For thousands of years, the Dambeemangaddee people have cared for this Country. Their connection to land and sea is central to the experience of Garaan-ngaddim.  

Through close collaboration, partners are working towards a shared vision: one where tourism not only showcases the natural beauty of Garaan-ngaddim, but also respects and protects its cultural significance. By bringing people together, Dambeemangaddee leaders, tourism operators and government agencies are shifting the focus toward experiences grounded in respect, listening and shared understanding.

This partnership approach is strengthening the protection of cultural heritage values, while ensuring Dambeemangaddee culture is more clearly recognised, understood and celebrated by those who visit.

In April 2026, the Western Australian State Government announced significant support to help realise this shared vision, marking a key milestone in Traditional Owner–led tourism in the Kimberley.

The Government has committed $5 million in funding for essential on-water infrastructure. This investment will support the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) to develop and deliver new tourism experiences on Country, experiences shaped through partnership and guided by Dambeemangaddee knowledge and priorities.

Recognising the importance of a collaborative transition from existing tourism offerings to new, culturally appropriate experiences, a two-year extension has been provided for existing licensed operators to continue traversing the wide gap until the end of the 2028 tourism season. This decision reflects a commitment to supporting industry partners through the transition, giving them time to adapt, innovate and align with the evolving direction for Garaan-ngaddim. 

These announcements follow the work of the Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls Working Group, established in 2024 to explore future tourism opportunities and advise on development pathways.

Chaired by the Member for Kimberley, Ms Divina D’Anna MLA, the working group brought together a diverse range of perspectives, including representatives from DAC, the Kimberley Marine Tourism Association, Journey Beyond, Australia’s North West, the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council and the State Government.

Through its deliberations, the group identified two key challenges: the need for more time for operators to transition to new tourism offerings, and the importance of on-site infrastructure to support DAC in delivering culturally appropriate experiences.

The result is a more coordinated and inclusive approach, demonstrating how strong working relationships can deliver better outcomes for all.

These partnerships are already delivering benefits on the ground. A pilot program between DAC and Journey Beyond commenced in 2025, supporting the training of Dambeemangaddee guides on Country while testing new visitor experiences.

This collaboration is building capability, creating employment pathways and ensuring improved cultural knowledge is at the heart of the tourism experience. It is also strengthening relationships between operators and Traditional Owners, fostering mutual understanding and trust.

In partnership with DAC, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions will now lead the development of feasibility and business planning to guide future infrastructure and operations that are environmentally sustainable, culturally appropriate and economically viable.

Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls will always be a place of power. But its future strength lies in the partnerships that are shaping it, bringing together knowledge systems, perspectives and responsibilities.

DAC Vice Chair Leah Umbagai reaffirmed the responsibility of Traditional Owners to care for Garaan-ngaddim:

“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.”