While the heavy rains have been causing chaos in many parts of the country, there are some who see a silver lining in some very dark clouds.
The deluge in WA’s Kimberley region may have caused major roads to close but some tourist operators are looking beyond the short-term pain.
At places like the iconic Gibb River Road, there is hope that the downpours might signal the start of a bumper season, some that would be especially welcome after the Covid-hit season last year.
Ellenbrae Station manager Larissa Walker told the ABC that cattle had become more of a side business and that they relied on travellers coming through for their income.
“We’re so excited that we can open up for this year and also that nature is putting on a good show, not only for us but for all the travellers on the Gibb,” she said. “They’ll get to see the Kimberley in its finest form and that makes it really exciting.”
To give an idea of how popular Ellenbrae Station has become, it reportedly sold more than 17,000 of its famous scones with jam and cream in 2019!
Another big winner out of the recent downpour is the Lake Argyle Storage Dam, which feeds into the Ord Irrigation Scheme.
Lake Argyle is sitting at 64% capacity and tourism operator Greg Smith told the ABC that the dam has received a much-needed top-up.
“We have waterfalls that are running now today that haven’t run for six years,” he said.
The rain has affected some tourist favourites in a negative way though. Purnululu National Park has announced it is pushing back its opening to April 9 so access roads can be repaired.
