Monday 15 May - Ord River

What was once considered a failed irrigation experiment when it was started up in the late 60s – Lake Argyle dam was finished in 1972; the original dam  - finished in 1963 creating Lake Kununurra – the Ord River Scheme is now a very successful producer of crops – melons, citrus, chia, chick peas and many other seasonal fruits which can be grown and rotated through the dry season. Sandalwood is another big industry but because of the long harvest time – 15-17 years – it is considered to be bad for the growth of the area.

Before heading to the Argyle Lake Dam we visited the reconstructed Durack Homestead which was lifted stone by stone, onto higher ground before the area was flooded.

This is the channel which was created for the outflow from Lake Argyle. As you can see there is a huge volume of water which is released and there's still plenty to go around

First glimpse of Lake Argyle. 91 times larger than Sydney Harbour!

The rebuilt Durack homestead

A pretty popular caravan park

... with an infinity pool overlooking the lake

Our cruise boat arriving

Our guide on the Ord River boat trip was very knowledgeable about the history and future of this massive scheme.

Jacana also known as Jesus bird, as it appears to walk on water

Rock wallabies sheltering from the heat

After about an hour and a half we pulled up at a purpose built picnic area for some afternoon tea.

Back on the river with the sun going down, some unparalleled vistas were spread ahead of us.

We took a diversion up a creek and saw a very different variety of vegetation – stem fruiting figs, wild cattle, green ants nests too.

As the name suggests, the fruit is growing straight out of the trunk and branches

Green ants nests

Back in the main channel the reflections on the undisturbed water were glorious. This is truly a spectacular part of this vast land.

As the sun set we saw more birds out seeking their evening meal.
- Australian darter
- Osprey
- Jacana – which abound on the river

This was a very magical day.