Following recent news articles announcing the imminent ‘closure’ of the world-renowned Horizontal Falls in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, we’ve been receiving a number of enquiries from travellers asking if their Kimberley cruise will still offer the opportunity to ‘go through the falls’. So, we thought we’d produce a quick update to let you know the current situation.
The Horizontal Falls, or 'Horries', is a natural phenomenon located in Talbot Bay, roughly 250km north-east of Broome. This spectacle has garnered much international acclaim, not least from David Attenborough, who described the falls as 'one of the world’s great natural wonders'. The falls are not waterfalls in the traditional sense but are instead formed by intense tidal currents rushing through narrow coastal gorges. The Kimberley region experiences some of the largest tidal variations on the planet, often exceeding ten metres, and it is this tidal variation that creates this unique visual effect. The sight of water levels differing by up to five metres on either side of the gorges is quite incredible and the opportunity to traverse the falls on adventure boats (such as Zodiac inflatables) is always a highlight of any Kimberley cruise. This natural spectacle is not only a testament to the Kimberley's unique geological features but also an important cultural site, holding significance for the Traditional Owners of the land.
Will my Kimberley Cruise Still Include Horizontal Falls?
For those booking a Kimberley cruise before the end of the 2026 Kimberley Cruising season, the experience of navigating through the Horizontal Falls will remain an exhilarating highlight. Licensed operators, such as those Expedition Cruise Specialists work with, are equipped with inflatable zodiacs and other small excursion craft designed to take tourists on an unforgettable journey through the outer gap of the falls. Subject to the tides and current conditions, this adventure is carefully managed to ensure safety while providing an adrenaline-filled ride through the powerful rapids that have captivated visitors for years.
The time-sensitive nature of the Horizontal Falls experience adds an element of urgency for those wishing toundertake a ride through the falls, making early booking and planning essential.
What’s Changing at Horizontal Falls from 2026, and Why?
The reason for the change to operations at Horizontal Falls takes into account both safety for those taking part in the activity (following an accident at the falls in 2022) and also cultural concerns raised by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners of the area. Elders believe that traversing the rushing falls is both disrespectful and harmful to 'the Woongudd' (snake), a culturally significant entity believed to be damaged each time a vessel passes through the gaps. These issues have prompted changes aimed at prioritising safety and respecting cultural sensitivities.
The key change is the announcement that no new licenses will be issued for cruise operators wishing to navigate the Horizontal Falls. Existing licensed operators, such as Coral Expeditions, Reef Prince, True North and Ocean Dream are permitted to continue taking visitors through the outer gap until the conclusion of the 2026 Kimberley cruising season. Locally-based day tour operator Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures has been granted a further extension until the end of 2028.
While you’ll no longer be able to pass through the falls themselves on a Kimberley cruise after 2026, it is expected that a range of new activities will be made available to allow travellers to experience the magnificence of Horizontal Falls in different ways. Tour operators and cruise companies are working with the traditional owners to devise a number of exciting options to allow guests to experience the beauty of the falls and learn about their cultural significance.
For more information about these changes, or to find out how you can see Horizontal Falls on a Kimberley Cruise call our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.