Horizontal Falls
- Heritage listed
Twin narrow gaps in a corner of Talbot Bay separate a series of double bays. Extreme tidal whirlpools develop around the gaps, making for a thrilling dinghy ride. Further east, Cyclone Creek displays geological marvels including cliffs of pressure-folded rock, fault-lines and a wall of conglomerate.
The Horizontal Falls are one of Australia's most remarkable natural phenomena — and one of the Kimberley's most iconic destinations. As tides shift up to 10 metres twice daily, billions of litres of seawater are forced through the twin gaps at extraordinary speed, creating a visible difference in water level between each bay. The result is a waterfall running sideways — a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
Getting up close by dinghy is one of the most exhilarating moments on any Kimberley cruise. The power of the tidal surge, the churning whirlpools, and the sheer scale of the event leave a lasting impression on every guest who experiences it.
The Horizontal Falls sit within the Buccaneer Archipelago and are heritage listed, recognised for their outstanding natural significance. Combined with the geological wonders of Cyclone Creek, this corner of Talbot Bay represents the Kimberley at its most raw and dramatic.
