In short
- Lake cruises focus on open water, island scenery, and swimming.
- Ord River trips offer fast-boat cruising through steep gorge country.
- You can combine both in one day using a coach-and-cruise package.
In this article
The Ord River was dammed to create Lake Argyle in 1971. This means you have two very different bodies of water right next to each other. The lake acts like a colossal inland sea. The river below the dam cuts through deep rocky gorges. Here is how the tours compare.
What is a Lake Argyle cruise like?
Lake cruises focus on the vast, open expanses of the 703-square-kilometer reservoir.
You will slowly navigate around some of the 90 islands that dot the water. These islands were once the peaks of the Carr Boyd Ranges before the valley flooded. Sunset lake cruises frequently let you jump into the fresh water for a swim. They often provide floating pool noodles and a complimentary drink while you watch the sky change color.
What is an Ord River cruise like?
Ord River trips are fast-paced journeys through dramatic gorge country.
These tours travel the 70 kilometers between Kununurra and the Lake Argyle dam wall. You speed down Lake Kununurra in a specialized fast boat. The scenery features steep cliffs on either side. These trips also focus heavily on spotting birds and local wildlife along the riverbanks.
Lake Argyle cruise vs Ord River cruise: Key differences
The main difference is the style of water and the pace of the boat.
The lake feels like a massive open ocean. The river is narrow and bounded by rock walls. Lake trips encourage swimming in the middle of the water. River trips keep you on the boat to view the scenery at high speeds.
Can I swim on these cruises?
You can only swim on the Lake Argyle cruises.
Lake tours frequently stop in the middle of the water so passengers can swim. You will share the lake with over 25,000 freshwater crocodiles, but they are timid and considered safe to swim near. You cannot swim on the Ord River tours.
Which tour is best for a tight schedule?
A combined coach and cruise tour works best if you only have one day.
Many operators run round-trip packages from Kununurra. You can ride a coach one way and cruise the river the other way. This allows you to see the Lake Argyle dam wall and the river gorges in a single six-hour block. You can read more about travel times in our Driving Info guide.
How much do they cost?
Lake cruises usually cost between $90 and $225 per adult. Ord River tours start around $183.
Prices change based on the duration and the specific inclusions. A sunset lake cruise might include beer, wine, and snacks. An Ord River day trip often bundles coach transfers from Kununurra and a riverside lunch or afternoon tea.
Questions travellers ask
Do saltwater crocodiles live in Lake Argyle?
No, the lake is home to over 25,000 freshwater crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles can be found below the dam in the Ord River. You should always observe warning signs in that area.
Can I access the infinity pool if I book an Ord River cruise?
Some bus-and-boat combination tours visit the Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle holiday park. If you have free time there, you can purchase a day pass for around $10 per adult to swim in the 35-metre cliffside infinity pool.
Where do the Ord River cruises depart from?
Tours typically provide coach pickups from your accommodation in Kununurra. They operate on the water between the Diversion Dam in Kununurra and the Ord Top Dam at Lake Argyle.