Looking to add a true bucket list destination to your Aussie explorations? Behold Montgomery Reef (Yowjabai), the world’s largest inshore reef of its kind, and a place you simply have to experience at least once in your lifetime. With some of the largest tidal movements in the world (up to 12 metres!), the reef dramatically emerges from the water as the tide drops, creating cascading waterfalls that rush and swirl in a mesmerising dance unlike anywhere else on Earth.
While the area faces global challenges like marine litter and climate change, local tourism operators lead the way in protecting this fragile ecosystem. By following strict regulations, they ensure you can enjoy this unforgettable destination responsibly and with a clean conscience.
Octopus, turtles, dugongs, dolphins, reef sharks, sawfish, saltwater crocs, sea snakes, birds… It’s a marine lover and twitcher’s paradise, with every sighting sure to give you that fluttery thrill in the pit of your belly. Just be sure to have enough memory on your phone or camera as this is not the time to run out of storage!
But how do you get there… by boat, by air, or maybe a hike? (Just kidding — the reef is far too fragile for that!).
So, that leaves two epic ways to experience one of the most intriguing wild ocean landscapes – from the water or the skies. Both give you a front-row seat to Montgomery Reef’s incredible marine life and sweeping natural beauty.
Option 1: Montgomery Reef by Boat
Seeing Montgomery Reef from the water puts you right in the heart of the action. As the tide drops, the ocean seems to drain away before your eyes, revealing a vast reef platform where waterfalls pour from every edge. From the boat, you can hear the roar and hiss of rushing water, feel the salt spray on your skin, and watch turtles and seabirds dart through the swirling shallows. It’s an intimate encounter with one of nature’s great performances.
There are plenty of operators offering the chance to experience the reef at sea level. Companies such as Kimberley Travel & Cruise tender RIB boats off larger vessels to get you as close as possible to the reef. Other providers include ROL Cruise and The Great Escape Charter Company.
However, because Montgomery Reef spans more than 400km and takes some getting to, you’ll generally find that these boat trips are part of a longer Kimberley cruise itinerary, taking in other areas, such as Horizontal Falls, King George Falls, Mitchell Falls and King Cascade. Cruises typically run during the dry season, which is April to September.
Option 2: Montgomery Reef by Air
To truly grasp the scale and magic of Montgomery Reef, nothing compares to seeing it from above. From the air, the entire spectacle unfolds in breathtaking panorama… ribbons of turquoise and jade, swirling tidal patterns, and the living mosaic of reef and sea stretching to the horizon. You can trace the waterfalls’ white veins from crest to ocean and watch the changing tides transform the landscape in real time. The view is serene and cinematic; the only sounds are the hum of the aircraft and the awe in your own breath. It’s the kind of perspective that stays with you long after you’ve touched back down.
You can take either a fixed wing or helicopter flight, but – if we’re talking about the best way to do it – it’s got to be by chopper! The rush of air and rotary thrust isn’t a regular occurrence for most of us. With lower-level flying capability and the front doors off, every moment feels immersive and unforgettable with uninterrupted panoramic views. So, if you want that perfect Insta-shot or video to wow your followers, or you simply want that once-in-a-lifetime picture to revisit time and time again, then it’s got to be a helicopter every time…
Choosing to visit Montgomery Reef by air means you can experience this natural wonder as a day trip from Derby or Broome. Shorter itineraries (around 4.5 hours) include a scenic flyover, while full-day adventures (7–9 hours) may feature a landing at Horizontal Falls, a powerboat ride through Horizontal Falls, a lunch stop, and even an authentic cultural experience along the Kimberley coast.
The incredible aerial view of the natural patterns created by the tides, sediment, lagoons, mangroves and mud flats of the reef is something that will truly stay with you forever. Unlike cruises, scenic flights can operate outside of the dry season (weather dependent, of course!), so there’s the amazing opportunity to visit this legendary landmark all year round.
An Experience You’ll Never Forget
There aren’t that many natural wonders left in the world that can genuinely be described as ‘astonishing’, but Montgomery Reef and surrounding Camden Sound Marine Park really are one of them.
Frontier Tours is a leading provider of trips to the wonders of the remote Kimberley region. We’re experts in showing you the secrets of Montgomery Reef, with options to fly from Derby and Broome, as well as a variety of other curated adventure tours to suit every requirement.
Discover more about our tours and book online for what we promise will be a bucket-list experience of a lifetime!