The isolated Kimberley coast in Western Australia's far north has been battered by Tropical Cyclone Fina, which made landfall as a dangerous category 3 system. The storm delivered a direct and brutal hit to the ultra-luxurious Berkeley River Lodge, with the remote resort copping the full force of wind gusts recorded between 225 and 279 kilometres per hour.
A Direct Hit and Immediate Danger
Fina crossed the coast around 9.30pm on Monday night near the Berkeley River Mouth, after menacing the region as a powerful category 4 cyclone. The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) immediately issued a cyclone emergency warning for areas including Cambridge Gulf and Faraway Bay.
The warning from DFES was stark and unequivocal: "There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately." Residents in the path of the storm were instructed that it was too late to leave and were advised to take shelter indoors immediately, away from doors and windows.
Australia's Most Remote Luxury Retreat in the Path of Destruction
The Berkeley River Lodge is famously known as one of Australia's most exclusive and remote luxury getaways. Situated atop a hill overlooking the ocean, the resort is only accessible by air and commands a price of around $4000 per night for a minimum five-night stay.
Its corrugated iron lodges, which face the beach directly, were squarely in the firing line as Cyclone Fina came ashore. At this stage, it is unknown how these structures have weathered the extreme conditions. Fortunately, the resort was likely unoccupied at the time, as it typically operates during the dry season from April to September.
The newly refurbished resort offers guests high-end experiences like river cruises, Kimberley safaris, and guided hikes to pristine waterholes and ancient Indigenous rock art sites.
Storm Weakens but Warnings Remain
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Fina is now moving slowly inland and is expected to weaken throughout the day, likely being downgraded to a category 2 system. However, it is still producing destructive wind gusts up to 155km/h between King George River Mouth and southeast of Berkeley River Mouth.
DFES continues to urge extreme caution, advising people to keep their emergency kits close and to stay indoors until emergency services declare it is safe. A stark warning was also issued for boaters: "Do not go out on the water while cyclone warnings are active as vessels can become overpowered, and rescues may not be immediately possible."
This severe weather event follows Fina's earlier impact on Darwin and the Tiwi Islands over the weekend, where it caused significant damage, including a partial roof collapse at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Saltwater Hotels and Resorts, the parent company of Berkeley River Lodge, has been contacted for comment on the damage to the property.
