Horizontal Falls are one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago north of Derby, they are formed by the powerful tides rushing through two narrow gorges.
These gorges have gaps that can be up to ten metres in width and during high king tides, millions of litres of water pass through each gap every second.
How Long Is The Flight?
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Western Australia, you’ll want to book a tour to Horizontal Falls. This stunning natural wonder is located in the Buccaneer Archipelago and can be seen by flight from Broome or Derby, or from a boat.
Described by David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’, this amazing sideways waterfall is a result of massive tidal movements that squeeze through twin gaps in the McLarty Range. These rapid-like formations rush through the gaps at an astonishing rate, producing waterfalls that reverse their direction each day.
You can see the falls from above on a scenic flight, or you can take an exhilarating boat ride to get up close to them. However, the most popular way to see them is by seaplane.
A jet seaplane can take you directly to Talbot Bay where you’ll be picked up and taken on a journey through this incredible natural wonder. You’ll fly over the ranges of the Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque with its dramatic red cliffs and the famous 20km Cable Beach.
Once you land at the falls, your guide will help you get ready to board a high-speed boat for a thrilling ride through the water. You can expect to be afloat for around an hour before you head back on shore and enjoy a buffet lunch and barramundi BBQ.
During this time, you’ll also have the chance to swim with local marine life. This is a perfect opportunity to observe snubfin dolphins, who can often be seen in the area.
This tour is run by Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures and is a favourite among tourists who are interested in seeing the waterfall from above as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Kimberley. They offer both half-day and overnight tours from Broome.
The half-day tour is a great option for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their trip to Horizontal Falls. The tour includes round-trip transfers from Derby, a thrilling high-speed boat ride through the falls, and a cruise around Talbot Bay.
What Is The Flight Like?
The Horizontal Falls are a truly spectacular sight. As David Attenborough explains, they’re “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”.
These waterfalls are not accessible by land, and to see them you’ll need to take a flight from Broome or Derby in Western Australia. The best way to get to the falls is by seaplane, although there are also some helicopter tours.
Located in Talbot Bay, the Horizontal Falls are a tidal waterfall created by narrow channels in the McLarty Ranges. The waters rush in from the Indian Ocean and squeeze between two narrow gorges on the edge of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Each day, the tides in this part of the Kimberley can differ by up to ten metres, meaning that the water rushes into these gaps and the rushing current creates a waterfall effect. The flow reverses every time the tide changes direction.
It’s this reversible nature that makes it such a unique experience. As well as being a great adventure, you’ll also see some of the region’s stunning features.
To make the most of your visit to Broome, it’s worth taking an air tour so you can really experience the amazing natural landscapes of this area. Choose from a half-day or full-day tour and you’ll get to see some of the incredible scenery of the Kimberley coastline, as well as the Horizontal Falls and Dampier Peninsula.
Another great option is to take a boat tour, which gives you an opportunity to see the beautiful turquoise waters of Talbot Bay from the safety of a speedboat. One such company is Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, who offer tourists a scenic flight from Broome to the Horizontal Falls followed by an exhilarating ride through the falls on one of their fastest boats in the Kimberley and a cruise through Talbot Bay and other spectacular bays and creek systems.
Tourists on a boat trip with the company last Friday were said to have experienced “epic” thrill rides through the falls, which they described as a “fun experience.” The tour also included a swim with some of the local marine life in a croc and shark free enclosure.
How Much Time Will I Have To Spend At The Falls?
The best time to see the falls is during the peak of the tourist season in the middle of October and early November. The average temperature is pleasantly cool. The best way to maximize your time is to stay at a quality hotel near the main gate. Be sure to pick a hotel with a swimming pool and a decent gym. Lastly, get a good night’s sleep so you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing the next day.
You should be able to see the falls in about four hours if you are lucky. However, it is recommended that you plan on at least two or three days to fully take advantage of the area’s attractions. You may want to consider taking in some of the local culture if you are looking for a true tourist experience. The best way to accomplish this is by booking a tour.
How Do I Get There?
If you want to take in the Horizontal Falls, you have two options: fly or drive. The latter is much quicker and can save you a lot of time. You’ll want to plan your trip and get accommodation in advance, though.
The flight is around 2 and a half hours long. There are flights from Perth and Derby, which is a little over 200 kilometres north of Broome.
There are also several different tours that take you to the falls. These include a helicopter tour, which is the fastest and most convenient way to get there, but you can also go on a boat. If you decide to take a boat tour, it’s a good idea to go during the dry season, as the water is generally clear and jellyfish aren’t present in the same numbers as the wetter seasons.
Another option is a seaplane flight. This is the most exciting and adventurous way to get to the Horizontal Falls, as you’ll be able to see it from above. It’s a great way to see the area and make sure you don’t miss any of the sights!
You’ll be flying over mudflats, ranges and the jaw-dropping North Kimberley coastline. You’ll also see the incredible Montgomery Reef, which is Australia’s largest inshore reef.
During your flight, you’ll be able to see the massive tidal movements that create the falls. They’re a natural phenomenon, and you can’t help but wonder how they formed.
After the flight, you’ll be transferred to a houseboat for lunch and an exhilarating boat ride through the waterfalls. After you’ve finished, you’ll be given some free time to explore Talbot Bay and take pictures of the views.
The entire experience lasts about six hours, with more than two hours of that spent in the air and three hours on the water. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the scenery, and you’ll be ready to head back when it’s time to return to Broome.
Whether you’re looking to go on a trip to Broome or to take in the Horizontal Falls, it’s definitely worth doing! The journey is an unforgettable one, and you’ll be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime.