After devastating floods from ex-cyclone Ellie ravaged parts of the Kimberley, the McGowan government and Tourism Western Australia (TWA) have partnered with Virgin Australia to boost much-needed tourism to the region. The wider $6 million ‘Tourism Flood Recovery Package’ was announced on Friday.
“The Tourism Flood Recovery Package is aimed at driving visitors to the region this year while supporting the local tourism sector as it responds to the recent flooding,” said the managing director of TWA, Carolyn Turnbull. “Among the initiatives announced are near[ly] 19,000 new affordable airfares from Perth to Broome and Kununurra, delivered by Virgin Australia in partnership with Tourism WA”.
Being one of WA’s most popular destinations among national and international visitors, the government is keen to get behind the businesses and tourism operators hit hard by the natural disaster and continue driving visitors to the Kimberley this year. The assistance package will see the rollout of a national marketing campaign — focussing on the region being open for business — and include holiday voucher incentives and discounted airfares.
Cheap Flights To Broome
While details on the holiday vouchers have yet to be revealed, the cheap flights to Broome and Kununurra will go on sale from January 25th, 2023. Their availability hinges on when allocations are exhausted. Flights on Virgin Australia between Perth and Broome will start from $219.00 one-way and Perth and Kununurra from $259.00. All sale airfares are for travel between March 27th and October 29th, 2023.
Though many of the operators in the Kimberley are still up and running, it’s advised that travellers research and check the availability of accommodation and tour providers prior to booking flights to avoid disappointment.
How Else Can I Help Flood Relief Efforts?
To donate directly to the flood recovery efforts, collect eligible 10¢ containers and drop them at any one of the 260 Containers for Change refund points around Western Australia. 100% of all donations made to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (using the member number ‘C10414519’) will go towards the rebuilding of communities in the Kimberley.
Get inspired for your holiday in Australia’s North West with So Perth.
Lead image: Tourism Western Australia
