Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan has today launched Dive Ningaloo’s new dive charter vessel at an official naming ceremony in Exmouth.
The newly restored Lady Ningaloo will provide tourists with access to the underwater wonderland of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and Muiron Islands.
The vessel is the only one of its kind in the region, which will be used for high-end liveaboard three or seven-night diving expeditions along the Ningaloo Coast.
The vessel refit was partly funded through the Regional Economic Development Grants program – a McGowan Government initiative investing $45.8 million to stimulate economic diversity in the regions.
Liveaboard dive charters can be operated year-round and provide an important way of attracting international visitors back to the region.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“We have supported Dive Ningaloo with the refit of the vessel Lady Ningaloo, providing $200,000 toward the project.
“The new liveaboard dive tours provide a unique experience for visitors to the Ningaloo Coast. It’s a great opportunity for the Exmouth region in the lead up to the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse in April 2023.
“East coast visitors will have even more reasons to visit the region with new direct Qantas flights to Exmouth from Melbourne commencing from April to October next year.”
