The traditional owners of Horizontal Falls have launched a new tourism blueprint after a boat crash in May 2022 triggered a ban on vessels passing through the iconic falls.
The Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation’s visitor and tourism plan outlines a sustainable path forward for tourism across its land and sea country, including major sites like Horizontal Falls.
DAC vice-chair Leah Umbagai said tourism allows the Dambimangari people to sustainably manage, protect and reconnect with country.
“Our ancestors have given us this country to look after. When we look after country the right way, Wandjina (our creation ancestor) looks after us,” she said.
“Country is happy, people are happy — there is abundance. We want visitors to feel comfortable and safe — to see, feel and respect country the way we do.”
The plan provides the recommended pathway for Dambimangari people, the corporation and their strategic partners to deliver on the vision, goals and priorities for tourism on Dambimangari land and sea country, including DAC-led tourism at Horizontal Falls, a tourism hub at Koolan Island and Dambimangari tour guides.
It comes after a high-speed vessel, Falls Express, operated by Journey Beyond Adventures, collided with rocks at Horizontal Falls, resulting in injuries to 25 passengers and two crew members in May 2022.
In response, DAC advocated for a ban on vessels passing through the falls, citing cultural concerns and the need to protect visitors and country, leading to the WA Government’s decision to phase out boat tours through the Horizontal Falls by March 2028.
In January 2025, the Perth Magistrates Court concluded proceedings related to the crash, fining the vessel’s master Edward James Whisson $12,000 while Journey Beyond Adventures received a $15,000 fine.
https://thewest.com.au/news/broome-advertiser/dambimangari-aboriginal-corporation-launches-tourism-plan-after-2022-horizontal-falls-boat-accident–c-18078136
