Exmouth, Dampier, Onslow to benefit from new STS Leeuwin II voyages starting mid-year

Young adventurers in the State’s North West will soon have the opportunity to experience life at sea when the STS Leeuwin II starts voyages to Exmouth, Onslow and Dampier this year.

Increased demand in hands-on tourism has encouraged operator Leeuwin Ocean Adventure to bring the ship to WA’s northern waters for the first time in more than a decade.

Organisation chief executive Carol Shannon said the new voyages would give more young people access to training and personal development opportunities.

“The Coral Coast and Pilbara has changed a lot since we were last there and already, we feel the excitement of the ship’s return,” she said.

“There is no such thing as a passenger on Leeuwin — everyone is engaged in the 24-hour operation of the ship, from setting sails, furling sails aloft, taking the helm, hauling on lines, standing watch and making sure the ship is in order at the start of each day. It is an extraordinary adventure, never forgotten.”

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure started voyages to Albany in 2019, with Ms Shannon saying she anticipated the North West sailing experiences would also be well received. “We expect Leeuwin will be as warmly welcomed in the northern reaches of Western Australia as it was in the south, and we look forward to welcoming youth, men and women, future sailors, mariners and adventurers alike on to the ship,” she said.

The first voyage from Monkey Mia to Exmouth is scheduled for June 13.