Following the heavy rainfall brought by Cyclone Narelle, significant damage was inflicted on the North West Coastal Highway in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Main Roads has been diligently working to restore access to the highway.
Travelers are advised to stay informed about the situation and to plan accordingly, as repair efforts are ongoing and availability of fuel and food supplies remains limited.
After more than a week of disruption, the North West Coastal Highway has reopened, prompting cheers and honks of joy from drivers eager to continue their journeys. Many had undertaken the nine-hour trek from Perth to Carnarvon, hoping to reach popular holiday destinations such as Coral Bay for the Easter break and school holidays.
Simon Fowley and his family made the decision to embark on their trip early Friday morning, camping just south of Carnarvon the same night. “We thought we would come up the coast and see how far we could go, turning it into an adventure. Now that we have the chance to visit Coral Bay, it feels like a worthwhile risk,” he shared.
Liam Barger-Bos expressed his determination to make the trip with his group, having planned it for over a year. Despite rising fuel costs and the apparent road damage, he stated, “We weren’t going to miss this trip. It’s the fishing that draws us there, but I love the scenery, the local shops, and the bakery. It’s my favorite place on Earth, and I always want to return.”
A representative from Bayview Park reported that approximately 100 camping sites were filled by Sunday morning, with expectations of reaching full capacity by the end of the day.
While a detour is currently in place, Will Blackshaw, the deputy incident controller for the cyclone, cautioned that access is still restricted. Speed limits and localized road closures remain in effect due to ongoing repairs. “We advise everyone to regularly check resources like Emergency WA, the Main Roads travel map, and local government updates, as conditions can change frequently,” he advised.
Dean Roberts, a spokesperson for Main Roads, mentioned that the Minilya Exmouth Road is still closed but may reopen by midweek, provided conditions improve. “There is still 700 millimeters of water receding slowly near the Lyndon River Crossing,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of adhering to road closures, stating, “Ignoring these warnings puts your life and safety at risk. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to reopen the roads safely.”
Harriet Muir-Little, the owner of Ningaloo Reef Dive & Snorkel, expressed relief at the reopening, noting that the Easter school holidays are typically the busiest time for the town. “We were fortunate to have minimal damage, and we are now ready to welcome visitors,” she said.
