You can stay by Australia’s most stunning infinity pool for $70 a night

Some swimming pools are purposefully designed for greatness and some are just naturally great. The infinity pool overlooking Lake Argyle in the East Kimberley is the latter. A desirable place to cool off in a region where daily temperatures regularly hit the high 30s, the clear, cool water is the initial drawcard, but once you’ve dived in and come up for air, the spectacular view of red Kimberley rock framing the massive Lake Argyle is breathtaking. The water is lovely, but it’s the view that takes the prize.

A pool/view combination this perfect never goes under the radar for long, and this swimming spot at Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is no different. In 2025 it picked up Travel + Leisure’s award for Australia’s best hotel pool, and since then, a resort spokesperson informs me, online searches have spiked.

And it’s not just about the visuals, this pool on the edge of Lake Argyle has something else that’s special. On social media the ultimate swimming pool image is often about $$$ – a statement that’s as much about exclusivity and access as it is about travel. But that’s not the case here. The pool is located in a place that sums up the quintessential laid-back Australian holiday: a campsite. And the price to experience this oasis as a day guest? $10.

Kununurra is a starting point for many people’s exploration of the Kimberley. Only 70 kilometres south of the town, Lake Argyle’s rugged backdrop and enormous catchment (about 21 times that of Sydney Harbour) makes it an irresistible place to stop and explore. Officially opened in 1972 as part of the Ord Irrigation Scheme, the man-made reservoir is Australia’s second-largest by volume. Although its creation permanently changed the Ord River (with consequent environmental impacts), it has now become an important wetland area recognised by the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty designed to protect and ensure the sustainable use of wetlands. That also means it’s a desirable destination for anyone who likes walking trails, water sports, boating or fishing.

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Lake Argyle is now home to an estimated 25,000 freshwater crocodiles (the “safe” ones) and 26 species of native fish, as well as waterbirds and much other wildlife. In a part of Australia that’s known for its ancient natural landscapes, this “unnatural” landscape has also become one of the region’s most beautiful holiday spots.

Perhaps that’s why on the day I visit the campsite, despite it being the start of high season, it’s almost deserted. Two people are snoozing under shadecloth by the pool, and there’s no-one in the water. Everyone else must be off exploring, hiking, or taking a cruise on the lake. My two companions and I swim to the edge of the infinity pool for the obligatory pic of ourselves with the lake as a backdrop, eyes squinting in the harsh sun, and then abandon thoughts of Insta-fame for the joy of cooling off with a view of one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. For the price of two coffees, I’ve just hit the travel jackpot. Next time I’m bringing the tent.

VISIT A day pass with access to the pool, change rooms, toilet and showers at Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is $10. For a longer stay, the resort offers unpowered and powered sites, and studio, one-, two- or four-bedroom cabins. Site facilities include a camp kitchen, laundry room, shared barbecues, a general store, and a restaurant with a beer garden. Unpowered sites from $70, cabins from $331. Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle, 525 Lake Argyle Road, Lake Argyle, Western Australia. See discoveryholidayparks.com.au

FLY Virgin Australia offers non-stop flights to East Kimberley Regional Airport (Kununurra Airport) from Perth or fly to Broome or Darwin from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and take a connecting flight with Air North to Kununurra. virginaustralia.com; airnorth.com.au

STAY Kununurra is an excellent base for exploring the East Kimberley, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range), the Ord River and the Gibb River Road. In town, don’t miss Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, which offers a range of art and culture tours, a gallery and exhibitions. visitkununurra.com

The writer visited Kununurra as a guest of Tourism Western Australia.

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