Lake Argyle Cruises – A Sunset Swim In The Lake
Last time we took in the sights around Lake Argyle and caught up with our mate Len. This time we go for a cruise on the lake with Lake Argyle Cruises.
An Exciting Surprise
Len had spoken his mate Greg (a tour operator) and organised a Sunset Magic Cruise for the four of us, with Lake Argyle Cruises. What a gentleman!
So Bertha The Bus duly arrived at the campground to shuttle us down to the lake. Bertha is an old government bus from Sydney, living out her twilight years at Lake Argyle. Maybe she’s the bus equivalent of a grey nomad…
Once you get on the lake, you realise just how enormous Lake Argyle really is. Those 70km x 30km stats become real once you get on the water.
And it’s so peaceful! On a calm day, the surface of the water is like glass.
Lake Argyle has dozens of small islands, formed when the area was flooded. Our trusty captain steered us around the edges of some of these islands and pointed out wildlife.
Teeming With Wildlife
Freshwater crocodiles dominate, hanging out on what seemed like every shoreline. With estimates of over 25,000 of these living in the lake, it’s hardly surprising.
Tiny short eared rock wallabies, euros that have adapted to eating the plants washed up on the shoreline, a nesting jabiru, every species of bird imaginable and zillions of fish. In fact, almost one third of Australia’s bird species call Lake Argyle home. No wonder Lake Argyle is a RAMSAR Wetland of International Significance.
This place is paradise if you like fishing. It’s teeming with over 15 species of freshwater fish. This is why the freshwater crocs look so content…
Speaking of fish, there are 7 commercial fishing licences, but only one was operating when we were there. Len was telling us about the bloke who has the fishing licence. Originally a whaler from Albany, he had never had any mishaps on the water until Lake Argyle.
This bloke was fishing in the dry season, so the lake was quite low. He hit a submerged rock, the boat sank and he swam to an island. He was marooned on the island for 3 days until finally rescued.
When you look at the surrounded terrain, it’s easy to imagine how many rocky outcrops must be lurking just below the surface
Swimming In The Lake
As dusk approached, our fearless captain shut the motor off and we glided silently for a while… one of those times when everyone stops talking and takes in the atmosphere.
We glided to a stop and watched the sun set over the ranges. With drinks and nibblies supplied by Lake Argyle Cruises and the opportunity to jump in the water and float around on the lake, life really couldn’t get much better!
Of course, the kids dived in and spent ages just floating around in the warm waters of Lake Argyle.
We had been spoiled with endless magnificent sunsets on our travels, but this one was a stand-out. Incredible shades of red, purple and pink reflected off the glassy lake and left everyone in awe of the beauty of this place.
It really is surreal on Lake Argyle. After driving across the Gibb River Road and observing the endless ancient mountains, it feels strange to be actually floating amongst them. It almost feels like you’re flying.
Thanks again to Lake Argyle Cruises for an unforgettable experience and to Len for organising it. We’ll be back soon… Lake Argyle gets under your skin and draws you back.
TourRadar offer a great range of deals on cruises and tours in and around Lake Argyle.
Next time: A compilation of Charlie’s awesome photos around and on Lake Argyle.
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Any errors or omissions are mine alone.
Note: We are not affiliated with Lake Argyle Cruises in any way. This is an honest reflection of our experiences with this company.
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