Meet the site
The Durack family established Argyle Downs homestead on the Behn River in 1885; at its peak, the Duracks' holdings approached the size of Belgium. When the Ord River Dam flooded the valley in 1971, the main residence was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground (now a museum), but the outbuildings and machinery were left to the water.
Divingwawrecks documents a windmill and water tower structure (the 'tripod'), large sheds, a generator shed, power lines, tractors, Land Cruisers and petrol bowsers spread across at least 100 x 100 m. Depth is up to 17.5 m when the dam is at 100% capacity and as little as 6 m late in the dry season. Visibility is typically about 2 m, dropping below 20 cm deeper than 15 m where fine silt hangs. Large schools of fork-tailed catfish replace the reef fish of the coast.
About Lake Argyle: the lake was created when the Ord River Dam was completed in 1971–72, flooding the Durack family's Argyle Downs station. When full it holds about 10.7 billion cubic metres — more than 18 times Sydney Harbour — and has more than 70 islands. The lakebed is very fine silt that is easily disturbed and slow to settle, so perfect buoyancy is essential, and divers should use lines or stay in contact with structures. Johnston River (freshwater) crocodiles are common along the shores but timid; saltwater crocodiles are not expected in the lake. It is a genuinely unusual Australian dive — a drowned outback station — best suited to experienced, self-reliant divers.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Argyle Downs Homestead (Lake Argyle) is recorded as Freshwater Lake/River in Broome & Kimberley. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Argyle Downs Homestead (Lake Argyle) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Argyle Downs Homestead (Lake Argyle) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Fork-tailed catfish (schools), freshwater fish, freshwater crocodiles (shoreline, rarely mid-lake)
Location
Drowned outbuildings, windmill tower and vehicles of the Durack family's Argyle Downs station, submerged in 1971 by Lake Argyle; 6–17.5 m depending on lake level.
Facilities nearby
Lake Argyle Resort (Pannikin Bay): boat ramp, caravan park, infinity pool, café, fuel. No air fills – bring filled cylinders from elsewhere.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
divingwawrecks.compilbaradiveandtours.com.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.