Horizontal Falls
Talbot Bay, Western Australia
The Horizontal Falls were once described by David Attenborough as one of the “greatest wonders of the natural world.” Located in Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago, the waterfalls are caused by the shifting of ocean tides through the rocks, and are one of Western Australia’s most spectacular sights.
A seaplane flight from Broome affords sweeping aerial views of the Horizontal Falls. If you’re the more adventurous type, you might opt to explore the falls on a thrilling jet boat ride—some of which are combined with a scenic cruise along the Kimberley coast, a 4WD tour of the Dampier Peninsula, or stops at nearby attractions such as Cape Leveque and Cable Beach.
Jet boat passengers must be at least 4 years old, and rides aren’t advised for pregnant people or those with back problems.
Seaplane flights typically operate with a maximum weight of 270 pounds (122 kilograms) per person and may not be accessible to wheelchairs—check with the operator for details.
Around 137 miles (220 kilometers) northeast of Broome, the Horizontal Falls are reachable only by boat or seaplane departing from Broome or Derby.
It’s possible to experience the Horizontal Falls year-round. Tours are usually timed to the tides, ensuring the most impressive views.
The Horizontal Falls are created by the passage of the ocean through narrow gaps in the sea cliffs of Talbot Bay. Because the tides there are massive—reaching upward of 33 feet (10 meters)—the volume of water is too much to squeeze through the openings. So, the water stacks up along the walls, awaiting a path through the rocks, then bursts through—creating a waterfall that shoots horizontally through the bay.
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