grandeur.
The cache is a small
film canister with a log sheet however you will need to bring your
own pen.