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HORIZONTAL FALLS TRAVEL GUIDE

Discover everything you need to know about Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley. Learn how the falls are formed, compare tour options, find the best time to visit, and book seaplane and overnight adventures with Kimberley specialists.

The Horizontal Falls are one of Australia's most extraordinary natural wonders.

Hidden deep within the remote Kimberley coast of Western Australia, enormous tidal movements force seawater through two narrow cliff passages, creating the illusion of waterfalls flowing sideways.

Described by Sir David Attenborough as:

"One of the greatest natural wonders of the world."

The Horizontal Falls attract travellers from across the globe seeking spectacular scenery, thrilling seaplane flights, wildlife encounters and unforgettable Kimberley adventures.

Whether you're planning a scenic flight, an overnight stay or a complete Kimberley cruise, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Horizontal Falls.

WHAT ARE THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Created by nature

How the Horizontal Falls Were Created

Unlike traditional waterfalls that flow vertically, the Horizontal Falls are created by some of the largest tidal movements on Earth. These can reach up to 10 metres at peak tide, twice a day. 

Each day, massive volumes of seawater move between the inland waters of Talbot Bay and the surrounding Kimberley coastline.

As tides rise and fall, water is forced through two narrow gaps in the McLarty Ranges.

The result is a dramatic horizontal torrent that can create water level differences of several metres.

This natural phenomenon occurs nowhere else in Australia.

WHERE ARE THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Find the Horizontal Falls on a map

Where to find the Horizontal Falls

The Horizontal Falls are located within Talbot Bay in the remote Buccaneer Archipelago of the Kimberley region.

There are no roads.

Visitors typically arrive via:

❖ Seaplane from Broome

❖ Seaplane from Derby

❖ Kimberley expedition cruise

❖ Scenic helicopter flight

Because of their isolation, the journey itself becomes a major part of the experience.

WHY ARE THE HORIZONTAL FALLS FAMOUS?

Why so many people want to visit the Horizontal Falls

The Biggest Horizontal Falls Attractions

Several factors combine to make Horizontal Falls one of Australia's most sought-after travel experiences:

❖ Unique tidal phenomenon

❖ Stunning aerial scenery

❖ Remote Kimberley wilderness

❖ Rich Indigenous heritage

❖ Abundant marine life

❖ Adventure-based experiences

❖ Access by seaplane

For many visitors, the scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago is as memorable as the falls themselves.

WAYS TO SEE THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Many ways by air and sea

Seaplane Tours

The most popular option.

Visitors fly over the Kimberley coastline before landing directly on Talbot Bay. We offer multiple tour options from 6-hour half day tours from Broome, Cygnet Bay and Derby, to 10-hour full day tours from Broome. Regular Overnight and Luxury Overnight stay options are available too. 

❖ Horizontal Falls Seaplane Tours - Half Day, full day & overnight options

Day Tours

Ideal for travellers with limited time.

Multiple options are available for:

❖ Scenic flights - Fixed wing and helicopter flights ex Broome and Derby.

Many of these may fly from Broome, over the Horizontal Falls and then touch down at Cygnet Bay. Add on tours would include a visit to the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and even a 2-hour Sea Safari boat ride in a zodiac (for additional cost and must be pre-booked). Call our resevation line on 1300 799 758. 

Overnight Adventures

For a deeper Kimberley experience.

Overnight stays provide opportunities to:

  • Watch changing tides
  • Experience sunset and sunrise
  • Enjoy remote accommodation
  • Observe marine wildlife

Internal Link:
❖ Horizontal Falls Overnight Tours - Regular overnight and luxury options available

Kimberley Cruises

Many expedition cruises include Horizontal Falls as a highlight of their itinerary. For additional information, click on these links to discover more:

❖ Kimberley Cruise Guide

❖ Luxury Kimberley Cruises

❖ Expedition Kimberley Cruises

❖ Luxury Yachts Cruises

❖ Charter Boat Kimberley Cruises

❖ Kimberley Cruise Vessels

CAN YOU STILL VISIT THE HORIZONTAL FALLS?

Are the Horizontal Falls closed?

Yes. The Horizontal Falls are very much open for tours, at least until 2028. 

Visitors can continue to experience Horizontal Falls through a range of approved tourism experiences.

Tour operations continue to evolve as future management arrangements are implemented.

For travellers considering a visit, now remains one of the most exciting periods to experience this world-famous Kimberley destination.

Internal Link:
Is Horizontal Falls Closing?

WILDLIFE AT FRESHWATER COVE

Common wildlife sightings

Month What to Expect
March – April Spectacular waterfalls, lush landscapes and dramatic post-wet season scenery.
May – June Comfortable temperatures, excellent sightseeing and ideal cruising conditions.
July – August Peak Kimberley travel season with high demand and consistently pleasant weather.
September Warm days, fewer crowds and outstanding conditions for photography.
October Warmer temperatures and increased availability before the season concludes.

Check out these other important reads and links:

❖ Best Time to Visit Horizontal Falls

❖ Best Time to Cruise the Kimberley

WILDLIFE AROUND THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Spot these wildlife on your tour

The surrounding Kimberley waters support a remarkable variety of wildlife.

Visitors regularly encounter:

  • Saltwater crocodiles
  • Sea turtles
  • Reef sharks
  • Bull sharks
  • Rock wallabies
  • Dolphins
  • Bat fish
  • Sea eagles
  • Humpback whales (seasonal)

Internal Link:
Horizontal Falls Wildlife Guide

Crocodile POnant

UNDERSTANDING KIMBERLEY TIDES

Tidal patterns including time of day and neap tides

The Horizontal Falls exist because of Kimberley tides

Knowing the tidal patterns is vital for picking the right time of day to arrive at the Horizontal Falls and to go through them on a boat. Understanding tides helps explain why the falls change dramatically throughout the day.

Thankfully, our experts have access to the tidal charts and can make sense of this for you.

Twice a month there is also a "neap tide" that lasts up to 3 or 4 days. This is a period of moderate tides that occur after a spring tide, when the Sun and Moon are positioned at right angles to each other, relative to the Earth. As such the water movement is too slow because their gravitational forces counteract each other, resulting in the smallest difference between high and low tide (high tides are lower than average, and low tides are higher). When neap tides occur, most of the Horizontal Falls operators stay at home! 

You can't even book tours then. 

Internal Link:
Horizontal Falls Tides Explained

WHY BOOK THROUGH BLUESUN TRAVEL?

Australia's #1 Horizontal Falls Expert

Experts that have been to the Horizontal Falls 

Planning a Horizontal Falls adventure can be confusing.

Departure locations, pick up points, body weight, aircraft types, cruise inclusions and seasonal conditions vary significantly between operators.

BlueSun Travel provides:

❖ Independent advice

❖ Access to leading Kimberley operators

❖ Best tours to book 

❖ Expert knowledge of Kimberley travel

❖ Assistance comparing tour options

❖ Personalised recommendations

❖ Support before and after booking

Our team has helped thousands of travellers experience the Kimberley and can help identify the tour best suited to your budget, interests and travel style.

VIEW VIDEO:  << Click here

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE HUNTER RIVER

Best months for viewing the Hunter River

April – June

❖ Lush landscapes following the wet season (April - June)

❖ Cooler temperatures

❖ Excellent photography

July – August

❖ Ideal touring conditions

❖ Peak cruise season

❖ Cultural activities at their best

September – October

❖ Warm weather

❖ Great coastal scenery and viewing

❖ Fewer travellers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about Freshwater Cover

Absolutely. The combination of dramatic scenery, tidal power and remote wilderness makes it one of Australia's most memorable travel experiences. 

BlueSun Travel rates this as the number one tour in Western Australia. 

The maximum body weight for any individual is 120 kgs. 

Note: you will be weighed after the safety briefing and before boarding the aircraft .

Most visitors arrive via seaplane from Broome, Derby or Cygnet Bay, or as part of a Kimberley cruise itinerary. There are other scenic flight (flyover) options that do not involve a boat ride through the Falls or on Talbot Bay. 

Yes. Several full and half day options are offered (subject to the tides) each day. These are offered from Broome, Derby and Cygnet Bay. 

As a general rule, you can book:

Half Day tours: 6 hours 

Full Day tours: 10 hours

Overnight: 18 hours

Luxury Overnight: 24 hours

For most visitors, a seaplane tour offers the most comprehensive experience since it involves a flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago and boat trip through the Horizontal Falls. 

Most tours are suitable for seniors, although accessibility varies by operator.

  • To board a seaplane involves climbing up four steep steps so mobility is required.
  • Getting on and off the jet boats is easy and staff are on hand to assist. 
  • Seating on the jet boats is very comfortable 
  • Going through the gap in the Horizontal Falls is not a rough experience, though there may be a few bumps.

Many tours welcome families, although age and weight restrictions may apply:

  • Minium age 4 years
  • Minium weight 14 kgs

May through September generally offers the most comfortable conditions. Limited Seaplane tours are offered ex Broome from late March onwards, but most tours start full time from mid-May. There is less likelihood of rain, which means less risk of roads getting washed out.

The Seaplane tours will stop overnight tours (luxury and regular overnight tours) around the end of September. Day tours will continue until mid-October. 

 

No. There was a company called Horizontal Falls Day Cruises which went out of business in 2025. 

Today you have to fly to the Horizontal Falls or join a live-aboard Kimberley cruise. 

Flight times for the Seaplanes vary depending upon where you leave from:

Broome: 1 hour 15 mins

Cygnet Bay: 45 mins

Derby: 35 mins

Other operators will possibly fly from Broome over the Horizontal Falls, before turning back to land at Cygnet Bay. Their times vary according to the type of aircraft. 

EXPLORE MORE DESTINATIONS

Check out the other Kimberley Highlights

ICONIC KIMBERLEY CRUISE DESTINATIONS

❖ Montgomery Reef Guide – Witness an entire reef emerge from the ocean.

❖ Horizontal Falls Guide – Experience one of Australia's most famous tidal phenomena.

❖ Hunter River -  Famed for its outstanding beauty and wildlife.

❖ Mitchell Falls -  One of the must-see waterfalls in the Kimberley.

❖ Prince Frederick Harbour -  Mangrove-lined rivers and sandstone escarpments.

❖ Prince Regent River Guide – Explore the Kimberley's great wilderness waterway.

❖ King George Falls Guide – Discover one of Western Australia's tallest waterfalls.

❖ Raft Point Guide -  Aboriginal cave art.

❖ Vansittart Bay -  Site of the famous Mermaid Tree

ESSENTIAL KIMBERLEY CRUISE GUIDES

❖ Kimberley Cruise Types – View all cruise ships and boats by category.

❖ Luxury Ships - Most stylish small ships in the Kimberley.

❖ Expedition Ships - Designed for exploration more than luxury.

❖ Luxury Yachts - Smaller and more upmarket, boutique vessels.

❖ Charter Boats - For more action, adventure and destination immersion.

❖ Kimberley Cruise Routes & Itineraries – See where Kimberley cruises travel.

❖ Best Time to Cruise the Kimberley – Find the ideal month for your journey.

❖ Kimberley Cruise Wildlife Guide – Learn about crocodiles, whales, turtles and more.

❖ Kimberley Cruise Costs – What you should expect to pay.

❖ Travel Insurance – Taking out Kimberley travel insurance

READY TO EXPERIENCE THE HORIZONTAL FALLS?

Speak to our reservation team now

Whether you're looking for a scenic seaplane adventure, an overnight escape or a Kimberley cruise that includes Horizontal Falls, our Kimberley specialists can help you find the perfect experience.

❖ Compare Horizontal Falls Tours

❖ Browse Seaplane Adventures

❖ Explore Kimberley Cruises

❖ Speak With a Kimberley Travel Expert

Call BlueSun Travel today for personalised advice and the latest availability.

Our Kimberley cruise specialists can help you compare itineraries, explain which ships visit Horizontal Falls, and recommend departures based on your travel dates, interests and budget.

Need Help Choosing the Right Kimberley Cruise?

✔ Compare cruise lines and ships
✔ Find departures that include Horizontal Falls
✔ Get expert advice on the best time to travel
✔ Access current availability and special offers

Speak to our Horizontal Falls specialists today and start planning your Kimberley adventure.

If you want to explore more information on aboriginal culture or learn more about our Horizontal Falls Travel Guide call our office now,

1300 799 758

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