Will you be one of the last people to ride the tide through the Horizontal Falls?
The Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon located in Talbot Bay, about 250 km northeast of Broome in the Buccaneer Archipelago, within Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world,” the falls are created by powerful tidal currents of up to 12 metres that push vast volumes of seawater through two narrow gorges in the McLarty Range, resulting in a “horizontal” waterfall effect. The seaward gap is about 20 metres wide, while the landward one is about 10 metres wide.
When we, the Kimberley Cruise Centre, first began operating our Chinatown Broome office back in the ’90s, the handful of commercial cruise operators that were running at the time were offering boat rides through both of ‘the gaps’. But nowadays, Kimberley cruise operators offer thrilling rides through only the outer gap of the falls. This experience is a highlight for many of our cruise passengers, as it’s an exhilarating experience to ‘ride the ride’ through the rapids.
However, changes are afoot. Due to safety concerns and cultural considerations raised by the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, regulations are set to change the tourism offerings in Talbot Bay in coming years. Known as Garaanngaddim to the Traditional Owners, the Dambimangari people have expressed that taking thrill rides through the falls is disrespectful and dangerous.
Regulations to change from 2027 onwards
As a result, traversing the Horizontal Falls will remain permissible for operators with permits until the end of the 2026 Kimberley cruising season, and until the end of 2028 for Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures. No new licenses will be granted in the meantime. Although we’re sad to hear about this, after almost 30 years of fantastic feedback from our clients who’ve enjoyed ticking a ride through the Horizontal Falls off their bucketlists, we do also understand how this decision has come about.
Despite these plans to close boat rides through ‘the gaps’, you will still be able to experience the incredible beauty of Talbot Bay during your cruise, and you can witness the full force of the tides while sitting in front of the entrance to the falls. Cruise operators are collaborating with Traditional Owners to develop new activities that showcase the falls, as well as cultural experiences that delve into the Indigenous heritage of the area. So, if you’re eager to take a thrilling ride through the falls before the regulations change, it’s advisable to cruise no later than the 2026 season.
Malcolm Douglas and the Horizontal Falls
Interestingly, the late Malcolm Douglas (our old neighbour when our family lived behind the Croc Park when it was located at Cable Beach) first visited the Horizontal Falls in the early 1970s. Some of his documentaries from that time are incredibly interesting to watch! During that time – a time when very few boats were exploring the Kimberley coast – Malcom was frequently motoring around the Kimberley coastline in his tinny, documenting its natural beauty and wildlife. Certainly, the Australian wildlife filmmaker and conservationist’s films and adventures played a significant role in bringing the wonders of the Horizontal Falls to public attention and highlighting the area’s ecological and cultural significance.
Douglas believed that uncontrolled or excessive tourism could threaten the ecological balance and the cultural significance of iconic sites like Horizontal Falls. He stressed the importance of regulating activities in sensitive areas, ensuring that they respected both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.
Here are 3 of Malcolm Douglas’ films that we recommend watching, if you can get your hands on them!
- “Across the Top”
This 1977 film chronicles Douglas’s journey across northern Australia, including a visit to the Horizontal Falls. - “Kimberley Adventure”
In this documentary, Douglas explores the remote Kimberley region, including the tidal phenomena of the Horizontal Falls. - “Australia’s Last Frontier”
This series highlights the untouched wilderness of the Kimberley, with segments dedicated to its iconic natural landmarks, such as the Horizontal Falls.
