Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 11:57:38 AM
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Cyclone Narelle has hit the Gascoyne hard, with devastating impacts across communities including Exmouth and our own towns of Carnarvon and Coral Bay, as well as many pastoral stations to our east.
It’s been a tough few days for our region.
We know this has disrupted what should have been dream holidays for many of you and we’re feeling that too. Right now, our community is dealing with the reality of clean-up, loss of income and the environmental impact left behind, especially for our farmers in Carnarvon and pastoralists across the region, who have taken the biggest hit.
In Carnarvon, the past few days have been a bit of a whirlwind - preparing for the cyclone, then straight into preparing for flooding. Now, we’re out there cleaning up what’s been left behind, including trees down, fences damaged, and a town slowly getting back on its feet.
Coral Bay has taken a much bigger hit and remains isolated, with clean-up and recovery still underway. Our hearts are with everyone there, and across the region, doing it tough right now.
We ask that you please bear with us. Our communities are strong, but we’ll need your support more than ever in the weeks and months ahead.
If you had plans to visit - please don’t give up on them. Just hit pause, rebook for later, or maybe discover new places that weren’t on your radar before.
We’ve pulled together a list of the most common questions we’re getting from visitors, to help you adjust your plans and still experience the Coral Coast where possible, with minimal impact.
Is Carnarvon open for Visitors?
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.
We’re looking forward to seeing travellers return and supporting our local businesses and community as we move forward.
To stay up to date on the latest road closures: https://travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Home/Map
Is Coral Bay open for Visitors?
As of Tuesday, 31 March, the Minilya–Exmouth Road remains closed while recovery takes place.
Coral Bay has experienced significant impacts and recovery is ongoing. The community is working hard to clean up and prepare to welcome visitors again, with a focus on reopening in time for the April school holidays. So get ready to pack the car, caravan and boat - as soon as we are open, we’ll be sure to let you know.
To stay up to date on the latest road closures: https://travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Home/Map
At this stage, there is no anticipated date for reopening.
If you need to make immediate changes to your travel, please don’t cancel - please reschedule. If you can, consider pushing your trip to later in the season and continue to support our region when it reopens.
Can I get to Blowholes, Quobba, Red Bluff & Gnaraloo?
Exciting news! As of Tuesday, 31 March, the North West Coastal Highway (north) has reopened, which means access to Blowholes and Quobba/Gnaraloo Road is now reopened and welcoming visitors.
For the latest updates, please check:
Please check conditions before travelling as they may change.
What is the condition of the Quobba-Gnaraloo Road?
Exciting news! As of Tuesday, 31 March, the Quobba–Gnaraloo Road is open with caution.
4WD vehicles are recommended whenever travelling off-road within the region.
Before you head out, please check:
to make sure conditions are safe and roads remain open.
We were due to travel to Coral Bay/ Exmouth in April, can we still come to Carnarvon?
Coral Bay is currently focused on recovery and clean-up following Cyclone Narelle. We encourage you to keep checking back for updates on Coral Bay reopening.
At the moment, Carnarvon is open and welcoming visitors. The town experienced minimal impact from the cyclone and flooding, and our community is ready to welcome you.
If your travel plans have changed, we invite you to explore Carnarvon and surrounds while the region continues to recover.
What do I do with my booking?
If your travel has been impacted, please contact your accommodation or tour provider directly.
Please note that many businesses are currently working to restore power and clean up following Cyclone Narelle, so response times may be delayed. We appreciate your patience - tourism is a priority, and operators will return your call or enquiry as soon as they are able.
We strongly encourage you to reschedule your booking rather than cancel, as this helps support local businesses and ensures your trip to the region can still go ahead at a later date.
Can I fish in the region with the impacts of the Gascoyne River?
Yes, you can.
With the current south west demersal closures in place, Carnarvon remains a great option for fishing. You can travel offshore and out to the islands, and these experiences will not be impacted by the Gascoyne River flow.
Can I snorkel in Carnarvon?
Yes, you can.
You can travel to Quobba Blowholes, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Carnarvon. Quobba Blowholes Aquarium is a great spot for safe, family-friendly snorkelling, and if you travel to Gnaraloo, both 3 Mile Camp and Gnaraloo Bay offer amazing reef and snorkelling experiences. This is a great day trip option from Carnarvon.
Can you experience the Ningaloo Reef from Carnarvon?
Whilst experiences such as Whale Sharks and Manta Rays are not available from Carnarvon, there are still incredible opportunities to experience the Ningaloo Reef.
Carnarvon is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, with Red Bluff marking the southern tip. Here you can enjoy camping, fishing, snorkelling, surfing and many of the same coastal experiences found in the northern Ningaloo region.
Will the Fruit Loop Drive Trail be open?
Due to the impacts of flooding and Cyclone Narelle, the Fruit Loop Drive Trail and produce availability may be limited.
Businesses such as Bumbak’s and other plantations will reopen once ready. We encourage visitors to support local growers when they reopen. A Fruit Loop map is available from the Visitor Centre.
Is there fuel shortages in Carnarvon?
We have no reports of fuel shortages in Carnarvon.
With the North West Coastal Highway now reopening, regular supplies of fuel and essential goods, including groceries, are continuing to come into the region.
Are all Carnarvon businesses open?
The majority of businesses are open again and ready to welcome visitors.
Some have made minor adjustments to their trading hours while recovery continues, but most eateries, caravan parks and essential services are back up and running.
What wilderness and coastal camping is available in Carnarvon?
Carnarvon is lucky to have some incredible spots to camp under the stars and along the coast.
From riverside stays at Wooramel Riverside Retreat, to coastal favourites like Gladstone, Point Quobba Blowholes Eco Reserve Campground, Quobba Station, Red Bluff, Gnaraloo and Warroora to the north, there are plenty of options to suit every style of camping experience.
Whether you’re after a relaxed riverside stay or an off-grid coastal adventure, Carnarvon has something for everyone.
Can I travel to Kennedy Range and Mt Augustus from Carnarvon?
As of Tuesday, 31 March, access east of Carnarvon is limited, with a number of roads in the Shire of Upper Gascoyne impacted by flooding.
Recovery is underway, and while travel is currently restricted, we are hopeful that access to some areas will reopen in time for the April school holidays.
Conditions can change quickly following recent weather, so it’s important to plan ahead and stay up to date before travelling.
Please check the Shire of Upper Gascoyne Road Report for the latest updates: https://www.uppergascoyne.wa.gov.au/roadreport/
Travel safely and follow all local advice when heading inland.
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