Login or
Tantabiddi Boating Facility
The Department of Transport is working to develop and improve access at the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp.
The Tantabiddi Boat Ramp is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef for recreational vessels and tourism operators, such as fishing and diving charters, as well as glass bottom boat, whale shark and humpback whale tours.
The growing popularity of tourism in the area has seen the current boat ramp operating at capacity during peak times.
As part of the 2020 WA Recovery Plan, the State Government announced $1.3 million to fund environmental and cultural heritage surveys and coastal engineering investigations to guide the development and improvement of the facility.
The project is being led by the Tantabiddi Taskforce, which is chaired by the Department of Transport (DoT) and includes representatives from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; the Shire of Exmouth; Tourism WA and the Gascoyne Development Commission.
Project background
The Tantabiddi Boat Ramp is managed by the Shire of Exmouth and provides direct access to the Ningaloo Reef for recreational vessels and tourism operators.
Currently, the small two ramp facility is operating at capacity during peak times, creating competition between recreational users and tourism operators for access to the facility.
The boat ramp is located at the mouth of Tantabiddi Creek. At times, boat launching from the boat ramp is restricted due to sand and sediment build-up caused by heavy rains and flooding.
On the request of the Shire of Exmouth, DoT established the Tantabiddi Taskforce to consider options to address these issues and provide direction to manage and develop the facility.
Project status
The Tantabiddi Taskforce has been considering several locations for a new facility.
The current focus is on a location approximately 300m south of the existing boat ramp that is protected from creek flooding.
DoT has coordinated a program of detailed investigations and approvals required to determine whether this is a suitable location, including:
- Coastal processes and sediment modelling
- Geotechnical investigations
- Cultural heritage engagement and survey
- Environmental surveys.
DoT has also deployed specialist equipment to collect tide and wave data and coastal process information in the area. This data is available on our Tantabiddi Exmouth Tide and Wave page.
Community consultation
DoT has been engaging with the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Advisory Committee (NCWHAC) and the Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation (NGTAC).
Both NCWHAC and NGTAC will be key stakeholders, informing and guiding the planning process.
DoT has also engaged in consultation with the commercial, recreational and community groups.
Consultation will continue when the project is referred for environmental approvals and in the detailed design phase.
A business case is being prepared to seek funding to develop a suitable facility.