New tourism experiences to be developed for Horizontal Falls

• State Government to work with Traditional Owners and industry operators on new tourism experiences that showcase the iconic Horizontal Falls
• Crossing through Horizontal Falls to be phased out by March 2028
• Phased approach strikes balance between promoting tourism and protecting environment

Tourism at the Horizontal Falls is set for a refresh, as the State Government, tourism operators and Traditional Owners work to strike a balance between promoting tourism and protecting the environment at the famous tourism attraction. 

Traversing through the Horizontal Falls will be phased out by March 2028 on the understanding new experiences are developed to continue showcasing the iconic tourism attraction.

This decision was made in part on the agreement tourism and visitation to the falls will continue.

A working group, comprising tourism industry representatives and Traditional Owners, will be established by the Tourism and Investment Committee of Cabinet to develop the new tourism products and provide advice to government on suitable investments that can be made to support these experiences. 

Under the new arrangements, the marine park's largest licensed tour provider Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures will continue to travel through the wide gap of the falls until its licence expires in March 2028, with all other licensed operators to stop passing through the falls at the end of 2026.

Visitors and licensed operators will retain access to the surrounding waters and air, with the decision to transition away from traversal of the falls made in part on the understanding tourism will remain a key value of the marine park.

The State Government also affirms its commitment to visitation and tourism continuing in all of Western Australia's national parks.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"This is a positive change that is based on mutual respect, understanding and a shared vision to showcase Western Australia's cultural and natural values.

"This decision reflects the Government's dual responsibilities to respect the cultural views of Traditional Owners and the need to protect and support WA's tourism industry.  

"We want people to experience Indigenous culture as an essential, vibrant part of visiting jointly managed national and marine parks across Western Australia."

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Horizontal Falls are an iconic tourism attraction in our incredible Kimberley region, with significant economic and social value to the people of Western Australia.

"We look forward to working with tourism operators and Traditional Owners over the coming years to develop new attractions and products, so visitors can continue enjoying this incredible experience.

"Our Government is absolutely committed to developing more tourism experiences in all our national parks, and key to that is maintaining public access for visitors."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"The Horizontal Falls is such a special and important tourism attraction for our region that creates local jobs, attracts visitors from around the world and generates visitor spend in our community.

"Our Government has worked closely with Traditional Owners and tourism operators to strike a balance that will enable a diversification of the experiences for protection of our Aboriginal culture."