It is one of those natural wonders unlike any other on the planet. The Horizontal Falls, or “horizontal waterfalls” in plain French, constitute a unique blend of unique geology and powerful tidal currents. Located in Talbot Bay, Australia, these waterfalls appear when waves crash between the cliff's two narrow gorges, creating swells that can reach several meters. A spectacle that many tourists want to witness when they visit the Kimberley region. Many people want to cross this gap aboard specially chartered boats. And this, to the great dismay of the indigenous populations who see these waterfalls as a sacred place.
Accidents are not rare. In May 2022, a boat hit the rocks and injured around twenty passengers, triggering a huge rescue operation. So many problems which have decided the authorities of Western Australia, where the Horizontal Falls are located, to limit their access. From March 2028, boats will no longer be allowed to cross the famous gap. However, they will still be able to navigate Talbot Bay. Until then, the Australian state government will gradually organize the ban and says it wants to work with boat owners to develop
“new tourist experiences”
to highlight the site.
Mixed reception
The news was received very mixed. The Western Australian Tourism Council, which represents tour operators and other businesses in the sector, among others, denounces a measure which would dissuade visitors from coming and could lead to future job losses. On the side of the indigenous populations, notably the people of Dambimangari who have inhabited the region for 56,000 years, the measure was received with relief. Because the place, named Garaan-ngaddim, has symbolic importance.
Located 1900km from Perth, Horizontal Falls is within Maiyalam, one of three protected marine parks established in 2022 and co-managed by the people of Dambimangari and the Western Australian Government. This measure also comes in a particular context, marked by numerous criticisms of the Australian state which has long hesitated to commit to the preservation of indigenous sites.