Horizontal Falls
Described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, Horizontal Falls is a natural phenomenon that is as intriguing as it is stunning.
In the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, the fast moving tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, pushing the water into rapid like formations which rush through the twin gaps at an astonishing rate, producing waterfalls turned on their side.
The powerful tides in the Kimberley can reach more than 10 metres and the direction of the flow reverses ensuring the water flows two different ways each day.
Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago this unique waterfall is not accessible by vehicle. You can view the Horizontal Falls from the air with a scenic flight from Broome or Derby all year round. Get up close with an extended cruise or visit by float plane and land at the Horizontal Falls and hold on tight as you take a thrilling boat ride through the rushing water torrents.
While tidal movements are all year round, tour operators can advise on the best times to view the falls as some times are better than others to get the full impact of the rushing waters.
Horizontal Falls Boat Tours
Take to the air to see the spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls in Talbot Bay from the air, before joining a boat tour to take an exhilarating ride through them! Choose to depart from Broome or Derby, with overnight options and 4 day adventures also available.
Horizontal Falls Day Cruise
Horizontal Falls Scenic flights
Fly over the Horizontal Waterfalls on a range of half and full day scenic flight itineraries departing from Broome. Choose from scenic flight only options, or tours which include on the ground experiences on the Dampier Peninsula.
Horizontal Falls Cruises
Visit the Horizontal Falls as part of an Extended Kimberley Coast Cruise
What are the Horizontal Falls?
The Horizontal Falls are fast moving tidal currents that squeeze through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range in Talbot Bay, located in the Buccaneer Archipelago. They are waterfalls ‘turned on their side’.
Are the Horizontal Falls accessible by vehicle?
The Horizontal Falls are not accessible by vehicle. You can view the Horizontal Falls from the air with a scenic flight or helicopter flight from Broome or Derby. There are also tours that include the flight from Broome or Derby (some by float plane) and a speed boat ride to and through the Falls themselves.
Do tours to the Horizontal Falls run year-round?
Tours which include the speed boat ride through the Falls run seasonally, from around March to November each year. Scenic flight tours which include an overfly of the Horizontal Falls run year-round.
Do the Horizontal Falls flow in one direction?
The direction of the flow reverses according to the tides, which can reach more than 10 metres in the Kimberley. The falls are also reversible. Each day, when the tide turns, the falls flow in the opposite direction.
What is the difference in tides at the Horizontal Falls?
Daily tidal flow through the Horizontal Falls can be more than 10m on each tide. There are spring tides and neap tides. During spring tides the water flows rapidly through the falls. During neap tides there is a weak tidal movement so those on a boat will experience a more mellow water flow. King Tides occur twice a year –between March and April and again between September and October, and at these times the difference between high and low tides is even greater.
How wide are the Horizontal Falls?
The most seaward opening is around 20 metres wide and the more inland gorge is around 12 metres wide.
Is a tour to the Horizontal Falls suitable for families with children?
Yes, we advise contacting the tour operator about the minimum age of children.
How long is the flight from Broome or Derby to the Horizontal Falls?
The flight from Broome to Talbot Bay takes approximately 1hr 15 minutes. Flights departing from Derby take approximately 40 minutes.
How long is a tour to the Horizontal Falls?
Tours to the Horizontal Falls are of different durations - half-day, full-day, overnight and 24 hour stays, depending on the tour operator and tour option chosen.
What is the temperature at the Horizontal Falls?
The average temperature is about 33 degrees Celsius, though cruising on the water will bring fresh air.
What is the cultural value of the Horizontal Falls?
The Horizontal Falls are situated in the ancestral country of the saltwater Dambimangari people. The land is Aboriginal Reserve Land, reserved for the use and benefit of Aboriginal people, and they have exclusive possession native title over the area. The Dambimangari people chose the name Lalang-garram, being a Worrorra word meaning ‘the saltwater as a spiritual place as well as a place of natural abundance’, relating to the ocean in a general sense. The Lalang-garram /Horizontal Falls Marine Park was created in 2016 as part of the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.
