Lake Kununurra

Lake Kununurra is a 55 km long freshwater man-made reservoir located in the Ord River valley.

It was formed in 1963 by the construction of the Ord Diversion Dam in Kununurra, northern Western Australia. The purpose of the dam was to supply water to the Ord River Irrigation Area. Prior to the dam's construction, a natural permanent waterhole known as "Carlton Reach" was held back by the Bandicoot Bar. Lake Kununurra is connected to Lily Creek Lagoon and is home to freshwater crocodiles and 21 fish species. It is popular for recreational fishing and boating. The stable water levels in the lake and its associated wetlands have supported the development of fringing vegetation. Lake Kununurra is part of the Lakes Argyle and Kununurra Ramsar Site, which is a wetland system. In 2014, a saltwater crocodile was sighted in the lake, prompting efforts to catch it. Lake Kununurra is also recognized for its importance for wild birds, particularly estrildid finches. The Ord Diversion Dam has been declared a Historic Landmark of Agricultural Engineering and received an Engineering Heritage Marker from Engineers Australia.