Outback Station Devastated by Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s Fury
A remote cattle station in Western Australia’s rugged north has borne the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, with harrowing images emerging that vividly capture the widespread destruction wrought by its ferocious winds and torrential rainfall. The cyclone made landfall in Exmouth Gulf as a formidable Category Four system on Friday, unleashing its destructive power across the Gascoyne region, situated a significant 1,200 kilometres north of Perth.
Bullara Station Stay, a sprawling 100,000-hectare property renowned for its unique outback tourism experience near Exmouth, found itself completely submerged by rising floodwaters. Edwina Shallcross, the owner of Bullara Station Stay, was visibly emotional when recounting the sheer scale of the devastation. She described the water levels as “unprecedented,” noting a significant tidal surge within the gulf that pushed water all the way up to the main highway. Tragically, cattle were caught in the rising tide.
In a stark testament to the cyclone’s intensity, Bullara Station Stay shared video footage on social media depicting fast-flowing floodwaters that rose to within metres of the rooftops. Ms. Shallcross informed the ABC that while much of the floodwater had begun to recede by Saturday night, residents had been forced to navigate the submerged property using an array of watercraft, including kayaks, tinnies, and even stand-up paddleboards, until the waters subsided. “We never would have thought we’d be on a SUP board or a kayak ever,” she admitted, highlighting the surreal nature of their ordeal.
One particularly poignant video captured an animal seeking refuge inside a vehicle as muddy, churning water surged past. Ms. Shallcross confirmed that there had been livestock losses, though the exact numbers remained unclear. However, she expressed relief that all the horses and goats had been successfully rescued. The fate of “Scratchy,” the beloved family pet bull and a well-known figure on the station, remained unknown.
The human toll of the cyclone was also significant. Ms. Shallcross reported that 15 staff members were still on the property, while other workers were evacuated inland to Cheela Plains, a station located 370 kilometres to the east. “We’re just in one end of the house … it’s like a big slumber party,” she described the temporary living arrangements. She acknowledged the personal losses suffered by everyone on the property, including cars and personal belongings, but praised the resilience and support shown by her team.
The spirit of community extended far beyond the confines of Bullara Station. Ms. Shallcross highlighted the incredible support received from the travelling community, as well as from the residents of Exmouth and neighbouring pastoralists. “Our travelling community is just incredible and Exmouth and the pastoralists on other stations have been amazing,” she stated gratefully. She expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of offers of assistance.
Ms. Shallcross acknowledged that many other stations in the region had also sustained considerable damage. She felt fortunate that Bullara Station Stay’s public profile had perhaps garnered more attention, but stressed that their gratitude was for all forms of help and support. “We’re just so grateful.”
Further north, the town of Exmouth itself is still recovering from the cyclone’s impact. At its peak, Narelle brought wind gusts of up to a staggering 250 kilometres per hour. The town experienced a complete loss of power and water supplies, although restoration efforts are now underway. The local airport was described as “obliterated” by the shire president, underscoring the immense force of the cyclone. The full extent of the damage across the Gascoyne region is still being assessed, with many communities and stations facing a long road to recovery. The resilience and spirit of those in the affected areas, however, are proving to be a powerful force in the face of such adversity.
