Traveller FAQ
Q: What specific travel restrictions apply to the Kimberley and Pilbara?
A: From 5 June 2020 both the Kimberley and Pilbara regions are open for travel to people currently in Western Australia. Remote Aboriginal Communities in the Kimberley and parts of the Eastern Pilbara are also closed to visitors until further notice, and we recommend that you contact local Visitor Centres for further information on local communities and how that may affect your travels.
Restrictions apply to interstate and international travellers:
- From 20 March only Australian residents and citizens may arrive at Australia’s international borders and are subject to a 14-day isolation period.
- If travelling from other states and territories to WA, only Western Australian residents and those people who are covered by the travel exemptions are allowed to enter the state, and a self-isolation period of 14 days also applies.
Q: How do I self-isolate?
A: The WA Department of Health has published detailed guidelines for self-isolation for people who have tested positive for coronavirus, or who have entered the state.
“Self-isolation means you must stay in your home, hotel room, or other accommodation even if you are perfectly well with no symptoms. If you live in a unit or apartment block you must stay in your unit or apartment. You cannot attend public places such as work, school, shopping centres or go on a holiday. Only people who usually live with you should be in the home. Do not see visitors.”
Please click here for the detailed guidelines.
Q: Will operators reopen for business after travel restrictions are lifted?
A: With the recent lifting of travel restrictions within Western Australia, tourism operators across the North West are ready to give travellers a warm welcome to the Pilbara, Kimberley and Broome. Please see here for information and offers on travelling in the North West in 2020. Please note that travel restrictions still apply to remote Aboriginal communities, and that some tourism operators have will remain closed in 2020 and will welcome guests once again in 2021.
Q: Who should I contact about my existing bookings?
A: If you had travel plans for this year, we are encouraging you where possible to #postponedontcancel. If you booked through a travel agent or visitor centre, please contact them in relation to changing your travel itinerary; if you booked with the tourism operator, please contact them directly. Many operators in the region are putting in place measures to facilitate ‘holiday credits’ or other means to make this process as easy as possible.
You may also need to contact your travel insurance provider.
The ACCC has compiled some relevant information, which you can see here.