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WHAT HAPPENS TO HORIZONTAL FALLS AFTER 2028

Wondering what happens to Horizontal Falls after 2028? Learn how visitor experiences are changing, what tours will continue, and what travellers can expect when visiting the Kimberley's most famous attraction.

One of he most talked about questions is this: "What happens to Horizontal Falls after 2028?"

Horizontal Falls has long been one of the Kimberley's most famous natural attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the powerful tidal phenomenon in Talbot Bay.

As 2028 approaches, many travellers are asking the same questions:

  • Will Horizontal Falls close?
  • Can you still visit Horizontal Falls?
  • Will Kimberley cruises continue to go there?
  • What experiences will still be available?

The short answer is simple:

Yes, visitors will still be able to see and experience Horizontal Falls after 2028.

However, some tourism activities are changing as part of long-term management arrangements involving Traditional Owners, tourism operators and the Western Australian Government.

This guide explains what is changing, what is staying the same, and what travellers can expect in the years ahead.

UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGES

Sustainable tourism

Kimberley stakeholders working together

Horizontal Falls is located within Talbot Bay on the traditional lands and sea country of the Dambimangari people.

In recent years, discussions between Traditional Owners, tourism operators and government agencies have focused on balancing tourism with cultural and environmental protection.

The result is a gradual transition away from certain tourism activities within the narrow falls themselves, while continuing to support sustainable visitor experiences throughout the region.

IS THE HORIZONTAL FALLS CLOSING?

Are the Horizontal Falls being closed for good?

No.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Horizontal Falls is "closing."

The natural phenomenon is not closing, and visitors will continue to be able to experience the area.

What is changing are specific tourism operations associated with travelling through the falls.

Horizontal Falls will remain:

❖ One of the Kimberley's most iconic attractions

❖ A highlight of many Kimberley cruise itineraries

❖ A major scenic flight destination

❖ An important cultural and natural landmark

WHAT VISITOR EXPERIENCES WILL CONTINUE AFTER 2028?

Minimum effect for most tours.

You will still get to see this attraction

Travellers will still have several ways to experience Horizontal Falls. Even if the access to the gap in the Horizontal Falls is denied, cruise ships and charter boats will still be able to drive right up to the gap. The experience of not going through the gap in the Falls (which only lasts a few minutes now anyway), will be minimal. Even today, most of the experience if felt from the ocean side, watching the crazy water and whirlpools. 

Kimberley Cruises

Many expedition cruise itineraries are expected to continue visiting Talbot Bay and the surrounding region.

Cruise guests will still be able to:

❖ Cruise through Talbot Bay

❖ View Horizontal Falls from the water

❖ Explore surrounding Kimberley landscapes

❖ Learn about local culture and history

❖ Experience nearby Kimberley attractions

View this link on:

 Horizontal Falls Cruises

Seaplane Tours

Our Horizontal Falls Seaplane Tours are the largest provider of tourism to the Horizontal Falls. Each day, hundreds of passengers fly onto Talbot Bay via Broome, Derby and Cygnet Bay. There is a permanent pontoon based there throughout the Kimberley cruise season, providing continuous excitement to everyone.  The Half and Full Day Tours will still continue unabated; so will the Overnight and Luxury Overnight Tours. It really will be business as usual. 

❖ Cruise through Talbot Bay

❖ Visits to Cyclone Creek

❖ Live-aboard stays

❖ Fishing (Luxury 24-hour cruises only)

Scenic Flights - Fixed Wing

There are three aviation companies providing flights from Broome, out to and over the Horizontal Falls, before landing briefly at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

Since none of these land at the Horizontal Falls, they will be unaffected by any ban on going through the falls. Business will be as usual.

❖ Flights from Broome

❖ Scenic views of the Buccaneer Archipelago

❖ Views of the mud flats 

❖ Visit to the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

❖ 2 hour Sea Safari boat ride at Cygnet Bay

Helicopter Flights

As with the other Scenic Flights, these will be unaffected by the potential 2028 ban. However, some of the helicopter flights do tie up with a boat ride portion provided by the seaplane operators. In that respect, the boat ride portion may be affected, but not the helicotper scenic flight. 

❖ Flights from Derby

❖ Views over Talbot Bay

❖ Slower flight time over the Horizontal Falls and the surrouding landscapes. 

❖ Potential to fly over Montgomery Reef on the same flight tour. 

WHAT TOURISM ACTIVITIES ARE CHANGING?

Change of focus to cultural and scenic apprecation more than thrill-seeking

Being in the moment

Historically, some tourism operators offered experiences involving high-speed boat rides through the falls, despite the fact that an incredibly small part of their tours actually involved anything high speed. Nonetheless, the politicians and aborginal leaders deemed that change was necessary, despite the overwhelming popularity of these tours. As such, these activities are gradually being phased out under agreements relating to the future management of the area.

As a result, future visitor experiences are expected to focus more heavily on:

❖ Scenic appreciation

❖ Cultural interpretation

❖ Nature-based tourism

❖ Sustainable visitation

❖ Educational experiences

The irony of this situation is that the emphasis is increasingly on observing and understanding the phenomenon rather than physically traversing it. This is uncannily what is actually happening on 99% of the tours already without goverment intervention.

WHY IS THE CHANGE HAPPENING?

A move towards more culturally senstive and environmentally protected factors

The decision reflects several factors.

Cultural Significance

Horizontal Falls is located within Dambimangari Country and holds significant cultural importance.

Environmental Stewardship

The Kimberley coastline is one of Australia's most pristine marine environments.

Sustainable Tourism

Management plans increasingly seek to balance visitor access with long-term conservation outcomes.

Visitor Experience Evolution

Modern expedition cruising is already moving toward immersive, educational and environmentally focused experiences.

WILL KIMBERLEY CRUISES STILL VISIT THE HORIZONTAL FALLS?

What will future cruise ships and boats do?

The impact on them will be minimal if anything.

Yes, of course they will still visit. 

For most travellers, very little will change.

Many cruise itineraries already focus on:

❖ Viewing the falls

❖ Exploring Talbot Bay

❖ Zodiac excursions

❖ Wildlife observation

❖ Scenic cruising

❖ Cultural storytelling

❖ Natural phenomena 

❖ Geological wonders 

In many cases, the experience has always been about the broader Kimberley landscape rather than simply travelling through the falls themselves.

WHY HORIZONTAL FALLS WILL STILL REMAIN A HIGHLIGHT

Still the number one tours in Western Australia

Horizontal Falls continues to offer several unique qualities that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Extraordinary Tides

The Kimberley experiences some of the largest tidal movements on Earth.

Unique Geography

The twin gaps of the McLarty Range create a phenomenon found nowhere else in Australia.

Spectacular Scenery

The surrounding bays, islands and sandstone ranges remain breathtaking.

Cultural Significance

The area provides opportunities to learn about one of Australia's oldest living cultures.

Geological Significance

Techtonic rock formations and strata that are extraordinary.

Crocodile POnant

WHAT VISITORS CAN EXPECT AFTER 2028

Pretty much the same as now!

 

Experience Expected Availability After 2028
Scenic Viewing Yes
Kimberley Cruises Yes

SHOULD YOU VISIT BEFORE 2028

We don't have a crystal ball, but we can predict the future

Many travellers are choosing to visit sooner rather than later because they want to experience Horizontal Falls during this transition period. In many ways, the Horizontal Falls is about to go through an Ulru moment, with one big difference: you can still see it. 

However, visitors travelling after 2028 should not assume they are "missing out."

The reality is that Horizontal Falls will remain one of the Kimberley's most spectacular natural attractions for decades to come.

For most cruise passengers, the breathtaking scenery, immense tidal movements and surrounding Kimberley wilderness will continue to be the true highlights of the experience.

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about Freshwater Cover

No. Horizontal Falls itself is not closing. Visitors will continue to be able to experience the area, although some tourism activities are changing.

Yes. Scenic flights, Kimberley cruises and sightseeing experiences are expected to continue.

Many Kimberley cruise itineraries are expected to continue visiting Talbot Bay and viewing Horizontal Falls.

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

Changes reflect cultural, environmental and sustainability considerations developed in partnership with Traditional Owners and government agencies.

Absolutely. The unique tidal phenomenon, spectacular scenery and wider Kimberley experience will continue to make Horizontal Falls one of Australia's most remarkable destinations.

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

PLANNING ON VISITING THE HORIZONTAL FALLS SOON?

Speak to our amazing reservation team now

Whether you're travelling before or after 2028, Horizontal Falls remains one of the Kimberley's most unforgettable experiences. Speak with the Kimberley specialists at BlueSun Travel to compare cruise options and find the itinerary that's right for you.

❖ 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 more information on What happens to Horizontal Falls after 2028 call our office now or email us your questions:

1300 799 758

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