Today was all about visiting the iconic Horizontal Falls in the remote Kimberley coastal area north east of Broome. There is no road access to these Falls, thus requiring a combination of land, sea or air transport to get there. We utilised the main tour group from Broome, who transported us first to Cape Leveque (Kooljaman) and the nearby One Arm Point by road in their large and comfortable 4WD truck. From there we boarded a seaplane and landed in Talbot Bay near the falls. After lunch and some shenigans watching local sharks being hand-fed, we participated in the day’s main event of experiencing the Horizontal Falls.

These Falls are actually two key apertures between headlands, one with an opening of about 15m, the other narrower at about 7m, both including water depths of about 40m. The tides are so large in the Kimberley that water cannot rush fast enough through these  areas, creating water level discrepancies from one side of the opening to the other. This in turn creates the scenario of water cascading like a waterfall, with substantial turbulence, with tide in, and tide out. The size of these waterfalls depends on the magnitude of the tide, as well how long the tide has been running in one direction or another. At the turn of the tide, this process is reversed, with water flowing in the opposite direction, with a brief one minute period in-between of no flow.

There are further complications in terms of this water flow, nonetheless, it is a spectacular, fascinating and exhilarating experience to witness. After many powerboat rides through both small openings, and another after a brief drink break and tour of Cyclone Creek, we had a very scenic and smooth seaplane trip home to Broome, approaching low over Cable Beach to make our landing.

A truly awesome day at a truly wonderous place. This place does highlight how amazing the tidal system actually is, how dynamic, how powerful, and in this landscape of orange, red, green, turquoise, and more, the interaction between water and land is a sight to behold. Not sure all Australians could afford this trip to this wilderness place, but surely it must rank as one of this country’s very special locations.

The Main Event.

Cape Leveque. Or more correctly perhaps, its indigenous name, Kooljaman.

One Arm Point. Fish hatchery and adjacent airstrip for 30 minute seaplane trip to Talbot Bay and The Falls.

This character emerged from his hiding hole after the audience moved to the next tank. What is he? Hey, I do know he is not that recalcitrant green tree frog …

Supporting cast.

Other scenery of the East Kimberley, from air and sea.