When it comes to Western Australian spectaculars, they don’t come any more awe inspiring than Horizontal Falls. A unique natural feature, Horizontal Falls is the only place in the world where a waterfall flows on a horizontal plane.
Set in Talbot Bay within the Buccaneer Archipelago, Horizontal Falls is powered by the huge (and iconic!) Kimberley tides. The ocean is forced through two striking, narrow gorges, and twice a day, this surge transforms the water into what looks like a horizontal waterfall. It’s an extraordinary sight, and you can experience it for yourself on a Horizontal Falls tour from either Broome or Derby.
The Best Way to Visit Horizontal Falls?
We specialise in unforgettable helicopter tours that give you a close-up, low-level view of Horizontal Falls and the surrounding Kimberley landscapes. Helicopters provide an intimate, immersive experience, with doors-off flying, every passenger getting a window seat, and two-way communication with your pilot.
For the ultimate adventure, choose a combination of air and sea. Just keep in mind that the iconic boat experience as we know it will only be available for the next couple of years. So, if it’s on your bucket-list, now’s the time to make it happen!
What to Expect on a Horizontal Falls Tour
Tours typically depart from Broome, Cygnet Bay, or Derby, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife. From sparkling blue waters to the ever-changing hues of rocks and earth, it’s a photographer’s paradise… so make sure your camera or phone has plenty of memory!
Flying to and over the falls provides a unique opportunity to spot sharks, crocodiles, whales, dolphins, wallabies, and abundant birdlife. Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a real treat!
Depending on your tour, you can experience Horizontal Falls from the air or, while it’s still available, take a boat ride through the gorge. With tidal movements ranging from 4 to 10 metres in a single day, witnessing this natural phenomenon from both above and at sea-level is an exhilarating way to appreciate the sheer power of the Kimberley tides.
Our Horizontal Falls Helicopter Tours
- Helicopter – flyover only: Enjoy a low-level, intimate view of Horizontal Falls and the Kimberley landscape. Small groups ensure everyone gets a window seat – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
- Helicopter with landing and boat cruise: For an all-inclusive experience, fly over the Kimberley and Horizontal Falls before landing at Talbot Bay. From here, enjoy an optional boat ride through the gorge, morning tea, lunch, and even a chance to swim from a marine-viewing platform in the shark-free enclosure.
- Fixed wing/helicopter: If you’re departing from Broome, our helicopter tours offer a scenic fixed wing from Broome to Derby, where you’ll be transferred to the helicopter for unmatched views of Horizontal Falls.
Other Ways to Experience Horizontal Falls:
- Fixed wing tours: Explore air tours from Broome that include a flyover of the Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls as part of the itinerary.
- Seaplane with landing and boat cruise: Take a scenic seaplane flight from Broome, Cygnet Bay, or Derby before landing in Talbot Bay and enjoying an immersive boat experience through the gorge.
- Kimberley cruises: Many cruise lines (including a day cruise from Broome) also pass by Horizontal Falls, offering another way to experience this natural wonder from the water.
Why Choose a Horizontal Falls Helicopter Tour?
A helicopter tour offers an unmatched way to experience Horizontal Falls. Flying low over the falls and surrounding Kimberley landscape provides a close-up, immersive perspective no other tour can match.
- Every passenger gets a window seat: Large panoramic windows provide stunning, unobstructed views.
- Doors-off experience: Feel the wind in your hair and capture truly spectacular photographs.
- Two-way communication: Speak directly with your pilot, ask questions, and learn about the landscape and wildlife as you fly.
- Dramatic, flexible views: Helicopters can access areas that boats and larger aircraft cannot, giving you unique perspectives of the falls, gorges, and tides.
- Safe and comfortable: Enjoy the thrill of flying in a modern, expertly piloted aircraft.
For anyone seeking the ultimate Horizontal Falls adventure, a helicopter tour combines excitement, incredible scenery, and an immersive experience you’ll never forget.
Horizontal Falls Tours FAQs
Q: Where can I get on a tour to visit Horizontal Falls?
A: Most tours depart from Broome, Derby, or Cygnet Bay and last between 4.5 and 9 hours, depending on the itinerary.
Q: What’s the difference between travelling by seaplane or helicopter?
A: While both options offer an incredible experience, our helicopter flights offer a more intimate, low-level flying experience with smaller groups and two-way communication with your pilot-guide. They’re nimble, comfortable, and often provide an immersive, doors-off perspective you can’t get any other way.
Q: I’ve heard Horizontal Falls is closing. Is this true?
A: Horizontal Falls themselves are not closing, but access is changing. The Western Australian Government has announced that boat trips through the gap will be phased out to better protect the environment and cultural heritage by the beginning of 2028.
You’ll still be able to visit, fly over, and experience the beauty of Horizontal Falls, there just won’t be boat transits through the gap of the falls after these dates. Traditional Owners and the government are also working together to develop new, sustainable tourism experiences so visitors can continue to enjoy this incredible place – so watch this space!
Q: What’s included on a Horizontal Falls tour?
A: What’s included depends on the type of tour you choose, but most experiences feature:
- Scenic aerial or sea-level views of Horizontal Falls and the surrounding Kimberley landscapes
- Opportunities to spot wildlife
- Expert commentary from your pilot and guide
- On some tours, enjoy a landing at Talbot Bay with a creek and powerboat ride through Horizontal Falls, morning tea and lunch, and opportunities to swim safely in the shark-free enclosure or view sharks from the houseboat.
- Slightly longer tours may also include the wonders of Montgomery Reef
Whether you fly over the falls, combine air and boat experiences, or take a scenic cruise, each tour offers a unique way to experience this extraordinary natural wonder.
Q: What are the weight limits for seaplanes and helicopters?
A: The single-seat weight limit is 120 kg for a seaplane and 136 kg for a Robinson R44 helicopter.
Q: When do Horizontal Falls tours run?
A: Tours generally take place from April to September, however our helicopter flyover tours run all year round (weather dependent of course!).
Ready to experience a Horizontal Falls tour for yourself?
Book your Horizontal Falls helicopter tour online today from Broome or Derby! Limited landing experiences mean spots fill fast, and with boat access changing soon, there’s no better time to see one of Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders up close.