Ningaloo Travel Updates
The Coral Coast region has recently been impacted by Cyclone Narelle, with the most significant impacts experienced across the Ningaloo area, including 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: 20/04/26
Key Travel Message
Ningaloo is open and welcoming visitors, with access to the region restored and flights into Learmonth now operating.If you have plans to visit in the coming weeks, we encourage you to continue your travel with confidence. For those considering a trip, now is a great time to experience the region as it reopens, with many tours and experiences already available.
Accommodation is currently limited in some areas, so we encourage travellers to plan ahead and book early where possible.
Whale sharks have been sighted, and marine life across the reef is active, providing confidence that the Ningaloo experience remains as incredible as ever.
While some areas are still recovering and conditions may vary, there is so much to explore across Ningaloo right now, from the reef to the range and beyond.
By choosing to travel, you are directly supporting local businesses and communities as they move forward.
For the latest updates, we recommend checking this page regularly and confirming details with your accommodation or tour provider before travelling.
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.
Latest update (10/04/26): All roads in the Coral Coast are open. You can now access both Coral Bay and Exmouth from Carnarvon via the North West Highway and Minilya Exmouth Rd.
*Note: These roads are open with caution - please adhere to current road conditions and changes. .
Local road condition reports:
Travelling by Air
- Learmonth Airport has reopened.
- Qantas flights to Learmonth Airport (for Exmouth) have resumed with passenger screening for regular services approved by the federal Department of Home Affairs.
Travellers are advised to monitor airline communications and official airport updates for reopening timelines or flight options. It is encouraged that you do not travel to Ningaloo without your accommodation confirmed.
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:
- On the Synergy interactive map
- Via the Chargefox app
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:
- Kennedy Range National Park (estimated to reopen April 22)
- Depot Hill Nature Reserve
- The Loop Walk (Kalbarri National Park) - Visitors may walk the trail up to the 3km mark but must turn around at that point and return by the same route.
Reopened:
- Ningaloo Coastline - (Nyinggulara National Park & Warroora Station)
- Ningaloo Marine Park - all public and commercial moorings have been assessed and are now available for use.
- Cape Range National Park - campgrounds remain closed
We ask travellers to respect all closures, signage, and exclusion zones to support safe recovery for both people and wildlife.
DBCA National Park Update (07/04/26)
Currently, many sites and campgrounds along the Ningaloo Coast are unsafe for visitors. Due to this, parks will be closed over the Easter period and until Monday 27 April, at this stage, linked to the broader closure of Exmouth.
Ningaloo Marine Park remains open and accessible for commercial tour operators.
Cape Range National Park will be opened for day use by local residents.
However, access is limited, park infrastructure is unusable and Milyering Discovery Centre remains closed.
Accommodation & Tours
We are continuing to gather updates from operators across the region.
- Please contact your accommodation or tour provider directly before travelling
- Conditions vary by location and operator
CORAL BAY:
Coral Bay Peoples Park and Ningaloo Coral Bay - Bayview are both open and ready to welcome guests these school holidays.
EXMOUTH:
Accommodation in Exmouth is currently limited, with some providers operating at reduced capacity and others remaining closed for ongoing repairs. Visitors are encouraged to confirm accommodation arrangements prior to travelling.
Currently open: Exmouth Escape Resort, Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth, Warroora Station, Exmouth Camper Hire, and Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef.
Currently closed: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort (estimated June reopening), RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park (estimated June reopening), Bullara Station (estimated May reopening), and Cape Range National Park Campgrounds (estimated April 27 reopening).
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
10/04/26: Exmouth has reopened following tropical cyclone Narelle.
Our community and coastline have recovered remarkably quickly, and we are grateful for the resilience, support, and ongoing recovery efforts throughout the region.
As businesses and accommodation providers continue to navigate the stages of reopening, we kindly ask visitors to plan ahead and secure accommodation before travelling.
If you are planning to visit the region but are unable to secure accommodation at your previously planned date we remind you that the best time of year to visit Exmouth is only just beginning, choosing to reschedule instead of cancelling helps the region continue to open in a staged and sustainable approach whilst maintaining the ability to provide unique, one of a kind experiences to visitors.
The Shire, together with recovery partners, sincerely thanks the community and visitors for their patience and understanding.
For those lucky enough to visit, we encourage you to spend locally, respect closures, and tread lightly.
Read more in the official media release here: https://loom.ly/_WBP9-A
07/04/26: Learmonth Airport is operational as of 10 am this morning, Tuesday, 7 April 2026. Temporary reduced screening services have been approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Due to reduced screening services, all baggage, other than minor items, will need to be checked in baggage. Only minor carry-ons will be accepted onto the plane; every piece of carry-on will need to be searched. Please treat staff kindly and comply with these new requirements to ensure flights can proceed efficiently and there are minimal delays. Please contact QANTAS directly to arrange your flights
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.
Last Update 13/04: Currently significant road closures across the Upper Gascoyne.
Kennedy Range National Park remains closed.
Mount Augustus National Park and Tourist Park are open. Currently access is available only through Gascoyne Junction using the Cobra Dairy Creek Road.
The Ullawarra Road north of Gascoyne Junction providing access to Minilya and Nanutarra will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Currently there is no access to Meekatharra or Murchison via Gascoyne Junction.
More information here >
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 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:
- Donations can be made to the Balu Blue Foundation
- or WA Wildlife
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