Wow! What an amazing part of Australia! We had the most amazing adventure flying to the Horizontal Falls (10/10). They are described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world." Horizontall Falls - or alternatively know as the Horries - are a natural phenomenon on the coast of the Kimberley region with the only way to get to them is by air or boat. We did both. We caught a flight on a seaplane from Derby and then boarded a speed boat and went through the falls. (You can fly from either Derby or Broome but it's about $100pp cheaper from Derby needless to say why that was our option!)
Once again Bella's smile got her the prime seat..... She sat besides the pilot chatting away for the duration of the flight.
The Horizontal Falls are a fast moving tidal flow through two narrow gorges located in Talbot Bay. So what makes them so amazing? It's difficult to explain - particularly for a tidal novice like me - but the direction of the flow reverses with each change of tide and the tides can reach up to 12 metres. This makes for a very erratic phenomena that changes with each tide and gets to a point that it is too dangerous to pass.
Boarding the sea plane.
So we flew there on a sea plane which was a first experience for all of us. Each of us commented that it was a smoother landing on sea than land. It landed in the middle of Talbot Bay. We then boarded their isolated pontoon that was floating in what seemed like the end of the world. They quickly herded us onto the speed boat (there was only 12 on the tour and we were half of them!) because there is only a small window of the day, depending on the tides, that you are able to go through the falls.
A view from the sky
The speed boat driver was very skilled and one stage he reversed us into the falls and it felt like he had us dangling on the edge knowing that if we tipped over we would've been in a giant sized washing machine. Although it could've been a good way to get rid of the red dust that seems to have encrusted itself into the creases of our ankles, knees and elbows.
A view from the speed boat
Being a small business owner, I did work out while sunning myself in Talbot Bay that there is only one tourist company that provides the service and they get 10,000 visitors each year. Based on an average of $750pp it makes for an income of $7.5m per year. Now I am sure there are expenses, but there is a tourist operator that has the monopoly and doing very well. I asked one of the workers and she said he is in his 30s (I think his father owns the planes) and yes he does very well. A good example of someone seeing a gap in a market, taking a risk and reaping the rewards. Although competition could be good in the market to bring the prices down - it's pretty expensive!
Shark feeding after lunch
After our first speed boat ride in which we drove through the falls a number of times at lightning speeds we went back to the pontoon to feed the sharks and have the best cooked barramundi for lunch.
It was also fascinating to learn how a tourist company operates in such a isolated location. There is no road leading in or out. And they are a 45 minute flight from any civilisation (and Derby is not the most thriving city.....) The staff work for eight months straight and work on a two-week on; two day off roster. And they would put in big days as they have guests that stay overnight.
The photo doesn't really demonstrate the real strength of the water.
After lunch we went on an even faster speed boat to go and do the falls again. The direction had changed and they were now at their most dangerous. And I happened to witness the best hip and shoulder I have seen this season..... By Nick. To get the front seat.... But the little girl had been sitting in it all day so I felt it fair and rather than discipline him; I gave him a smile and a wink. She was a real PITA and I had felt like pushing her over all day....
Nick and Bella had the front row seat!
On of the most beautiful aspect of Horizontal Falls was the location. They are located at Buccaneer Archipelago. They are amazing to see from the sea and from the sky. They are a group of islands (about 1100) off the coast of Western Australia in the Kimberley region. They are generally rocky islands with high cliffs and due to their isolation difficult to access. They are truly amazing.
The second and most narrow gap
On our flight home we did pass Turtle Island and see a Barramundi Farm in Cone Bay. The water circles are actually cages that grow the Cone Bay Ocean Barramundi.
It was a great day and we are really glad we got to witness this amazing spectacle. It made me feel proud to be Australian and now lucky we are to have this as part of our country.
Happy Travels
Stevens Family x