WA government to phase out iconic Horizontal Falls tourist experience

David Attenborough once described it as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, but this Aussie tourist attraction will soon be shut down.

One of Australia’s most treasured nature sites will only be open to tourists for another four years.

Once described by David Attenborough as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia will be closed to tourists from March 2028.

The state government’s goal in phasing out the tourist site was to “strike a balance between promoting tourism and protecting the environment at the famous tourism attraction”.

The experience will be fully phased out by March 2028. Picture: Salty Wings

In the new arrangement, the marine park’s largest licensed tour provider, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, will continue to travel through the wide gap of the falls until March 2028.

All other licensed operators will stop passing through the falls at the end of 2026, but access to the surrounding waters and air will still be allowed.

Environment minister Reece Whitby defended the controversial move as a “positive change” founded on “mutual respect, understanding and a shared vision”.

Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Picture: Victoria Nielsen

“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,” Mr Whitby said.

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

Tourism minister Rita Saffioti echoed the sentiments and said the government was looking 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”.

The Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon on the coast of the Kimberley region, where tidal flows cause waterfalls.