Let me share some of my favourite Kimberley coast waterfalls
There are many gorgeous waterfalls in the Kimberley and, thanks to the lack of roads and infrastructure here, many are only accessible via boat, chopper … or a week of walking! The waterfalls in this guide are just a few favourites that I’ve visited during my 25 years with the Kimberley Cruise Centre. If you haven’t already, I hope you get to visit them someday, too 🙂
True North at the King George Falls, straight after some rainfall
King George Falls / Oomari
At the remote northern end of the King George River, the King George Falls plunge over ancient sandstone cliffs into a deep gorge below. The falls are located on the traditional country of the Balanggarra people, who know them as Oomari. Dropping approximately 80–100 metres, the falls are among the highest twin falls in Western Australia. The falls are at their most spectacular at the tail end of the Wet Season, between March and May. Depending on recent storm activity, heavy rains can send huge volumes of water over the cliffs, creating an impressive roar and spray. As the Dry Season progresses, the flow reduces dramatically and the falls become a trickle.
The surrounding landscape is quintessentially Kimberley with towering red sandstone cliffs, pockets of rainforest, crocs and birdlife. Sea eagles and ospreys are often seen soaring above the river, while saltwater crocodiles can sometimes be spotted in the waterways below.
Reaching King George Falls is an adventure in itself. Cruises travel upstream along the King George River, passing towering cliffs and ancient rock formations before reaching the falls. For another perspective, a helicopter flight reveals the scale of the twin cascades and the vast, remote wilderness surrounding them.
Kimberley Quest II anchored below King Cascade
King Cascade
Located in the pristine and remote Prince Regent River region, King Cascade is one of the Kimberley’s most distinctive natural attractions. Unlike the sheer vertical drops of many Kimberley waterfalls, the cascades flow over a series of natural rock steps, creating dozens of smaller waterfalls and pools.
During the Wet Season, increased rainfall transforms the cascade into a powerful rush of water, while in the dry season the gentler flow reveals the intricate patterns and rock pools beneath. Dense mangroves line sections of the river, giving way to open woodland further inland. Above the cascade there’s a beautiful, freshwater swimming hole; it’s a bit of a rock scramble to get up there, but it’s worth it!
Barra Falls
Ok. Admittedly, I haven’t personally been to this one. Not many people have as it’s not included on many cruise itineraries. Accessible only by tender boat or helicopter, this hidden gem in the northern Kimberley is included on the chopper menu of some of Great Escape’s cruises – it was they who took the above photo. Hopefully I’ll get there one day. Maybe you’ll beat me to it!
Mitchell Falls / Punamii-unpuu
Mitchell Falls is a spectacular four-tiered waterfall and one of the Kimberley’s most iconic natural attractions. Located in Mitchell River National Park, the falls cascade over four distinct tiers, dropping approximately 80 metres in total. Known as Punamii-unpuu, the falls have been carved from ancient rock formations over millennia by the Mitchell River. Heavy Wet-Season rains continue to shape the landscape, sending large volumes of water over the tiers and transforming the falls into a spectacular sight.
The surrounding landscape is rugged and remote with pockets of tropical vegetation, eucalyptus, boab trees and seasonal wildflowers. The area also supports a variety of wildlife including wallabies, dingoes and numerous bird species.
Reaching Mitchell Falls is an adventure in itself. Visitors can hike through the rugged terrain of the national park, while cruise guests can experience the falls from above on a spectacular helicopter flight, offered from nearby Naturaliste Island or, in the case of a few boats that have their own helipads, straight from the top of the boat!
Horizontal Falls / Garaan-ngaddim
Located in Talbot Bay, the Horizontal Falls are one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural phenomena. Despite their name, they aren’t waterfalls at all, but powerful tidal currents rushing through two narrow gorges in the McLarty Range. As the tide rises and falls, huge volumes of seawater are forced through the narrow gaps, creating a dramatic ‘horizontal waterfall’ effect. The Kimberley has some of the largest tidal movements in the world, with the difference between high and low tide reaching more than 11 metres in places. The flow can change direction as the tide turns, creating a constantly shifting spectacle.
The surrounding landscape is quintessential Kimberley, with towering red sandstone cliffs, turquoise water and rugged, untouched coastline. The waters of Talbot Bay support abundant marine life including fish, sharks and saltwater crocodiles, while seabirds can often be seen along the rocky shoreline.
Me (Melissa) at Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls
Hidden in Red Cone Creek in the southern Kimberley, Ruby Falls is a secluded waterfall surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and lush pandanus. Unlike some of the region’s more dramatic waterfalls, Ruby Falls is a gentle cascade flowing over the rock face into a freshwater pool below. Reaching Ruby Falls involves navigating the winding waterways of Red Cone Creek before making your way through the rocky landscape.
The falls are named after Ruby, the daughter of Chris ‘Trippy’ Tucker, a pioneering Kimberley boat operator and previous owner of Great Escape. The secluded setting has made Ruby Falls a favourite stop on Kimberley cruises, with visitors often enjoying a swim in the freshwater pools above the falls (or painting themselves in mud in the area below the falls!)
The character of the falls changes with the seasons. After the Wet Season, water can tumble strongly over the sandstone, while later in the Dry Season the flow becomes much gentler. The surrounding pools and rock platforms offer a peaceful place to cool off, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Kimberley.
Crocodile Creek – the billabong at the top
Crocodile Creek, in the southern Kimberley region, is known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, freshwater pools and lush vegetation. The creek winds through rugged sandstone country, with clear water flowing over rocky ledges and through small pools. From the ocean, you can climb a small ladder to get up to the lower falls (pictured), then climb around the side of the waterfall to swim in the gorgeous billabong up-top. Note – the bottom pool has been known to have the occasional salty in there, so it’s safest to swim above the falls!
The surrounding cliffs and woodland provide habitat for a variety of Kimberley wildlife, particularly birdlife. Pandanus and other tropical plants thrive along the water’s edge, creating a striking contrast against the region’s red and orange sandstone.
Jackson Falls
Nestled deep within the rugged sandstone country north of the Hunter River, Jackson Falls is one of the Kimberley Coast’s most secluded and enchanting (albeit small) swimming holes. Framed by ochre cliffs, pandanus palms, and lush monsoon forest, it’s a tranquil oasis that captures the wild beauty of this remote region. Named after the son of the owner of True North (Craig Howson), this freshwater pool offers year-round safe swimming, away from saltwater crocs.
The area surrounding the falls is alive with native flora and fauna — paperbarks, cycads, and fig trees shelter honeyeaters and rainbow bee-eaters, while the occasional freshwater crocodile may be spotted basking on the rocks. Guests arriving by tender can wade ashore and follow a short, rocky path upstream to the falls. Here, you can cool off in the inviting freshwater, the temperature offering a welcome relief from the Kimberley’s heat. The smooth rocks make ideal seats for soaking in the scenery, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and the scent of eucalyptus in the air.
Eagle Falls
Tucked away in one of the most remote corners of the Kimberley, Eagle Falls is a place few have ever heard of—let alone visited. Even Google struggles to pinpoint its exact location. This hidden gem, known mostly by locals and those who venture deep into the region, is only accessible by helicopter, making it one of the most exclusive natural wonders in Western Australia.
With its cascading waterfall, crystal-clear rock pools, and ancient landscapes untouched by time, Eagle Falls offers an experience that feels truly off the map. One of the best ways to experience Eagle Falls is on board True North, where you can take a scenic helicopter flight and land right beside the falls. Here, you’ll enjoy a gourmet heli-picnic, surrounded by breathtaking views and the sounds of cascading water—an experience that truly defines Kimberley luxury. With no roads or walking tracks leading here, this is an experience few ever get to have. Above the falls, crystal-clear rock pools offer the perfect place to cool off. The water is calm and inviting, set against the backdrop of Kimberley’s rugged terrain. This is one of the few truly untouched swimming spots in the region. Not far from Eagle Falls, centuries-old Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art is painted onto the sandstone walls. Considered some of the oldest known rock art in the world, these intricate figures provide a fascinating link to the region’s rich Indigenous history.
Glycomis Falls
This is one of our favourite post Wet Season waterfalls. Within Glycosmis Bay – a sheltered anchorage located just east of Cape Londonderry, the northernmost point of Western Australia, you’ll find Glycosmis Falls. To describe these falls in two words – simply spectacular! Since they only flow directly after rainfall, these seasonal falls are one of the Kimberley coast’s lesser-visited falls.
With its sheer rock faces and twin streams of water cascading dramatically from the cliff face into the sea below, they’re like a smaller version of the King George Falls. When tides and timing allow, the surrounding area is also ideal for exploring ancient Gwion Gwion rock art including the Lost City, which is referred to inside Ian Wilson’s book ‘The Lost World of the Kimberley’.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to contact our office to talk with a local about your own journey to the see the spectacular waterfalls of the Kimberley coast 🙂
