Horizontal Falls Guide
Witness Nature's Spectacle: The Amazing Horizontal Falls Guide
The Horizontal Falls, located in Talbot Bay within the Buccaneer Archipelago, are a truly remarkable natural phenomenon. Described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world," these falls are not waterfalls in the traditional sense. Instead, they are powerful tidal currents that rush through two narrow gorges in the McLarty Range, creating a horizontal waterfall effect. The sheer force of the water is an awe-inspiring sight. The Horizontal Falls are formed by the immense tidal range in the Kimberley region, which can reach up to 10 meters. As the tide rises and falls, the water builds up on one side of the gorges, creating a significant difference in sea level. When the pressure becomes too great, the water surges through the narrow gaps, creating the illusion of a horizontal waterfall. The direction of the flow reverses with each change of the tide, making each visit a unique experience. The primary activity for tourists is experiencing the falls via a scenic flight and/or a boat tour. Many tours offer the opportunity to fly over the falls, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the surrounding landscape and the powerful currents. Boat tours take you right through the falls, allowing you to feel the force of the water and witness the spectacle up close. There are no specific culinary traditions associated with the falls themselves, but tour operators often provide meals and refreshments as part of the experience.
Transportation
The Horizontal Falls are only accessible by air or sea. Numerous tour operators in Broome offer scenic flights and boat tours to the falls. These tours typically include transportation to and from Broome.