Traditional Owners at centre of $5 million Horizontal Falls tourism shift

The Western Australian government has committed $5 million in the 2026–27 State Budget to support Dambimangari Traditional Owner-led tourism at Garaan-ngaddim, also known as Horizontal Falls, in a long-planned transition of one of the Kimberley’s most recognisable tourism sites.

The package extends licensed operator access to the tidal gap through the 2028 tourism season, while funding new cultural infrastructure and planning work to support Dambeemangaddee-designed experiences on Country. The investment includes $470,000 for a business case and feasibility study, led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and $4.5 million for infrastructure delivery.

The business case will identify the site’s infrastructure requirements to support the long-term success of Traditional Owner-led tourism at Garaan-ngaddim. The decision follows the Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls Working Group process, where Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and tourism industry representatives explored ways to make visitor experiences more valued and enriched by cultural insights.

Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation Board Vice Chair Leah Umbagai said: “Our ancestors have given us this Country to look after… 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.”

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the investment was about securing the long-term future of Garaan-ngaddim, supporting local jobs, backing the Kimberley tourism industry, and creating new economic opportunities for Dambimangari Traditional Owners.

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the extension gave operators more time to develop and adjust tours to reflect the nature and culture of Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls while welcoming visitors to a world-famous destination.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall welcomed the announcement, noting the move would provide certainty for 15 licenced tourism operators, with Horizontal Falls traversal day tours generating $15 million and 58 full-time equivalent jobs in the region. He said it was fantastic to see a world-class experience remain open to the public as the Marine Parks’ natural and cultural tourism experiences evolved.

The announcement comes amid broader national reforms to Indigenous economic development. From 1 July 2026, the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy increases its mandatory procurement target for First Nations businesses to 3.25 per cent of the total value of contracts for 2026–27, rising by 0.25 per cent each year toward a 4 per cent target by 2030. Strengthened eligibility rules will also require businesses to be at least 51 per cent First Nations owned and controlled to access the policy, with the transition to new criteria beginning from 1 July 2026.

The transition at Garaan-ngaddim represents one of the more significant examples of a major WA tourism site moving toward Traditional Owner-led management – a model that advocates say should guide how other Country-based attractions are developed and governed.