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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.

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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”.

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”.

“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.

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“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.

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Closure of Horizontal Falls Tours to Cost Jobs and Visitors

15 March 2024

Tourism Council WA is calling on the State Government to commit to retaining all existing access and tourism experiences within WA’s National Parks, following the announcement today that visitors will no longer be able to traverse Horizontal Falls in the North West from the end of the 2027 season – a bucket list experience and driver of international visitation to the region. 

The cessation of tours traversing Horizontal Falls follows the closure of other tourism attractions including Penguin Island Discovery Centre and the Gloucester Tree in the South West.

“Traversing Horizontal Falls and diving with whale sharks are the two iconic nature-based tourism experiences of international renown drawing visitors to WA from around the world,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said. 

“WA uses Horizontal Falls and diving with whale sharks to promote WA to key markets. It is impossible to measure just how many visitors will decide not to come to WA or visit the North West without this drawcard.

“While hopefully multi-day cruises staying one night in Talbot Bay will continue, it is the loss of day tours to traverse the Falls which will have the most immediate and significant impact.”

It is estimated that closing day tours alone which traverse Horizontal Falls will result in $15 million and 58 full time equivalent jobs lost from the region per year. Fifteen licenced tourism operators will be impacted by the closure. This does not include the loss from visitors who will not come to the region at all.

“National Parks are public land and waters that belong to everyone. The legislative objective of National Parks includes promoting and facilitating nature-based tourism and public recreation - this is not achieved by restricting visitor access or closing successful nature-based tourism experiences,” Mr Hall said.

“Sustainable nature-based tourism in National Parks needs to protect the natural environment, promote cultural heritage, and create jobs and tourism business opportunities on country for Traditional Owners and local destinations. It is difficult to see how this can be best achieved by closing down a world renowned nature-based experience.

“We need a new approach from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions with an emphasis on sustaining and creating nature-based tourism experiences, especially commercially viable Aboriginal tourism experiences in Joint Managed National Parks.”

Mr Hall called on the State Government to retain ongoing access for tourism operators traversing Horizontal Falls to ensure Traditional Owners and tourism operators could work together to create and operate commercially viable Aboriginal tourism experiences, jobs and business partnerships.

“Horizontal Falls is one of the great natural wonders of the world - by traversing the Falls, visitors experience the awesome nature of this unique environment. It’s not something that can be experienced from the sidelines,” Mr Hall said.

“Traversing the Horizontal Falls is a national award-winning, once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience that has been bringing visitors from around the world to the Kimberley for more than 20 years, long before it became a National Park.

“Without the worldwide appeal of traversing the Horizontal Falls, it will be extremely difficult to create commercially viable Aboriginal tourism experiences at the Falls.”

Media Contact: Elena Morabito, Communications Officer –  [email protected] / 0434 712 230

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Western Australia govt reveals change to tourism at Horizontal Falls with traversing through Kimberley site to be phased out

The Western Australia government has announced a major change to a tourist hotspot in the state, with traditional owners welcoming the move but the tourism council lamenting the decision.  

Traversing through the wide gaps of Western Australia's Horizontal Falls will soon end under changes announced by the state government to site access rules.

The government said it has been working with traditional owners and tourism operators to "strike a balance between promoting tourism and protecting the environment".

Under the plan unveiled on Friday afternoon, traversing through the falls, which are located in the Kimberley region, is set to be phased out by March 2028.

That is when the licence held by the largest licensed tour provider at the marine park, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, expires.

However, all other licensed operators will have to cease travelling through the falls at the end of 2026.

The state government said licensed operators and visitors will still have "access to the surrounding waters and air".

A statement added the "transition away from traversal of the falls made in part on the understanding tourism will remain a key value of the marine park".

A working group including traditional owners and tourism industry representatives will be tasked with developing new tourism experiences in the area.

"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," Environment Minister Reece 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."

The Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation said traditional owners welcomed the decision to "phase out vessels passing through Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls)".

The DAC said traditional owners had raised concerns about numerous incidents at the falls since the 1990s, and "harmful impacts on cultural heritage".  

"We understand that change can be scary… but like the changes to climbing Uluru, we hope that in time people will understand and respect our decision to put cultural heritage values and safety first," the DAC said, ABC reported.

In May 2022, up to 28 tourists were injured after a boat was believed to have capsized at Horizontal Falls . 

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall lamented the government's decision, noting traversing Horizontal Falls was one of the "iconic nature-based tourism experiences of international renown".

"Horizontal Falls is one of the great natural wonders of the world - by traversing the falls, visitors experience the awesome nature of this unique environment. It's not something that can be experienced from the sidelines," Mr Hall said.

"Without the worldwide appeal of traversing the Horizontal Falls, it will be extremely difficult to create commercially viable Aboriginal tourism experiences at the falls."

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Cook Government announces popular WA tourist attraction Horizontal Falls will close years after boat crash

Visitors will have four years left to travel through Horizontal Falls after the Cook Government announced plans to phase out the tours by March 2028 — a blow to tourism in the Kimberley described by one operator as stopping visitors to the Louvre from seeing the Mona Lisa.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said Friday that boat tours through the Horizontal Falls or Garaan-ngaddim — located about 250km from Broome and once described by David Attenborough as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, will be phased out, but promised “new experiences” would take their place.

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New tourism experiences to be developed for Horizontal Falls

• State Government to work with Traditional Owners and industry operators on new tourism experiences that showcase the iconic Horizontal Falls
• Crossing through Horizontal Falls to be phased out by March 2028
• Phased approach strikes balance between promoting tourism and protecting environment

Tourism at the Horizontal Falls is set for a refresh, as the State Government, tourism operators and Traditional Owners work to strike a balance between promoting tourism and protecting the environment at the famous tourism attraction. 

Traversing through the Horizontal Falls will be phased out by March 2028 on the understanding new experiences are developed to continue showcasing the iconic tourism attraction.

This decision was made in part on the agreement tourism and visitation to the falls will continue.

A working group, comprising tourism industry representatives and Traditional Owners, will be established by the Tourism and Investment Committee of Cabinet to develop the new tourism products and provide advice to government on suitable investments that can be made to support these experiences. 

Under the new arrangements, the marine park's largest licensed tour provider Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures will continue to travel through the wide gap of the falls until its licence expires in March 2028, with all other licensed operators to stop passing through the falls at the end of 2026.

Visitors and licensed operators will retain access to the surrounding waters and air, with the decision to transition away from traversal of the falls made in part on the understanding tourism will remain a key value of the marine park.

The State Government also affirms its commitment to visitation and tourism continuing in all of Western Australia's national parks.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"This is a positive change that is based on mutual respect, understanding and a shared vision to showcase Western Australia's cultural and natural values.

"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.  

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

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Horizontal Falls are an iconic tourism attraction in our incredible Kimberley region, with significant economic and social value to the people of Western Australia.

"We look 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.

"Our Government is absolutely committed to developing more tourism experiences in all our national parks, and key to that is maintaining public access for visitors."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"The Horizontal Falls is such a special and important tourism attraction for our region that creates local jobs, attracts visitors from around the world and generates visitor spend in our community.

"Our Government has worked closely with Traditional Owners and tourism operators to strike a balance that will enable a diversification of the experiences for protection of our Aboriginal culture."

Hon. Reece Whitby

Hon. Rita Saffioti

Acknowledgement of country.

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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Plan Your Holiday To Australia’s North West

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 Seaplane Adventures

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures is the only Horizontal Falls adventure where you can soar in a seaplane, experience the horizontal waterfalls in a cruise boat and soak up the amazing surrounds of…

KAS Helicopters

KAS Helicopters' mission is to give visitors the experience of a lifetime, showcasing the best the Kimberley has to offer from a unique aerial perspective, with highly skilled, experienced pilots…

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. 

Broome Aviation

Join us on the most spectacular scenic flights in the Kimberley. Broome Aviation has operated air tours in the Kimberley since 1982, and we're proud of our excellent level of safety and customer…

Air Kimberley

Air Kimberley has been flying the skies of Western Australia for 29 years, exploring ancient cultures, beautiful landscapes, and stunning natural attractions. Our passion is to connect people to the…

Horizontal Falls Cruises 

Visit the Horizontal Falls as part of an Extended Kimberley Coast Cruise

APT Kimberley Small Ship Expedition Cruising

Secluded gorges, tumbling falls and towering rock faces – explore the rugged Kimberley…

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the Kimberley experience... Accommodating only 12 guests in en-suite air-conditioned cabins…

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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.

The ultimate guide to visiting Horizontal Falls

Kassia Byrnes

Native Content Editor

14 September 2023

A unique natural phenomenon in the striking Kimberleys, Horizontal Falls is an underrated Australian wonder.

No photos can do justice to Horizontal Falls, the secret treasure of The Kimberleys that were s o named by Sir David Attenborough himself, who also described them as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world”. There’s no way to get here on your own, but there are several tour options to experience this incredible natural phenomenon ( including a stay on a floating luxury houseboat ) – from day trips to spending a few nights on a liveaboard.

Zoom through the Horizontal Falls on a jetboat.

What are the Horizontal Falls?

The Kimberley coast (and the northwest of Australia) has the highest tides on the continent, with a difference of up to 10 metres between low and high tide. These rapidly changing tides force themselves in and out of this large ocean inlet known as Talbot Bay, located around 250 kilometres from Broome, and consequently fights itself to rush through two small gaps (one 20 metres wide, the other only 10) in the Maclarty Ranges. The result? The Horizontal Falls. While not technically waterfalls, this rush of the changing tide does indeed mean that the water on one side is higher than the other, and that the water flows in different directions – something that is ever-changing depending on the tide flow. These aren’t the only falls of their kind in the world, but they are the deepest and most forceful.

See Horizontal Falls from above. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

They also hold strong cultural significance to the Traditional Owners of Dambeemangarddee Country, who have lived on this sacred land for 56,000 years. They named this place Lalang-garram: a Worrorra word meaning ‘the saltwater as a spiritual place as well as a place of natural abundance’. And tell of how much of this Country was created by the writhing actions of a female Woongudd Snake. Woongudd’s power is most obvious in the movement of tides and whirlpools in the region, such as at Garaanngaddim (Horizontal Falls). The power of the whirlpools is the constant, visible and real manifestation and reminder of the presence and potency of Lalai (Law.)

“The Lalang-gaddam Marine Park Joint Management Plan is a modern way for us to remember our elders and ancestors,” the Traditional Owners shared in a statement. The falls are on Aboriginal Reserve Land, meaning they have exclusive possession native title over the area. As such, local tour operators work with them to ensure visitors here are respectful, such as no longer driving speed boats through the middle of the smaller gap, as it, specifically, is sacred.

How do you get to the Horizontal Falls?

You must book a Horizontal Falls tour, all of which leave from either Broome or Derby. You’ll need to catch a seaplane or helicopter over the approximately 1.8 billion-year-old landscape for about an hour until you reach the falls and land in Talbot Bay. You can find direct flights to Broome from Perth and now Sydney as well. You can fly to Derby from Broome, book a Greyhound Australia bus during the week, or drive 2.5 hours.

Catch a seaplane from Broome or Derby. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

The best time to visit Horizontal Falls

The tour season is from May to September (depending on the weather and the wet season), while the tides are at their highest and therefore the Horizontal Falls at their most spectacular. While this may be winter, with temperatures typically ranging from 20 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius, it’s actually the perfect time to be in Western Australia.

Horizontal Falls tours

Tour options range from half or full day in and out, to luxury liveaboard packages that include all food and activities. While you’re there, tour activities can include jetboats through the Horizontal Falls, swimming with sharks (you’ll be safe in a glass box), helicopter rides (unmissable), fishing, boat tours around the rest of Talbot Bay and more. Discover all your options at our comprehensive guide to Horizontal Falls tours here.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Talbot Bay.

Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's and has been writing about her travels professionally for over 10 years. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days.

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Tour operator says no passengers were thrown into water in Horizontal Falls boating accident

The tour operator at the centre of the Horizontal Falls boating accident says the vessel didn't capsize and no passengers were thrown into the water.

Key points:

• Multiple agencies will be involved in the investigation
• There are 12 patients in Royal Perth Hospital 
• Several others were taken to Broome Hospital on Friday

Several people were seriously injured when the Falls Express, operated by Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, ran into trouble at about 7am at the popular tourist attraction in Western Australia's Kimberley region about 250km north-east of Broome.

On Friday, WA Police Regional Commander Brad Sorrell said a number of people had been thrown into the water, which he said was a priority because there were crocodiles and box jellyfish in the area. 

However, in a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the tour operator said that was not the case.

"The vessel did not capsize and no passengers were in the water," the statement said.

"The boat immediately returned to the pontoon."

The statement confirmed there were 26 passengers and two crew on board and "some guests have sustained injuries".

"Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures is continuing to liaise with the RFDS and all relevant authorities to manage the incident and will provide updates as more information becomes available."

Several patients in trauma ward

A dozen patients were flown to Perth on Saturday night before being taken to Royal Perth Hospital where they remain in a stable condition. 

Their ages range from mid-forties up to 70 years of age and while none are in intensive care, nine of them were taken to the hospital's trauma ward. 

A spokesperson from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was involved in a multi-agency investigation into the incident.

The authority has issued a prohibition notice to the vessel involved, which prevents it from operating until inspectors are satisfied it can do so safely. 

AMSA also issued a direction notice to prevent the operator from using any other vessel to transit the tourist attraction, pending the outcome of the investigation.

"Two AMSA marine inspectors supported by an investigator will be attending the site, about 100km north of Derby, and are expected to arrive late [on Saturday] afternoon to commence the investigation," the spokesperson said.

On Friday night at Jandakot Airport, several passengers were carried off Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft on stretchers before being transferred to a large ambulance. 

Earlier on Friday, other passengers — including some who were seen wearing visible bandages — were taken to Broome Hospital.

On Saturday morning, a spokesperson from the WA Country Health Service said two people remained in Broome Hospital in a stable condition. 

Multi-agency investigation 

Regional Police Commander Brad Sorrell said the investigation would involve a number of agencies.

"At the moment, the details of that incident are still under investigation and the relative authorities have been referred to the scene and will be investigating," he said.

Horizontal Falls, an iconic tourism spot in the north, is host to regular jet boat tours through the fast-rising Kimberley tides.

The falls are a natural phenomenon where 10 metres of water surges through two narrow chasms at Talbot Bay.

Called Garaangaddim by traditional owners, the falls have been described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world".

The coastline is, however, treacherous with big tides, whirlpools and strong currents.

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Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures is the only Horizontal Falls adventure where you can soar in a seaplane, experience the horizontal waterfalls in a cruise boat and soak up the amazing surrounds right here in Talbot Bay.

Offering a range of tours from half day to full day and overnight tours there is one to suit all budgets. All Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures tours include:

• A seaplane flight
• A powerboat ride through the falls
• A shark feeding experience
• Swim/snorkel in the shark-free enclosure
• A Cyclone Creek cruise
• All meals included

Our fleet of seaplanes, power boats, fishing charter vessels and houseboats offer comfort and safety when exploring the contrasting and diverse landscapes of the Kimberley.

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A World Renowned Wonder

An ocean phenomenon where some of the highest tides in the world help to create a horizontal waterfall. as the tide turns each day, the falls reverse and flow in the opposite direction through the narrow gaps in the mclarty range..

Accessed by our unique fleet of Seaplanes, Talbot Bay in the Kimberley region of Western Australia is home to our permanent, floating base of houseboats. Set in the bay, right beside the Horizontal Falls, our exclusive position allows you to get up close and personal with this natural wonder as you soar, cruise and stay with Horizontal falls Seaplane Adventures.

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Go Horizontal Falls Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Horizontal Falls

The turquoise water of Talbot Bay ( Ganbadba ) and 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.

The white waters are thrilling to see up close and awe-inspiring to view from the air. Join a scenic flight and land in Talbot Bay or day cruise to the Horizontal Falls from Cygnet Bay, Broome or Derby to see and experience it for yourself.

Nicknamed ' the Horries ' and known as Garaanngaddim to the Aboriginal community, the Horizontal Falls are located in the Lang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park.

The North Lalang-garram Marine Park lies between Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park and the North Kimberley Marine Park and covers about 110,000 hectares.

Please read the Dambimangari Visitor Code of Conduct when planning a visit to Dambimangari country.

Lalang-garram is a Dambimangari name that evokes the saltwater as a spiritual place of great natural abundance. Call for personalised service from the Broome Visitor Centre on +61 8 9195 2200 Please note: A 7km drone exclusion zone surrounding Garaanngaddim (Horizontal Falls) has been created for the safety of seaplanes and helicopters. For more information on flying remotely piloted aircraft / drones visit Drones in Parks .

Please note that ALL boat tours no longer go through the narrow gap at the falls.

Huge tidal movements are not to be missed!

Described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world", the Horizontal Falls are powered by the huge tidal movements of the Indian Ocean . Whether exploring them by boat on a day cruise or extended luxury cruise, by sea plane or take a Horizontal Falls scenic flight these awesome beauties have to be seen. A unique experience which demonstrates the awesome power of the Kimberley tides.

#1 on the bucket list

A unique experience which demonstrates the awesome power of the Kimberley tides.

Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago this unique waterfall is not accessible directly by vehicle/road. You can see it with half day, full day, overnight stays, helicopter flights or small plane tours. We do have some options that include a 4WD journey that meets the seaplane at Cygnet Bay (these are the Fly/Drive or Drive/Fly tours).

Get up close with an multi day, extended Kimberley cruise that includes a visit to Talbot Bay, or visit by seaplane and land at the Horizontal Falls floating pontoon base to enjoy a thrilling boat ride close to the rushing water torrents.

Choose from scenic flight only options, or tours which include on the ground experiences on the Dampier Peninsula.

On neap tide dates , there are alternative options to still see the falls and you can flyover the Horizontal Falls with a scenic flight from Broome, Cygnet Bay or Derby all year round.

It is always a great idea to call us on 08 9195 2200 to explain the various options for your preferred travel dates.

A popular destination for adventure tourism

The Horizontal Falls have become a popular destination for adventure tourism. Visitors can enjoy fast boat rides through the wider gap at the Horizontal Falls or enjoy a swim in the marine viewing platform for a truly thrilling experience.

Check out the fantastic ways to explore the Horizontal Falls with the operators below...

Our members, air kimberley.

Fly the Kimberley with Air Kimberley experiencing the unique advantage of scenic air adventures to see Australia's, and the world's last great wilderness frontiers, the Kimberley, wild and remote in the North-west of Western Australia.Air Kimberley…

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

As the region’s longest-running Horizontal Falls Tour operators, we know there’s no better way to experience the Kimberley than at close quarters. That’s why we pioneered seaplane tours over this magnificent wilderness.We have our own fleet of…

KAS Helicopters (ON REQUEST)

No matter your helicopter requirements in the Kimberley, get off to a flying start with the specialist Kimberley team at KAS Helicopters.Minimum two (2) full paying passengers required for all tours.

Kimberley Day Cruise

Join Kimberley Day Cruise for a full-day tour departing Broome and Cygnet Bay to the remarkable natural wonder of the Kimberley, the Horizontal Falls.*Guests departing from Broome will be picked up at 5:00am, don’t worry you’ll be able to get some…

Broome Aviation

We are proud to offer a variety of sensational scenic flights over Broome and Cable Beach, through to awesome land and air adventures encapsulating natural wonders like the Bungle Bungle ranges, Geikie Gorge, Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls and the…

Ventur Atlas

At Ventur Atlas, we take curious travellers on an immersive and authentic adventure at land, air & sea. More than just a tour company, we craft once-in-a-lifetime ventures that are ideal for time-pressed travellers wanting to indulge in the full…

KAS Helicopters (INSTANTLY BOOKABLE)

No matter your helicopter requirements in the Kimberley, get off to a flying start with the specialist Kimberley team at KAS Helicopters.Minimum two (2) fully paying passengers required for all tours.

FLY BROOME is a scenic and charter flight company based in the historical town of Broome, Western Australia. FLY BROOME showcases the iconic attractions of the West Kimberley coast, highlighting the world famous Horizontal Falls, stunning 1000…

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Horizontal Falls

Sir David Attenborough calls them “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world” – and the surging waters of the Horizontal Falls must be seen to be believed. Prepare for an action-packed adventure amid the hundreds of islands that make up the Buccaneer Archipelago as you explore some of the planet’s most unique waterways.

Home to two Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay can be tackled on a boat trip that takes in the bay’s narrow channels and white-tipped waves. Prefer an airborne adventure? Get a bird’s-eye view as you soar above the falls on a scenic flight.

The Horizontal Falls are easily accessible by seaplane or helicopter from Broome (Rubibi) or Derby . From Perth , fly two-and-a-half hours or drive at least two days to make the 2,240-kilometre journey to Broome. Derby is just over 200 kilometres north of Broome (Rubibi).

Formed by some of the largest tidal movements in the world, the swirling waters of the Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon. Massive volumes of water squeeze through narrow cliff passages, with the rapid-like formations creating the unique sideways waterfall effect.

The falls also serve up an adrenaline-packed adventure. Whether you witness the rapids and towering cliffs on a low-flying scenic flight, or get in among the action on a fast boat, prepare yourself for a mind-blowing experience.

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

7-Course Menu

Visit the horizontal Falls

One-day journey

Uncover the wonders of the Kimberley Coast in a single day.

“The most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever seen, highly recommend this bucket list adventure.”

Alice Cannan

“Amazing from sunrise to sunset, this will remain in our memories forever!”

Cathy Stewart

“Fantastic boat with an awesome crew. Thanks for an incredibly memorable day.”

Dun Hulands

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Kimberley in a brand new way.

For the first time ever, we’re offering visitors the chance to take a one day journey to the Horizontal Falls on our state-of-the-art vessel, Ohana, purpose-built for your comfort and safety to marvel at the wonders of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Day Cruise from Broome

14 hours (approx), from $1,225, day cruise from cygnet bay, 8 hours (approx).

Overnight Accommodation Package

48 hours (approx), from $1460pp, experience the sacred horizontal falls.

Embark on a remarkable journey to witness the awe-inspiring Horizontal Falls, also known as Garaanngaddim. Carved by massive tidal shifts, these stunning oceanic formations in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region hold sacred significance for the Dambeemangarddee Traditional Owners.

While visitors are welcomed, it is essential to respect their cultural protocols and refrain from traversing the falls during high tides. The falls are believed to embody the Woongudd, the Creator Snake, and are revered as a symbol of ancient connections between land and sea. 

Meet the Team

Discover the wonders of the Buccaneer Archipelago through the eyes of the team behind Kimberley Day Cruise.

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Christie Brinkley Dances as Ex Billy Joel Sings 'Uptown Girl' in Concert

Luke bryan falls hard onstage, laughs it off, luke bryan slips, crashes hard onstage ... shares video on big screen.

3:21 PM PT -- Seems Luke Bryan 's fall wasn't caused by a fan's phone ... a new angle shows he just sorta slips onstage and happens to land on top of the cell. Might want to look into non-slip shoes, Luke!

Luke Bryan's proving the show must go on ... 'cause he slipped during last night's performance and crashed to the ground hard -- but, took the incident in stride.

The country music singer-songwriter performed at the Coast City Country Festival in Vancouver last night ... and while hyping up his next song Bryan stepped in the wrong spot and went flying into the air.

Check out the clip ... Bryan looks like a cartoon stepping on a banana peel, really getting some height on his slip -- and, revealing he actually stepped on someone's phone.

LB could've gotten seriously hurt, but he pops up pretty quickly and laughs it off ... before asking if anyone had captured the insane moment.

Of course, pretty much everyone in the front row had cameras trained on Bryan ... and, he borrowed a fan's phone to show a clip of his fall on the big screen for the entire stadium to enjoy.

Anyhoo ... Luke and the crowd laughed about the incident and moved on -- and, Bryan probably handled it so well because it's not the first time he's eaten it during a performance.

Remember ... TMZ obtained video back in 2014 of Luke rockin' out at a concert in North Carolina before stepping too far forward -- and, literally face-planting offstage. People rushed over to help him back then, and he got a few stitches, but ultimately he was fine.

@lukebryan your dance moves must go on even with a tumble. #RaisedUpRightTour #RaleighNC pic.twitter.com/HF3v6YNyBd — Molly Chisamore (@MollyChisamore) July 9, 2022 @MollyChisamore

And, there's this from 2022 ... where Bryan showed off some booty-poppin' dance moves -- when his ankle gave out and left him fully on his back.

BTW ... Bryan's got a show Wednesday in Saskatchewan, Canada -- watch your step, Luke!!!

Originally Published -- 10:34 AM PT

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