Cyclone Fina Strikes Kimberley Coast
Tropical Cyclone Fina reached the Kimberley coast of Western Australia late Monday night. The cyclone was Category 3 when it crossed the Berkeley River mouth. It hit the remote Berkeley River Lodge directly, a property only reachable by boat or small plane.
Two caretakers were at the lodge during the storm. They stayed safe in an underground shelter. Emergency teams plan to evacuate them once conditions are safe. Local authorities monitored the area to ensure safety.
Lodge Suffers Major Damage
The lodge experienced serious damage. Three of its 18 villas were destroyed, and staff accommodation was heavily affected. The main power station stopped working, leaving the lodge without electricity and water.
Several villas at Berkeley River Lodge were destroyed as Cyclone Fina struck the property
No guests were on-site because the tourism season ended in September. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage to buildings and facilities.
Caretakers Take Shelter
The caretakers took refuge in a large underground shipping container during the cyclone. Emergency teams contacted them early Tuesday morning. They had food and water but no electricity.
Caretakers stayed in a reinforced underground shelter during Cyclone Fina
Authorities warned that the evacuation may take longer because of the remote location and hazardous conditions. The caretakers remained safe throughout the storm.
Renovation Plans Interrupted
The lodge had been undergoing a three-year renovation before the cyclone struck. Planned upgrades were interrupted, and reopening timelines remain uncertain.
The lodge is known for “barefoot luxury” stays. Previous cyclones caused only minor damage, showing that Cyclone Fina was firm.
Emergency Response Efforts
State emergency services, including DFES and SES, will reach the lodge once conditions improve. Aircraft and boats will be used for staff evacuation and welfare checks.
Emergency teams are preparing to reach the lodge to assess damage and assist caretakers
Temporary housing will be provided to caretakers in Kununurra after evacuation. Human safety is the top priority before recovery work begins.
Remote Location Challenges
The lodge’s remote location makes recovery slower. Limited road access means supplies and staff must arrive by boat or plane. Cyclone Fina is the second major cyclone to hit the area in eight years.
By Tuesday afternoon, the storm had weakened to a tropical low, but it still caused heavy rain, strong winds, and localised damage.
Tourism Season Disruption
No guests were harmed because the cyclone struck after the tourism season. Reopening plans for the 2026 season are now unclear.
Repair work and rebuilding infrastructure will take time. Staff will need temporary accommodation while electricity, water, and buildings are restored.
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Final Thoughts
Tropical Cyclone Fina caused heavy damage to Berkeley River Lodge but did not harm anyone. Authorities are helping caretakers and assessing damage. Rebuilding the lodge will take time because of the remote location and infrastructure damage. The lodge’s reopening depends on the restoration of power, water, and buildings.
