There are restrictions on sightings for this sacred site in Australia

It is one of the other natural wonders on the planet. Horizontal Falls, or “Horizontal Falls” in plain French, is a unique combination of unique geography and powerful tidal currents. Located in Australia's Talbot Bay, these falls appear when waves crash between two narrow canyons on the cliff, creating swells that can reach several meters. A sight that many tourists want to see when visiting the Kimberley region. Many prefer to charter boats specifically to cross this gap. This has come as a shock to the tribal people who consider these falls as sacred places.

Accidents are not rare. In May 2022, a boat hit rocks and injured around twenty passengers, prompting a major rescue operation. So many problems that the authorities of Western Australia, where the Horizontal Falls are located, decided to limit their access. From March 2028, boats will not be allowed to cross the famous gap. However, they can still go into Talbot Bay. Until then, the Australian state government says it wants to gradually regulate the ban and work with boat owners to develop it “New Travel Experiences” To highlight the site.

Mixed reception

The news received a very mixed reception. The Tourism Council of Western Australia, which represents tour operators and other businesses in the sector, condemned the move as a deterrent to visitors and leading to future job losses. The move was met with relief on the part of the tribal people, especially the Dambimangari people who have lived in the area for 56,000 years. Because the place named Karan-Ngadim is symbolic.

Located 1900 km from Perth, the horizontal waterfall is located at Mylam, one of the three protected marine parks established in 2022 and jointly managed by Dambimungari and the Government of Western Australia. The move comes in a context marked by much criticism of the Australian government, which has long been reluctant to protect indigenous sites.