How recent typhoon-strength winds devastated a remote luxury resort in WA

Tropical Cyclone Fina delivered destructive winds that caused extensive structural damage to the Berkeley River Lodge, a remote coastal resort located along Western Australia’s far north shoreline. As the cyclone approached the region as a category three system, the built environment absorbed intense lateral and uplift forces. Several accommodation villas experienced complete structural failure, with three collapsing entirely and others sustaining major damage to frames, cladding and roofing elements. The resort’s central lodge and staff buildings also suffered load exceedance, resulting in compromised walls, displaced roofing materials and internal water intrusion. The wind field stripped surrounding vegetation, contributing to secondary impacts as debris was carried across the site and into building facades.

The cyclone’s wind intensity caused widespread disruption to essential services. Electrical infrastructure failed, leaving the resort without power. Water systems were rendered inoperable due to damaged supply lines and loss of pumping capacity. Photographs taken after the event show villas overturned, lightweight structures displaced from their foundations and significant debris accumulation. The degree of structural displacement indicates wind pressures far exceeding the thresholds typically encountered in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of remote coastal assets when exposed to cyclonic boundary layer wind profiles.

Although the resort experienced the most concentrated damage locally, surrounding communities were also affected by the strong winds. The Tiwi Islands reported widespread tree failures, roof loss in multiple buildings and power outages affecting thousands of residents. Several schools experienced structural damage, including ceiling collapses and water infiltration. Emergency agencies continue to restore access, repair utilities and support affected communities while monitoring remaining hazards from weakened structures and disturbed vegetation.