Horizontal Falls
Garaanngaddim / Horizontal Falls
The 'horizontal falls' formed when tides rush sideways through two gorge mouths in Talbot Bay. This is the signature Kimberley experience, a day trip by seaplane from Broome.
The Horizontal Falls lie about 220 km northeast of Broome in Talbot Bay. Along the Kimberley coast, tidal ranges exceed 10 metres, and seawater is forced through two gorge mouths only about 20 m and 10 m wide. The difference in water levels on either side creates sideways 'waterfalls' several metres high. There are no roads to the area, so you can only reach it on a seaplane or helicopter tour from Broome or Derby. A typical itinerary is a low flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago, landing on the bay, then transferring to a high-speed boat to race through the gorge mouths. Half-day or full-day lunch tours cost about A$1,000 or more per person, and advance booking is essential. The Western Australian government has announced that, for reasons of Indigenous cultural heritage and safety, boats will be banned from passing through the gorge mouths around 2028. After that, viewing will be the main activity. Check with the operator for the current season. The tourist season runs from late March to October, and operations stop in the wet season.
Opening hours
Tourist season approx. Mar–Oct; seaplane tour required
Nearby sights
- Windjana Gorge
- James Price Point (Walmadany)
- Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
- Willie Creek Pearl Farm
- Coconut Wells
- Broome Bird Observatory
- Streeter's Jetty
- Sun Pictures