Lessons in local crafts and customs on the banks of the Murray River
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Boss at iconic Australian resort reveals his one hiring rule
At one of Australia's most jaw-dropping remote resorts, landing a job might come down to a single question: would the boss have a beer with you? It sounds like a joke, but Leigh Curnow, the General Manager of Discovery Resorts Lake Argyle, is actually dead serious. 'I'd promote them if I'd have a beer with them,' he told 'Obviously they need the right qualifications, but personality is everything. That's what guests remember.' And guests are remembering. Tucked away in WA's East Kimberley, Lake Argyle isn't just off the beaten track, it's the destination. Ten hours from the nearest city, it's not the kind of place you stumble upon on your way somewhere else. You come because you've heard the hype. While the lake itself – a glimmering, seemingly endless expanse of water surrounded by burnt orange cliffs – steals the show, it's the human touches that set the place apart. The staff are warm and know how to make you feel at home, even when you're hundreds of kilometres from the closest Woolies. But you shouldn't be fooled by the remote, dusty location. Discovery Resorts Lake Argyle is far more than camping chairs and caravans. Its luxurious cliffside cabins are perched right on the edge of the escarpment and come with plush beds, polished interiors, and even Dyson vacuums on the wall. Mr Curnow said they were one part of the resort's more recent focus on delivering a world class luxury offering for the creature-comfort travellers. 'People who live in that middle-to-upper-class lifestyle expect a certain standard when they travel,' he said. 'Especially when they're paying $550 a night. They want to see those quality touches. It shows we care.' That attention to detail has only grown since the suites were introduced about five years ago under a $100 million injection into the Discovery Parks network. Now freshly refurbished, at a cost of about $2 million, and styled to perfection, the resort is planning to expand the offering to include more cliffside suites, including a fully accessible option. But what do guests get up to when they're not drinking in the stunning scenery? Bushwalks, birdwatching, stargazing, or just kicking back with a glass of wine. You could sit outside for hours and feel like you're watching a live painting as the cliffs change colour throughout the day. 'No two sunsets are the same,' Mr Curnow said. 'It never gets old.' Then there's the lake itself. Enormous, mostly lawless, and full of surprises. From houseboating locals who live on the water with their dogs, to the boat tours run by cheeky skippers, it's the kind of place where every turn offers a new story and a dazzling photo opp. And if you're a foodie, you'll be sorted soon too. A new cliffside dining experience is launching next year, offering a premium sit-down option to up to 40 guests on select evenings. Mr Curnow didn't mince his words in summarising what the chef would be bringing to the table. 'The food is sh*t hot,' he said. It's yet another way the resort is levelling up, without losing its laid-back charm. That balance between outback authenticity and high-end luxury is exactly why Lake Argyle is drawing a broader mix of guests than ever before. Families, couples, grey nomads with poodles in tow, and international travellers willing to go the extra mile (or thousand) for something unforgettable. Mr Curnow said the most spectacular time to visit the East Kimberly was between June and August, but suggested March to May or September to November for smaller crowds and slightly friendlier prices. He's quick to credit the staff for the resort's success. From the tour guides to the housekeepers, every member of the team plays a role in what makes the place special. 'They're the experience,' he said. 'And we try to hire people who just get it, who can talk to anyone, keep it relaxed, and genuinely care.' Whether you're travelling for views, vibes, or the chance to meet some charming people to share a coldie with, Discovery Parks Resorts Lake Argyle is calling. This writer visited Discovery Resorts Lake Argyle as a guest of G'day Group and Discovery Parks
