The Horizontal Falls have been called one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. It can be found in the Talbot Bay, Kimberley region, Australia. This natural phenomenon occurs when the massive amount of water is pushed through the twin gaps in the McLarty Range by the power of tidal waves.
The gaps or gorges are located parallel on a distance of 300 m from each other. The first one is 20 m and the second, much more intensive, is 10 m wide. When the tide occurs, it pushes the water faster than usually and creates temporary waterfalls, which can be up to 5 m high. Interestingly, when the tide changes, the direction of the Falls changes as well.
Swimming through the gorges on a boat to the bay is impossible. The tides in this area vary up to 10 m from low to high and change every 6,5 hours. You can watch this spectacular phenomenon during a scenic seaplane adventure or during boat cruises, which are mainly provided from May to September. There is no road access to the Horizontal Falls.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia?
If you are planning to visit the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia, it's best to go between May and September. During this period, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular while the tides are highest. Additionally, the weather is mild, with temperatures typically ranging between 20°C and 27°C. However, if you travel outside this period, the sea can be rough, making it challenging to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon. Show more
Where can I observe the Horizontal Falls from?
To get the best views of the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia, you can opt for an adventurous seaplane ride that provides a bird's eye view of the falls. Alternatively, tour operators arrange boat tours with scenic views in the region. It is worth noting that there is no road access to the falls, and swimming through the gorges is not permitted due to the high tidal waves that can reach up to 10 m high in the area. Show more
Can I swim through the gorges in the Horizontal Falls area?
It isn't safe to swim through the gorges in the Horizontal Falls area due to the high tidal waves that can reach up to 10 m high. To ensure your safety and comply with the rules and regulations, you should avoid it. The ideal way to view the falls is through the scenic seaplane rides and boat tours available to Talbot Bay. Show more
What is the height of the temporary waterfalls created by the tidal waves at the Horizontal Falls?
The waterfalls created by the tidal waves at the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia can reach heights of up to 5 meters. It is due to the massive force generated by pushing large amounts of water through the twin gaps in the McLarty Range. However, the height of the waterfall could vary, depending on the strength and intensity of the tidal waves during your visit to the area. Show more
How often does the direction of the Falls change when the tide changes?
Due to the extraordinary geographical characteristics of the McLarty Range region, the direction of the Horizontal Falls changes with the tide, approximately every six and a half hours. During your visit, it's possible to experience the falls gushing through one side of the gap in a specific direction while the twin gap 300 meters away flows in another direction. Therefore, the direction changes depending on the specific period of your visit to the area. Show more
