CALL 1300 799 758

HORIZONTAL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHTS (2026 GUIDE)

Discover everything you need to know about Horizontal Falls scenic flights. Learn what you'll see, departure locations, flight durations and how scenic flights compare with Kimberley cruises.

Horizontal Falls Scenic Flights come in many forms: fixed wing, float plane and helicopter. These include departures from Broome, Derby and Cygnet Bay. 

A scenic flight over Horizontal Falls is one of the most spectacular experiences in the Kimberley.

From the air, visitors can witness the incredible tidal phenomenon that has made Horizontal Falls famous around the world. Surrounded by rugged sandstone ranges, turquoise waters and thousands of islands scattered throughout the Buccaneer Archipelago, the aerial perspective reveals a scale that simply cannot be appreciated from ground level.

For travellers short on time, a scenic flight offers an unforgettable introduction to one of Australia's most remarkable natural attractions.

WHY TAKE A SCENIC FLIGHT OVER THE HORIZONTAL FALLS?

See the Horizontal Falls from above

Horizontal Falls is located deep within Talbot Bay on the remote Kimberley coast.

Because there are no roads to the area, the most popular ways to visit are:

❖ Scenic flights

❖ Kimberley cruises

❖ Cruise and flight combinations

A scenic flight provides an extraordinary bird's-eye view of the falls and the surrounding Kimberley landscape.

Many visitors consider the flight itself to be just as memorable as the destination.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE ON A HORIZONTAL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHT

Things to see

Flight paths vary depending on departure location and operator, but most itineraries include views of several Kimberley highlights.

Horizontal Falls

The twin gaps within the McLarty Range create the famous horizontal waterfall effect as powerful Kimberley tides force seawater through the narrow channels.

Talbot Bay

One of the Kimberley's most beautiful waterways, Talbot Bay is surrounded by ancient sandstone cliffs and tidal channels.

Buccaneer Archipelago

Comprising more than 800 islands, the Buccaneer Archipelago is one of the Kimberley's most spectacular coastal landscapes.

Kimberley Coastline

From the air, visitors gain a true appreciation of the scale and remoteness of the Kimberley region.

WHERE DO HORIZONTAL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHTS DEPART FROM?

Flight Departure Airports

Broome

Broome is the most popular departure point.

Most visitors begin their Kimberley adventure from Broome, making it a convenient base for scenic flights and cruises.

Derby

Some operators offer departures from Derby, providing a shorter flight time to the falls.

Kimberley Cruise Fly-Cruise Packages

Certain Kimberley cruise itineraries incorporate scenic flights as optional excursions or pre- and post-cruise experiences.

WHY IS HORIZONTAL FALLS BEST VIEWED FROM THE AIR?

The phenomenon itself is enormous.

From sea level, visitors can appreciate the power of the tides.

From the air, visitors can appreciate:

❖ The twin gaps of the falls

❖ The tidal flow through Talbot Bay

❖  The surrounding island systems

❖  The scale of the Kimberley coastline

❖  The rugged beauty of the Buccaneer Archipelago

Many photographers regard the aerial perspective as the most dramatic way to experience Horizontal Falls.

BEST TIME FOR A HORIZONTAL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHT

When it is best to see the Falls from the air

The Kimberley tourism season generally operates between March and October.

Month Conditions Best For
March-April Lush landscapes and active waterfalls Scenery
May-June Pleasant temperatures General sightseeing
July-August Peak season conditions First-time visitors
September Excellent visibility Photography
October Warm temperatures and fewer crowds Late-season travel

HORIZONTAL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHT vs KIMBERLEY CRUISE?

Compare the two

Feature Scenic Flight Kimberley Cruise
Duration Half-day to full day 7-14+ days
View of Horizontal Falls Excellent aerial perspective Water-level perspective
Wildlife Viewing Limited Extensive
Kimberley Destinations Primarily Horizontal Falls region Multiple destinations
Overall Experience Focused sightseeing Comprehensive exploration

 

For travellers wanting to see Horizontal Falls in a single day, scenic flights are an excellent option.

For those seeking a deeper Kimberley experience, a cruise offers access to numerous destinations, wildlife encounters and remote wilderness areas.

ARE SCENIC FLIGHTS AVAILABLE AFTER 2028

Future Scenic Flight Tours after 2028

Yes.

While tourism experiences at Horizontal Falls continue to evolve, scenic flights remain one of the most important and visually spectacular ways to experience the area.

The aerial perspective is expected to remain a key part of Kimberley tourism for years to come.

View this link:

 👉 What Happens to Horizontal Falls After 2028?

WHY BOOK THROUGH BLUESUN TRAVEL?

You get the best advice

Independent Kimberley Cruise Advice

BlueSun Travel is one of the original pioneers of Kimberley tourism. We have been promoting cruises and tours for nearly 30 years. As such, we work with almost all cruise operators and departure dates. More importantly, you can:

Speak to a agent 7 days a week. 

Kimberley Specialists

Our team understands the seasonal differences that can affect your experience. We have had both experience in both tour operations and marketing. Almost no other company in Australia has had the breadth of experience BlueSun Travel has had in the Kimberley and cruise industries.

Access to Leading Cruise Lines

Compare luxury, expedition and small-ship itineraries featuring Horizontal Falls. Our reservation agents have the highest cruise line industry accreditation in Australia. 100% of our agents in our main office are recognised Cruise Masters by the CLIA. 

Personal Service

Receive tailored recommendations based on your travel preferences and timing.

BlueSun Travel is a full service agency. We provide advice on:

Ongoing Support

We assist you from your first enquiry through to departure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about Freshwater Cover

Flight durations vary depending on departure location and itinerary, ranging from several hours to full-day experiences.

Most flights depart from Broome or Derby.

Yes. Scenic flights remain one of the best ways to experience Horizontal Falls.

A scenic flight offers a spectacular aerial perspective, while a Kimberley cruise provides a more comprehensive exploration of the region. 

Scenic flights can be done in less than a day, whereas the Kimberley cruises are mostly from 7 days to 14 days in duration. 

May through September generally offers excellent visibility and favourable weather conditions. This is the main Kimberley cruise season when there should be a minimal chance of being affected by any storm or bad weather condition. The rainy season ends around April and that means the landscape will be greener. The waterfalls will still run strong until June and thereafter, they will slow down as they rain fed. 

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

WANT HELP BOOKING A SCENIC FLIGHT?

Speak to our BlueSun Travel reservations experts now

A scenic flight offers an incredible introduction to Horizontal Falls, but a Kimberley cruise allows you to explore the wider region in depth. Speak with the Kimberley specialists at BlueSun Travel to compare cruise itineraries and find the perfect Kimberley adventure.

❖ 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 learn more about the Best Time to Visit Horizontal Falls, or when the best tides and prices are, call our office now or email us your questions:

1300 799 758

Join our mailing list and get deals

Cruise offers and discounts!

GET A FREE QUOTE

Please fill in this form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!

TOP