Horizontal Falls
Good to know
- Best time to go
- March to October; access conditions vary with tidal cycles
- Budget
- $$$
- Accessibility
- not-accessible
- Coordinates
- Open in maps
The Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon in the Buccaneer Archipelago of the Kimberley region, where massive tidal movements of up to 11 metres force ocean water through two narrow gaps in the McLarty Range at speeds that create turbulent standing waves. The falls are not vertical drops but rushing torrents of seawater that flow through the clefts — at peak tide, the water level difference between the two sides of each gap can be up to 5 metres. Access is by seaplane or charter vessel from Broome or Derby, making the site one of Australia's more remote and expensive natural attractions.