Ord River

The Ord River is the lifeblood of the Kimberley region in Western Australia, a mighty watercourse that has carved dramatic gorges and created vast irrigation areas. Its waters, held back by the massive Ord River Dam, form the stunning Lake Argyle, an inland sea of extraordinary beauty. This is a place of immense scale and raw nature, where boat cruises reveal ancient rock formations, abundant birdlife, and a landscape that shifts from rugged cliffs to verdant farmland.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Argyle: Australia's second-largest artificial lake, with crystal-clear waters ideal for cruising, kayaking, and spotting freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and over 260 bird species.
• Ord River Dam: An engineering marvel; the dam wall itself offers panoramic views of the lake and the downstream river valley.
• Boat Cruises: Sunset cruises on Lake Argyle or scenic trips along the Ord River Gorge, navigating through ancient sandstone cliffs and past Aboriginal rock art sites.
• Kununurra: The nearby town serves as the gateway, with artist studios, the famous Hoochery distillery, and the sprawling Sandalwood plantation.
• Molly Springs: A natural spring-fed pool on the Ord River, perfect for a refreshing swim surrounded by pandanus palms.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to experience the highlights: a morning cruise on Lake Argyle (including a stop at the dam), followed by an afternoon exploring Kununurra's attractions. For a deeper experience, stay two nights in Kununurra to combine a river cruise with a self-drive to the nearby Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) or a scenic flight over the lake and the Argyle Diamond Mine.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range): The iconic beehive-shaped domes are a must-see, accessible by 4WD or scenic flight from Kununurra.
• El Questro Wilderness Park: A million-acre station with dramatic gorges, hot springs, and luxury accommodation, about 1.5 hours' drive west.
• Wyndham: Historic port town with the famous Five Rivers Lookout, offering sweeping views of the Kimberley coastline.
• Argyle Diamond Mine: Although no longer in operation, the site and its legacy can be explored via guided tours from Kununurra (seasonal).
• Keep River National Park: Just across the border in the Northern Territory, this park features striking sandstone formations and Aboriginal rock art.

Please check official sources for current details.