Ruby Falls in Red Cone Creek

After cruising along a winding river, flanked by towering rock walls, you’ll arrive at a hidden waterfall – the striking Ruby Falls. A short climb up the terraced cliffs rewards you with sweeping views of the rugged landscape. Here, you can relax in the tranquil, secluded swimming hole beneath the shade of graceful pandanus trees. Cascading from a sandstone cliff into a large pool below, Ruby Falls offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure (plus croc-free swimming!) This waterfall holds special significance for the local cruising community, as it was named after the daughter of Chris ‘Trippy’ Tucker, the owner and skipper of the Great Escape.

Apart from the beautiful waterfall and swimming holes, there’s also some great birdwatching here including White-bellied Sea Eagles and Brown Honeyeaters.

This occasion was a trip up Red Cone Creek to Ruby Falls and the croc free waterholes above the escarpment where, at long last, everyone could have that longed for swim… Both the views and the swim were restorative and refreshing – well worth getting up early for.” – Greg Watson, Guest Lecturer aboard Coral Adventurer

Best Time to Visit

Like many of the Kimberley’s waterfalls, the flow of Ruby Falls changes dramatically with the seasons and shifting tides. But the bonus of Ruby Falls is that it’s spring-fed, so you can swim there year-round (not just straight after the Wet Season).

Cruise and Accessibility
Ruby Falls is reached via your tender boat, when the tides are right. Upon arrival, there’s a short climb up to the bottom swimming hole. While this is easy to access and very tempting to swim in, this is not the spot to swim due to its accessibility (during high tides) for crocs.

To get to the safe swimming hole up top, there’s a short climb involved. If you’re not up for the climb, as your crew if it’s an option to take a short cruise on the tender instead. There’s some nice birdwatching here. Many cruise operators combine a visit to Ruby Falls with nearby river gorges, estuaries, and fishing/mudcrabbing.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip for climbing the rocks up to the top swimming hole.
• Swimwear, if you plan to take a dip.
• Camera or drone for stunning photos of the cascading falls.