Traditional Owners strike $5 million deal for Indigenous-focused Horizontal Falls tours

David Prestipino Published April 14, 2026 at 2.35pm (AWST)

business

DAC will design and deliver new cultural tourism experiences that reflect Dambeemangaddee knowledge, culture and connection to Country. Image: DAC.

Boat tours at the iconic Horizontal Falls will continue and be expanded to include more Indigenous elements until 2028.

A new deal between the WA government, Traditional Owners and operators was struck on Monday, with the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation endorsing an extension of managed access through the wide gap at Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls) until the 2028 tourism season ends.

Tourism operations at the pristine spot would be expanded over the next two years with an increasing focus on Indigenous culture.

The site in Western Australia's north is a significant tourism drawcard for the Kimberley region, with tourism access to the falls to be reassessed after 2028 via collaboration between DAC and the state government.

Monday's decision was widely supported by the tourism industry and gave existing licensed operators certainty, while supporting a planned transition toward a future led by Dambeemangaddee Traditional Owners.

DAC acknowledged and thanked the WA government for its $5 million investment from the 2026-27 State Budget to support Traditional Owner-led tourism.

The funding would also likely support essential on-Country infrastructure, enabling DAC to design and deliver new cultural tourism experiences that reflect Dambeemangaddee knowledge, culture and connection to Country.

The package includes $470,000 for a business case and feasibility study, alongside $4.5 million for infrastructure delivery.

The business case would guide future planning and ensure investment is targeted to support long-term, sustainable tourism led by Traditional Owners.

DAC's endorsement recognised the importance of maintaining stability for tourism operators and local jobs during transition periods.

The developments - built on the success of a pilot program between DAC and Journey Beyond Adventures, which has supported the training of Dambimangari guides on Country - trialled cultural tourism experiences, and strengthened partnerships within the tourism industry.

The Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls Working Group, DAC and industry representatives worked together to explore how visitor experiences can be enriched through cultural knowledge and respectful engagement with Country.

DAC Vice Chair Leah Umbagai reaffirmed the responsibility of Traditional Owners to care for Garaan-ngaddim.

"Our ancestors have given us this Country to look after," she said.

"As Wandjina Woongudd people, it's our obligation to care for and respect Country.

"We want to share Country with visitors, and share our story the right way."

DAC said it looks forward to continuing work with tourism operators as the 2026 season commences, building on the pilot program and strengthening partnerships that support Dambimangari-led tourism at Garaan-ngaddim.