The Horizontal Falls is an amazing natural phenomenon on the coast of the Kimberley in Western Australia. Only reachable by boat or plane, this spectacular site will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

The Horizontal Falls are not like a traditional waterfall. As the name suggests, they are horizontal. The falls are created by extremely powerful tidal currents moving through narrow gorges. There are two gorges which create these horizontal falls. One is 20 metres wide and the other is 12 metres wide.

The Horizontal Falls are located at Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. The fast-moving current passes through the narrow gorges of McLarty Range that are approximately 300 metres apart, creating waterfalls turned on their side. The tides of the Kimberley reach over ten metres with the direction reversing each day. This amazing effect of nature has been described as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world by David Attenborough.

How Does it Work?

As the tides move the water gathers at the entrance of the narrow gaps of the gorges much faster than the water can move through. As a result, the water rises rapidly at the entrance and can build up to four or five metres in height. This creates a powerful horizontal waterfall as the water gushes through the narrow gap. The monster tidal movements happen over a six-and-a-half-hour period and reverse back the other way.

Tourists enjoy the amazing and exhilarating show as the water rushes towards their boat, before speeding through the narrow gap after the water slows. This amazing natural wonder can also be viewed from the air, a scenic flight reveals the best way to see the turquoise water powering through the rugged red landscape.

A Horizontal Falls Tour

A Horizontal Falls tour is a once in a lifetime experience to see the falls up close while you race through the narrow gorges in a speedboat. This is an adrenaline rush of a boat ride that you will never forget while you experience this incredible tidal power first hand.

For those who don’t like the idea of a speedboat tour of the falls, there is also the option to view this spectacular wonder from the air. Horizontal Fall tours from a seaplane or helicopter are a great alternative for those looking for a more relaxing and unique views of the falls.

You will not only experience the amazing falls on your tour. There is much more to explore in this area. Visit the Pearl Shell Church in Beagle Bay and enjoy the beautiful mother of pearl decorated altar. You can also choose to visit the spectacular Cape Leveque and bask in the remote and relaxing views of the outback meeting the pristine ocean. Or tour Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm to discover the pearling history of the Kimberley.

Horizontal Falls offers an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you choose to experience this natural wonder up close or from the air, InStyle Adventures has a tour to suit your needs. Contact our friendly staff to book your Horizontal Falls tour.