The moon had barely finished traversing its celestial path to block the sun in front of a crowd of almost 20,000 people in Exmouth in 2023 when the phones started ringing off the hook at a remote roadhouse in the Kimberley.
Doon Doon, around 100 kilometres south of Kununurra, was named as the place to be when the next total solar eclipse was scheduled to cross WA’s north in July 2028.
Roadhouse manager Shayne Stewart said he had been contacted by multiple people wanting to book at their campsite and cabins, including one from America who asked to book out the entire place.
While the roadhouse wasn’t able to take bookings until mid-2027, Stewart said they had recently added 40 new rooms and were already full, hosting fly-in, fly-out workers, travellers and truck drivers most of the year.
“We are looking at extending the campground to create 100 new unpowered sites, possibly more if we can for the eclipse,” he said.
“We need to figure out the cost of everything, and the logistics around hosting a possible 2000 people. No one has made contact with us yet about funding.
“The Exmouth event had a whole town behind it – we are just a little roadhouse in the middle of nowhere.”
Stewart said the big issues to address would be employing more staff to help out for such a short timeframe, feeding so many people, and building the infrastructure required.
Western Australia’s budget, released last week, revealed $24.6 million would be set aside to plan for an expected 25,000 additional visitors to the North and East Kimberley for the total solar eclipse, and the strain that will be placed on resources in the remote towns that dot the region.
The Kimberley will experience more than four minutes of totality – when the moon completely eclipses the sun – on July 22, 2028, and will be one of the best places in the world to view the natural phenomenon.
Stewart said the roadhouse was “smack bang in the centre” as the best viewing spot, and would experience totality for several minutes longer than other areas like Kununurra.
Part of the funding from the budget – $13.2 million – will go towards planning and event management activities, including a planned Doon Doon viewing site, overflow accommodation facilities at Kununurra racecourse, and telecommunication upgrades.
The Water Corporation will receive $9.2 million to undertake “essential” water and wastewater upgrades in Kununurra to support additional visitation.
Main Roads will also be given $1.1 million to upgrade roads at the Doon Doon viewing site, and Horizon Power has been promised $810,000 to upgrade power infrastructure at the Kununurra racecourse.
On top of that, $272,000 has been approved for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for event management.
In 2023, portable mobile phone towers and water tanks were installed in Exmouth town, and septic tanks were installed on the Ningaloo Coastal Reserve and at state camping sites to cope with the influx.
Regional Development and Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson said the Kimberley would be the “best place in the world” to see the astrological phenomenon, with the longest period of totality, clearest skies, and dramatic landscapes.
“The government is funding key infrastructure and services to enable visitors from across the country as well as from overseas to visit the region for this unique experience,” he said.
“The event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for residents and visitors, as well as providing an economic boost to local communities and businesses.”
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said it would also be an opportunity to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the Kimberley to the world.
“Investing over $24.6 million in legacy critical infrastructure upgrades and public safety services (will) prepare the region for this extraordinary event,” she said.
“Improvements to camping sites, water facilities, and telecommunications will ensure a safe and memorable experience for all attending.”
Holly Thompson is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in education and the environment.Connect via X or email.
