Tantabiddi Boat Ramp Redevelopment
The key gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, managed by the Shire of Exmouth, is getting a facelift.
The Tantabiddi boat ramp is very popular with the recreation boating fraternity, the whale shark operators, government agencies who use the ramp for coastal compliance-related issues, research vessels and locals. The existing boat ramp is a double-lane structure that is impacted by extreme coastal processes associated with cyclonic conditions.
The Department of Transport & Major Infrastructure (DTMI) chairs the Tantabiddi Taskforce and is leading planning and investigations for the project.
The Tantabiddi Boat Ramp is managed by the Shire of Exmouth, and is a critical access point to the Ningaloo Reef for major tour operators (Whale Shark and Humpback Whale tours, Fishing/Diving charters, Glass Bottom Boat) and recreation vessels.
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. Launching boats from the boat ramp is often restricted due to sand and sediment build-up caused by heavy rains and flooding.
A special Tantabiddi Taskforce was established to consider options to address these issues.
The Department of Transport & Major Infrastructure (DTMI) chairs the Tantabiddi Taskforce and includes representatives from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the Shire of Exmouth, Tourism WA, Department Primary Industries and Regional Development, and the Gascoyne Development Commission.
The Tantabiddi Taskforce considered several locations for a new facility before endorsing a concept layout plan and preferred site approximately 300 metres south of the existing boating facility. This has been informed by a $1.3 million planning program of extensive investigations funded as part of the State Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
DTMI coordinated and finalised this planning program of investigations which included:
- Coastal processes and sediment modelling
- Engineering studies and investigations
- Geotechnical investigations
- Cultural heritage engagement and surveys
- Environmental surveys.
The proposed facility will be a key addition to the region, designed to cater to both current and future needs of the recreational and commercial boating sectors.
The preferred site and concept for the new development is safer and provides vastly improved conditions for launching vessels and universal access for loading passengers with sheltered water, separate areas for recreational users from commercial operators.
The development of a new boating facility at Tantabiddi will provide significant economic and social benefits to the local community and the State at a strategically important location to the Exmouth tourism industry.
The concept for the new facility features:
- A four to six lane boat ramp facility with up to 42 floating commercial boat pens with universal access for passenger transfer
- Universal accessibility, designed to accommodate all users, ensuring safe and comfortable use for everyone
- Increased sheltered water and clear separation of recreational boat users and commercial operators
- Reduced risk of facility closure due to sediment build-up at the mouth of Tantabiddi Creek following heavy rain.
DTMI continues to engage and consult with the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Advisory Committee (NCWHAC) and the Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation (NTGAC).
There has also been engagement with commercial, recreational, and community groups.
Consultation will continue through the environmental approval process and detailed design phase.
For more information, please visit the DTMI Tantabiddi information page on their website
