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Tourism operators in Western Australia's far north say the delayed expansion of a key airport is limiting the tourism potential of a region boasting some of Australia's most remarkable natural attractions.
The East Kimberley region boasts several "bucket-list" sites, including Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park.
But the region's remoteness makes it a challenging prospect for visitors; Kununurra is 3,000km from Perth and more than 4,000km from both Melbourne and Sydney.
There are hopes a runway extension at the region's only major airport will open the way to more direct flights and visitors, but multiple delays have left the project's timeline uncertain.
The East Kimberley is home to countless natural attractions. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
Kununurra's Triple J Tours manager Dylan Lodge said many people were not only struggling financially, but time-poor.
"I'd love to see the airport and runway extension go ahead in Kununurra — that would be a game changer, that direct access for your larger population centres," he said.
"[People could] jump on a direct flight from Melbourne or Sydney straight into Kununurra for a long weekend, explore the best of what it's got to offer … and still get back in time for work."
Mr Lodge said interstate travellers were a "critical market".
Dylan Lodge says an improved runway in Kununurra would be a "game changer". (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
Fluctuating tourist numbers
With Western Australia's borders closed early on in the COVID pandemic, travellers swarmed to the Kimberley during 2020 and 2021.
But those numbers have since dropped back to more realistic levels year-on-year.
About 31,000 people have accessed the Kununurra Visitor Centre so far this year, which is about 23,000 less than in 2021.
Lake Argyle Cruises owner Greg Smith said it was difficult to compare numbers to the pandemic years.
"It was extraordinarily busy," he said.
Greg Smith says visitors to his Lake Argyle business have been steady this season. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
"You look back at it now and say, 'Oh, our season's not quite what it was then', but we're going back to a normal season – a pre-COVID season."
His cruise service has copped the brunt of inflation and been forced to raise prices to accommodate growing wages and insurance.
While customer numbers decreased this year, Mr Smith said they were still reasonably steady.
A lack of clarity over federal funding has seen key upgrades at East Kimberley Regional Airport delayed. (Supplied: Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley)
Bureaucratic hold-up
The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley made the runway extension at the East Kimberley Regional Airport its highest priority project back in 2021.
Construction was scheduled to proceed earlier this year, which would have seen the runway extend by over 500 metres and widen by 15m, in time for the dry tourism season in 2025.
It was delayed due to a lack of clarity around federal funding, according to Shire President David Menzel.
The natural beauty of the Kimberley region is a drawcard for tourists from near and far. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
"We are still uncertain what happens to the cost-escalation because we've delayed it a year," he said.
"We just need to get the people here.
"We've got good road-based tourism industry but our air tourism … [those] people just don't have that opportunity to get into the Kimberley."
The Big Crocodile is a popular photo spot on the outskirts of Wyndham. (ABC Kimberley: Sam Tomlin)
Overseas visitors returning
It is not just interstate travellers the sector relies on, but overseas tourists.
While many Australians are opting to travel overseas post-COVID restrictions, operators said international tourists had been heading to WA as well.
Kununurra Visitors Centre chief executive officer Vivienne McEvoy said the Australian outback was a "bucket-list item for most people".
"We're seeing so many internationals this year compared to what we have the last few years," she said.