King Cascade

The anticipation is intense as you cruise up the Prince Regent River, idling through a gap in the mangroves before this famous falls is finally revealed. Its terraced rock face creates a tapestry of white water, cascading past rock figs and ferns from a freshwater billabong high above.

Such is its grandeur that explorer Phillip Parker King gave the waterfall his own name after visiting back in 1820 aboard the Mermaid. For the Traditional Owners of the land—the Wunambal Gaambera people— this sacred place is known as Maamboolbadda. The name means “place of the Kingfisher,” a reference to the ancestral Kingfisher who they believed created the falls in the Dreamtime. For the Wunambal Gaambera, Maamboolbadda is not just a scenic landmark but a powerful living part of their Wanjina Wunggurr culture. Visitors are reminded that while the waterfall is beautiful, it is also a spiritual site that deserves respect.

Due to the presence of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles, swimming below the cascade is completely off-limits.

Swimming in the billabong above the falls

Above the King Cascade is a gorgeous freshwater billabong—a hidden gem nestled among ancient sandstone cliffs and lush tropical vegetation. Fed by natural springs and seasonal rainfall, this clear, cool pool is a welcome retreat for travellers cruising the Kimberley coastline.

You can access the top of the falls by climbing a fixed rope alongside the cascade—a short but steep ascent that rewards you with breathtaking views. Remember to take it slow, as we’ve had a few guests injure themselves at this spot in bygone cruise seasons.