If you asked Lake Argyle Tour Operator Charlie Sharpe how he would describe his workplace, he'd tell you that it's one of those places that takes your breath away.
He says, "It's awe-inspiring. As a human you feel like you're just a grain of sand in this massive, wild landscape." The place Charlie describes is Lake Argyle, approximately 9 hours' drive east of Broome and 9 hours' drive from Darwin. Flying cuts that travel time down to less than two hours, but many guests prefer to drive in from the Katherine of the Northern Territory or the majestic landscapes of the Kimberley to Broome in the west.
It's this same sentiment that is shared across Western Australia – and not just for Lake Argyle, but so many other natural wonders too. You can look at it in a picture and see it in a video, but nothing can prepare you for just how beautiful and how majestic these larger-than-life locations truly are.
Charlie Sharp, Lake Argyle
"You just have to be in the landscape to be part of it," muses Charlie. "It's a huge, huge body of water in what's generally a fairly arid landscape. And you've got this massive, pristine freshwater lake dotted by islands up to 10km long."
Thinking about all the people he's shared this corner of WA with, Charlie can see what his dad saw back in the 1960s when he first arrived in the area. "Dad worked on the Kununurra diversion dam" explains Charlie. "What intrigued him the most was the diversity of the landscape, and once he met my mum, he thought there'd be no better place to raise a family."
Turns out he was right, with both Charlie and his brother growing up on Lake Argyle; spending their days exploring the bays and the chasing massive flocks of birdlife that populate the area. It's these experiences Charlie credits with instilling in him a huge respect for the landscape.
Lake Argyle, near Kununurra
And while a young Charlie was only beginning to recognise how special this place was, his dad could already see its potential. "Dad had a vision of what Lake Argyle could be, a true tourism icon." says Charlie. "I have no doubt in my mind that in 20- or 30-years Lake Argyle is going to be up there with Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. It's just such a unique, stunning attraction."
Before turning his dad's dream into a realty, Charlie did what most young adults do: travel. "It just wasn't the right time – I was young and wanted to travel the world and see what else was out there." 20 years later, the call of Lake Argyle was too strong and Charlie found himself back home.
In line with his dad's dream, Charlie has gone to great lengths to make the experience of those who visit him something they won't soon forget. Taking people out on the lake and the Ord River, he says the reactions he sees makes all the effort worth it, "95% of people who go out on Lake Argyle are just blown away. They have this really profound experience." And who could blame them, with every day on Lake Argyle serving up something different, from the cloud formations to the sunsets – even the water conditions.
Lake Argyle, near Kununurra
"It's one of those places when you come to the Kimberley as a visitor, it does help you find yourself. You suddenly realise what's important in life and what's not," says Charlie.
It's funny how many of those who make the trip up this way do so in search of the dramatic views of the landscape, but what they find is much greater: a perspective on their own life. If you'd like to take a journey that's equal parts nature and spirituality, you might like to put the The Kimberley Wilderness Loop road trip in your itinerary.
Beginning in Broome, this seven-day trip will see you explore the amazing Cable Beach and fabled Fitzroy Crossing in the first two days. On day three and four you'll find yourself in Geikie Gorge National Park where you can join the local Bunuba people for an insight river cruise, followed by Mimbi Caves filled with ancient rock art.
If snapping a photo of yourself next to the world's second largest meteorite crater would look great in your Instagram feed, you'll love day five. From Halls Creek you'll head to Wolfe Creek Crater and the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park – home to the Bungle Bungle Range.
On day six, you'll find more photo opportunities at the 350-million year old Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm – so make sure your phone is fully charged! Then on day seven, it's time do a bit of reflection (inside and out) with Charlie from Lake Argyle cruises before bringing your spiritual journey to a close in Kununurra.
Published June 2020.