The Kimberley's Horizontal Falls
Since recent articles announcing the imminent ‘closure’ of the world-renowned Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay, we’ve been receiving a number of enquiries from travellers asking if their Kimberley cruise will still offer the opportunity to ‘go through the falls’. So, we thought we’d produce a quick update to let you know the current situation.
To start off though, let’s look at Horizontal Falls and what the area has to offer. Located in Talbot Bay, about 250km north-east of Broome, the Horizontal Falls have been labelled ‘one of the world’s great natural wonders’ by legendary naturalist David Attenborough.
The ‘Horries’ as they are colloquially known, are a result of the Kimberley’s massive ten-metre plus daily tides (the second largest in the world), when the fast-moving current of the changing tide squeezes through two narrow ‘gaps’ in the McLarty Range. The result is an incredible series of powerful rapids that resemble a waterfall laid on its side. The huge amounts of water that pass through the gaps can mean that the water level may vary by up to 5 metres on either side of each gap, an incredible sight.
As it currently stands, licensed operators (such as the Kimberley Cruise companies we work with) are permitted to take travellers on a thrilling ride through the outer gap, using inflatable zodiacs and other small craft, for many travellers this is one of the major highlights of their Kimberley cruise. In small groups, travellers board the zodiacs and traverse the rapids once they are sufficiently moderated to allow for safe operation. For travellers, this can be an exhilarating experience, certainly one to tick off from the bucket list.
So, what’s changing & why?
Traversing the Horizontal Falls will remain permissible for operators with existing licenses up until the end of the 2026 Kimberley cruising season, and a further two years beyond that (until the end of 2028) for the locally-based day tour operator. No new licenses will be granted for new cruise entrants in the meantime.
So, if you’re keen to experience this thrilling adventure for yourself, you will need to make sure you are booked to cruise the Kimberley no later than the 2026 season.
The reason for the change to operations at Horizontal Falls takes into account both safety for those taking part in the activity (following an accident at the falls in 2022) and also cultural concerns raised by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, who say that it is both disrespectful and dangerous to travel when the falls are rushing and further, ‘the Woongudd’ (snake) is damaged every time people drive through the gap.”
What’s happening to Horizontal Falls after 2026?
While you’ll no longer be able to pass through the falls themselves after 2026 (unless you travel with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures who are able to offer the activity until the end of 2028), it is expected that a number of new activities will be made available to allow travellers to experience the Horizontal Falls in different ways. Tour operators and cruise companies are working with the traditional owners to devise a number of exciting options to allow guests to experience the beauty of the falls and learn about their cultural significance.
How can we experience Horizontal Falls before 2026?
Contact our team today to discuss Kimberley cruises that will allow you to pass through the Horizontal Falls before the regulations change at the end of 2026. Each of the operators we work with – such as Coral Expeditions, Reef Prince, Eco Abrolhos, Kimberley Quest, True North and Ocean Dream – will continue to offer this experience while it remains possible to do so.
