Meet the site
Pilbara Dive and Tours lists a submerged airstrip and airport buildings from the dam-construction era in Pannikin Bay, close to the resort boat ramp. No depth or layout information is published.
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.
Planning notes: Advanced Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated advanced. Expect to spend most of the dive around 8 m, with a maximum of about 15 m. Access is by boat only, and site selection depends on wind, swell and tide on the day. Best season: May–October (dry season). Traffic: rarely dived (private boat/club only).
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pannikin Bay Airstrip (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 Pannikin Bay Airstrip (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 Pannikin Bay Airstrip (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
Freshwater fish, catfish
Location
Submerged airstrip and airport buildings from the Ord River Dam construction era in Pannikin Bay, Lake Argyle.
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
pilbaradiveandtours.com.audivingwawrecks.comdivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.