Five-minute solar eclipse in WA’s north to attract thousands to ‘middle of nowhere’ – RNZ

A total solar eclipse scheduled for 2028 is expected to attract approximately 25,000 additional visitors to the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. The astronomical event will bring more than five minutes of complete darkness to the area, making it one of the longest eclipses of the century.

The region, located 3,000 kilometers north of Perth, is preparing for a significant influx of international and domestic tourists. Among the primary focal points is Doon Doon, a small roadhouse known for its oversized burgers and a staff of about a dozen transient employees.

Local Infrastructure and Preparations

The scale of the expected crowd presents substantial logistical challenges for the small community. Currently, the combined population of locals and staff in the immediate vicinity is fewer than 100 people. Roadhouse manager Shayne Stewart expressed concern regarding the volume of visitors arriving in what is described as the middle of nowhere.

To accommodate the surge in demand, the Doon Doon caravan park is undergoing an expansion. The facility is set to increase its capacity from 25 unpowered sites to 100 sites.

Stewart noted that the necessity for these preparations became clear after the Exmouth eclipse in 2023, which triggered a wave of booking requests for the 2028 event. He reported that some individuals from the United States have attempted to book the entire caravan park.

Beyond accommodation, You’ll see concerns regarding the availability of essential supplies. Stewart stated that preparations are necessary to avoid situations where visitors are “lined up out the door from here for the next 3km trying to get fuel or something to eat.”

Community and International Interest

The eclipse is expected to bring global attention to Doon Doon and the nearby Aboriginal community of Woolah. This exposure has already resulted in international inquiries, including contacts from individuals in Japan who have expressed interest in visiting the school in Woolah.

The anticipation for the event has been building for several years. Vivienne McEvoy, the chief executive of the Kununurra Visitor Centre, stated that she has been responding to inquiries regarding the 2028 eclipse for a decade.

The East Kimberley region’s positioning as one of the premier locations to view the eclipse is driven by the duration of the totality. The projection of more than five minutes of darkness places this event among the longest total solar eclipses to occur this century.