Traditional-Owner led tourism championed at Garaan-ngaddim
The WA Government is to invest $5 million through the 2026–27 State Budget to support Traditional Owner-led tourism and secure the long-term future of visitor experiences at Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls.
The investment will fund essential on-site infrastructure to enable the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) to develop and deliver new cultural tourism experiences at this iconic Kimberley location.
The funding includes $470,000 to undertake a business case and feasibility study, to be led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, as well as a further $4.5 million committed to infrastructure delivery.
Key points
- $5 million Government investment through the 2026–27 State Budget to support Traditional Owner-led tourism at Garaan-ngaddim
- Funding will deliver essential infrastructure to support new Dambimangari cultural tourism experiences in the Kimberley
- Tour operators to continue traversing Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls until 2028, providing certainty for local jobs and tourism businesses
The business case will identify the site’s infrastructure requirements, ensuring that investment is strategically directed to support the long-term success of Traditional Owner-led tourism in the region.
“Our ancestors have given us this Country to look after,” Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation Board Vice Chair Leah Umbagai said.
“As Wandjina Woongudd people, it’s our obligation to care for and respect Country. We want to share Country with visitors, share our story the right-way. We look forward to welcoming people to our Country and sharing Dambeemangaddee culture and Country with them.
Emerging commercial partnerships
“DAC looks forward to continuing our work with Journey Beyond and tourism operators as the 2026 season commences, to build on the outcomes of the pilot program and strengthen partnerships that support Dambimangari-led tourism at Garaan-ngaddim.”
The Government has also confirmed existing licensed tour operators will be able to continue traversing the wide gap at Horizontal Falls through to the end of the 2028 tourism season, providing certainty for tourism operators, while the transition to new cultural tourism experiences continues.
These initiatives build on the successful pilot program between DAC and tour operator Journey Beyond, which has supported training for Dambimangari guides on-Country, tested new cultural tourism experiences, and helped establish emerging commercial partnerships.
These commitments follow from the advice of Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls Working Group, where DAC and tourism industry representatives explored ways to make visitor experiences even more valued and enriched by cultural insights.
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.
“Through this Budget investment, we are laying the foundations for a new model of tourism at Garaan-ngaddim – one that is led by Traditional Owners, supports the tourism industry, and ensures this iconic destination remains a drawcard for visitors for generations to come,” he said.
“This is also part of our government’s broader work to diversify the Western Australian economy, grow Aboriginal tourism, and create jobs in regional Western Australia.
“Extending access for licensed operators through to 2028 provides certainty for tourism businesses and workers, while the business case and infrastructure investment will help build the next chapter of visitor experiences at Garaan-ngaddim in partnership with the Dambimangari people.”
Respectful cultural tourism
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby added it was a boon for licensed tourism operators, with visitors continuing to be welcomed to this world-famous destination, and more time to develop and adjust tours to reflect the nature and culture of Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls.
Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said his company was proud to support the pilot program and continue working with Dambimangari Traditional Owners.
“Journey Beyond is committed to respectful cultural tourism and our partnership with Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation,” he said.
“The pilot program has delivered real economic benefits and created education and employment opportunities for Dambeemangaddee people, while giving our guests a more genuine cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Country.”
