Horizontal Falls Opens to More Visitors With Cultural Tours

Instead of restricting access to one of the world's most breathtaking attractions, Indigenous leaders are opening the door wider while adding something priceless: their stories.

Horizontal Falls in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region will expand tourism operations through 2028 under a new partnership between the state government, traditional owners, and tour operators. The iconic site, where massive tides create a waterfall effect through narrow gorges, draws 20,000 visitors each season.

But something exciting is changing. Rather than just offering adrenaline-pumping boat rides through the falls, tours will now center on the rich cultural heritage of the Dambimangari people who have cared for this land for thousands of years.

"If we can participate and share our stories with visitors, it creates an opportunity of wealth of understanding and knowledge transfer," said Dambimangari traditional owner Rowena Mouda. She sees this as a chance for young Indigenous people to connect with their heritage while teaching visitors about the deep history of the region.

The shift follows years of discussion about how to protect both the natural site and its cultural significance. A 2022 accident involving a tourist boat sparked conversations that had already begun among traditional owners about creating more sustainable tourism.

The state government is investing $5 million to support the traditional owner-led tourism transformation. Thirteen tour operators will continue running trips through 2028, gradually incorporating more Indigenous guides and cultural programming into their experiences.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership represents a growing movement across Australia where Indigenous communities are reclaiming their role as storytellers and guardians of significant sites. Visitors gain something far more valuable than a thrill ride: they leave with understanding and connection to one of the world's oldest living cultures.

Anthony Cleary, general manager of Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, embraced the change after years of planning. His company will build on existing tours by featuring Dambimangari guides who can share knowledge passed down through countless generations.

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn emphasized that the new approach actually enhances the experience. "The original product was about the thrill," he explained. "This is much better than that. This is about the cultural experience."

Young Dambimangari people will now have opportunities to work as guides on their own country, learning from elders while sharing their heritage with the world.

The future beyond 2028 remains open, with traditional owners and the government planning to reassess how tourism continues at the site. For now, the message is clear: more people can visit this natural wonder, and they'll leave with something even more extraordinary than photos.