Australia’s Coral Coast

The Coral Coast region has recently been impacted by Cyclone Narelle, with the most significant impacts experienced across the Ningaloo area, particularly Exmouth and Coral Bay. Our thoughts are with the communities, local operators, and wildlife affected.

While some areas have experienced considerable disruption, many parts of the Coral Coast remain open and welcoming visitors. We are working closely with local stakeholders to support recovery and provide clear, up-to-date information for travellers.

This page provides the latest updates to assist with planning, safety, and decision-making. Conditions may change, so we strongly encourage travellers to check this page regularly and consult official sources before travelling.

Lastest update: 01/04/26

Key Travel Message

If you have plans to visit the Ningaloo region in the coming weeks, we recommend holding off on cancelling while the situation continues to be assessed. Local operators are making strong progress in restoring services, and many businesses remain ready to welcome visitors safely as soon as possible. Continuing to plan your trip and support local operators will play a key role in helping the region recover.

We will continue to share updates through this page and social channels and work alongside tourism bodies and local operators to ensure timely information and support is available.

Travelling by ROAD

Road conditions across the Coral Coast are subject to change due to flooding and cyclone-related damage.

Main Roads WA Travel Map is the most reliable source for real‑time road conditions and closures

Next update 9AM Tomorrow (02/04/2026)

Current road closures include:

  • North West Coastal Highway from Blowholes Road to Nanutarra Roadhouse
  • Minilya Exmouth Rd From North West Coastal Highway intersection to Exmouth
  • Coral Bay Road from the Minilya–Exmouth Road intersection to Coral Bay
  • Burkett Road from Exmouth Road to the North West Coastal Highway

Open with caution:

  • North West Coastal Highway from Robinson St to 9 Mile Bridge Carnarvon
  • North West Coastal Hwy from Shark Bay Rd to Carnarvon
  • North West Coastal Hwy from Shark Bay Rd to Eliza Shaw Dr, Geraldton
  • Geraldton Mt Magnet Rd from Geraldton to Great Northern Highway

Travelling by Air

  • Learmonth Airport is currently closed due to damage to the runway and terminal facilities caused by the cyclone.
  • There is currently no air access for tourists into Exmouth.

Travellers are advised to monitor airline communications and official airport updates for reopening timelines.

Fuel Availability

  • Fuel supply continues across Western Australia, however availability and pricing may fluctuate in regional areas during recovery.
  • Stay informed via the Fuel Watch website or app
  • Coral Coast (region-wide) Fuel Updates can be found here.

Please note: We acknowledge the current stress on fuel supply and pricing and appreciate travellers planning carefully and refuelling responsibly.

EV Charging

If you require electric vehicle charging stations, available sites can be found:

Please note that charger availability or condition may not be reflected immediately following severe weather.
For assistance and the latest updates, contact the Chargefox support line: 1300 518 038.

National Park Closures

Several parks across the Coral Coast are currently closed for safety reasons and to allow for damage assessments and recovery works.

For the most up‑to‑date information, visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Parks and Wildlife) website.

Current closures include:

Reopened (31/03/26):

We ask travellers to respect all closures, signage, and exclusion zones to support safe recovery for both people and wildlife.

DBCA National Park Update

Cape Range National Park, Nyinggulara National Park (ex-Ningaloo Station), Nyinggulu Coastal Reserves (Warroora Coast) and Ningaloo Marine Park will be closed until April 27 (*Subject to change). Cape Range National Park will be opened for limited day use by local residents only.

DBCA is working to open Bills Bay in Coral Bay for day use by Saturday, April 4.

Accommodation & Tours

We are continuing to gather updates from operators across the region.

  • Please contact your accommodation or tour provider directly before travelling
  • If affected by closures, consider postponing or rebooking rather than cancelling
  • Conditions vary by location and operator

Visitor Centres across the Coral Coast can assist with updates and changes to travel plans.

Stay Informed

Conditions can change quickly following a cyclone. We recommend checking the following regularly:

Shire / Town Updates

EXMOUTH >

CARNARVON >

As of Tuesday, 31 March, the North West Coastal Highway has reopened from the south into Carnarvon.
Following Cyclone Narelle, our community has worked incredibly hard to clean up and get the town ready. While there are still impacts across our pastoral stations and parts of the horticultural district due to flooding, the Carnarvon town centre is cleaned up and very much open, ready to welcome visitors.

UPPER GASCOYNE >

SHARK BAY >

SHARK BAY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Shark Bay is open for business and we warmly welcome all visitors to our region.

We’d like to provide an update regarding the current fuel situation. At present, fuel is available locally; however, supply is being managed on a day-by-day basis. As such, we are unable to offer guarantees or predictions about availability beyond today.

Local fuel outlets are operating with the same limited visibility and are unable to provide forward guidance or predictions on local fuel stocks.

To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, we encourage travellers to arrive as self-sufficient as possible, including planning for potential intermittent fuel shortages. The nearest alternative fuel stop is the Overlander Roadhouse, approximately 130km from Shark Bay.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and look forward to welcoming you to experience everything Shark Bay has to offer.

For more information on roads, please see:

Mainroads Travel Map | Shire of Shark Bay Road Conditions | National Parks Alerts

KALBARRI >

KALBARRI OPEN AND OPERATING AS NORMAL

Kalbarri is open and operating as normal.

The town, coastline and visitor experiences were not impacted by recent weather, and we continue to welcome visitors to the region. The Kalbarri Visitor Centre is open daily over the Easter period, before returning to six days a week.

Our team is available for local advice, bookings and up-to-date information to support your stay. Information is also available via the Kalbarri Visitor Centre website: www.kalbarri.org.au

Fuel is available in Kalbarri; however, as with many parts of the Coral Coast, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead and refuel where possible when travelling longer distances or heading inland.
We look forward to welcoming you

Main Roads Western Australia TRAVEL MAP | WA Parks & Wildlife Services Alerts

Community & Wildlife Support Resources

We recognise the impact this cyclone has had on wildlife and the fragile ecosystems of the Ningaloo Coast.

If you would like to support recovery efforts:

If you encounter injured wildlife:

  • Do not attempt rescue unless trained
  • Contact local wildlife carers or authorities immediately

The Exmouth Chamber of Commerce also has a fundraiser for the community available here.

Travel with care

  • Avoid damaged areas
  • Respect closures and signage
  • Support open businesses
  • Be patient with staff and services