Information for tourism operators and industry stakeholders
The Ningaloo region and parts of the wider Coral Coast have been impacted by Cyclone Narelle, resulting in damage to infrastructure, tourism assets, and the natural environment. Our thoughts are with members, operators, staff, and communities affected.
Australia’s Coral Coast is working closely with government, industry partners, and local stakeholders to support recovery efforts and ensure accurate, consistent information is shared across the visitor economy.
Last updated: 30/04/26
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Ningaloo is open and welcoming visitors.
Access to the region has been restored, with roads opening and flights into Learmonth Airport operating, providing renewed confidence for travel to the region.
Our continued message to travellers with plans in the coming weeks is to continue to plan with confidence, and those considering a visit can take reassurance that Ningaloo is reopening steadily, with many tours, experiences and marine activities already available.
While accommodation capacity remains limited in some areas, forward planning and early bookings are being strongly encouraged.
Recent whale shark sightings and active marine life across the reef reinforce that the core Ningaloo experience remains exceptional, with conditions supporting both visitor experiences and operator activity.
Although some areas continue to recover and conditions may vary, there is a significant opportunity for visitors to explore the Coral Coast Highway now.
By choosing to travel, visitors are directly supporting local tourism businesses and regional communities as recovery continues.
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Financial assistance is available to support households and businesses impacted by Cyclone Narelle, as part of the State Government recovery response.
Announced on April 12th, the state government released new support packages for businesses affected by Cyclone Narelle.
Administered by Tourism WA, the Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package includes:
Further information on these packages will be provided here on the Tourism WA website as details are finalised.
The Gascoyne Development Commision have also funded the Cyclone Narelle Recovery Portal.
Through the portal, businesses can:
ACCESS the Cyclone Narelle Recovery Portal here.
Additional Assistance Available:
Further financial assistance and recovery support is available through the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
▪️Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package - Apply here.
▪️Premiers Natural Disaster Recovery Fund
▪️Premier’s Relief Payment
▪️Disaster Recovery Allowance
▪️Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
▪️Qantas Regional Grants
All assistance measures are administered by the DFES State Recovery team.
Applications, eligibility criteria and the latest recovery updates are available at: https://recovery.dfes.wa.gov.a...
Fuel supply remains stable across the Coral Coast; however, availability and pricing may fluctuate in regional areas during the recovery period.
Members and travellers are encouraged to stay informed:
We recognise that fuel availability and pricing remain an ongoing barrier for visitation. Australia’s Coral Coast is in regular communication with industry stakeholders and the State Government regarding these issues.
Members experiencing loss of income or cancellations related to fuel supply or pricing are encouraged to share this information with us, as we continue to document impacts across the region and advocate on behalf of the industry.
For the most up‑to‑date information, refer to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Parks and Wildlife) website.
Current closures include:
Reopened:
Members are encouraged to regularly monitor the following official channels:
Consumer‑facing travel updates are available on our latest Ningaloo Travel Updates page.
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If you require assistance, clarification, or would like to share operational updates with our team, please contact Australia’s Coral Coast directly.
Thank you for your continued collaboration, resilience, and support of the Coral Coast community during recovery from Cyclone Narelle.