Cyclone Narelle crossed the West Australian coast late last week, bringing widespread rainfall and major flooding across the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Mid West regions, with Exmouth heavily impacted. 

Like all West Australians, we are saddened and shocked by the impact of Cyclone Narelle on homes and businesses in the region. Tourism WA is working closely with industry and Regional Tourism Organisations to understand the immediate and longer-term needs of the sector following this severe weather event.  

Our message to West Australians and visitors is clear – don't cancel your travel plans. Local operators are working hard to restore services, and many WA businesses remain ready to welcome visitors. We also recognise the added pressure rising fuel costs is placing on tourism businesses and encourage everyone keep up to date on the latest information from the WA Government.

 For those impacted by Cyclone Narelle, financial support is available: 

  • Households can access one-off payments of $4,000 available for those whose homes were destroyed. 
  • A one-off payment of $2,000 per household is also available to those whose homes have suffered major damage. 
  • A Small Business Interest Rate Subsidy is available for those whose assets or premises have been impacted and need to take out new loans taken out for repairing damaged assets or business carry on costs. 
  • These payments will be managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services' State Recovery team, with applications and information about eligibility available at recovery.dfes.wa.gov.au.

Latest information on the recovery and fuel impacts are also available: