Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago, Lalang-garram/Horizontal Falls Marine Park was established in 2016 as part of the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.
Here in the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, the powerful and fast-moving tidal currents squeeze through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, pushing the water into rapids and whirlpools that rush through the twin gaps at an astonishing rate, producing waterfall-like flow turned on its side. This natural phenomenon is called the Horizontal Falls and it is only accessible by air or boat.
Horizontal Falls flow on most days throughout the year with exception of neap tides when the tidal movements are minimal. During slow water days, the tidal movements are minimal, meaning the horizontal waterfalls are relatively inactive making for a scenic boat cruise and an opportunity to take in spiritual and historical significance of the area in a more relaxed setting.
No. Horizontal Falls is a seasonal attraction, so Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures only operates tours seasonally, and the commencement and conclusion dates are subject to change each year. You can view our Season Dates here.
During the season, to ensure that passengers have the best possible experience witnessing the incredible tidal power of the Horizontal Falls, we do not operate on days when there are neap tides. Neap tides are when there is the smallest difference between low and high tides.
Horizontal Falls flow on most days throughout the season with exception of neap tides when we don’t operate. During mid tide days, the tidal movements are minimal, meaning the horizontal waterfalls are relatively inactive making for a scenic boat cruise and an opportunity to take in spiritual and historical significance of the area in a more relaxed setting.
Full payment is required at the time of making a booking. Payments can be made either with a Mastercard or Visa (1.42% credit card surcharge applies) or via Direct Deposit (minimum 30 days prior to departure date) to our bank account. Bookings made online or less than 30 days prior to departure can only be paid with an instant payment method.
Please note that no cash or Eftpos payments are accepted
You can modify your pickup location through “Manage My Booking” (found here) up to 24 hours before your tour starts. If you’re travelling within the next 24 hours, please give us a call within our business hours.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a suitable level of health and fitness to undertake the Tour. You are required to have a reasonable level of mobility, to be able to board and alight aircraft using stairs and maintain balance on pontoons.
We strongly advise that women who are at any stage of their pregnancy seek professional medical advice prior to travel.
Children are welcome however the minimum age for all tour guests is 4 years and minimum weight is 15kg. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult carer at all times to ensure safety.
Yes, we offer complimentary transfers to and from most major Broome and Derby hotels, motels and caravan parks. We do not pick up from residential addresses, AirBnB properties or Birdwood Downs Station. Transfers are not included for tours departing from Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Guests travelling on tours ex-Cygnet Bay are required to make their own way to the departure location in time for the tour. If you are booked on a tour ex-Cygnet Bay, we recommend that you arrive and stay in the area from the night prior.
Children must be four years or older. Due to safety requirements on the Horizontal Falls seaplanes, there is a passenger weight limit maximum of 120kgs and minimum of 15kgs.
We do offer overnight tours from Broome, these tours include a bus transfer from Broome to Derby. Please note that seats are limited.
You can access the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.
To ensure the conservation and preservation of the Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park, and to provide opportunities for Dambeemangarddee Traditional Owner employment, fees apply to all visitors – this is included within your final tour cost.
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures collects fees on behalf of the marine park’s joint management body comprising the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions and the Dambeemangarddee Aboriginal Corporation.
Fees included are as follows:
For safety reasons, no alcohol is to be consumed on day or half day tours. Overnight guests are welcome to purchase alcoholic drinks from the bar onboard the pontoon which opens at 5pm daily. For Luxury Overnight Stay guests, alcoholic beverages are included within their tour.
During mid tide dates, the tidal movements are minimal meaning the horizontal waterfall is relatively inactive making for a scenic boat cruise and an opportunity to take in spiritual and historical significance of the area in a more relaxed setting.
Power outlets are available on-board for overnight guests for both overnight and luxury overnight guests.
In accordance with compliance and safety regulations, each room accommodates a maximum of two guests. This limit applies to both adults and children.
Day tours – one small backpack per person (no more than 2kg), refillable water bottle, sun protection, camera, swimwear, towel, any personal items or medication you may require during the tour
Overnight tours – one small backpack per person (no more than 5kg), refillable water bottle, sun protection, camera, swimwear, towel, change of clothes and essential toiletries as required, any personal items or medication you may require during your stay. A credit or debit card if you wish to purchase drinks from the onboard bar (overnight stay guests only), for luxury stay guests alcoholic drinks will be included within your tour.
The flight from Broome to Talbot Bay takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, from Derby, the flight is approximately 40 minutes and from Cygnet Bay approximately 30 minutes.
For the safety of all guests and crew, we highly recommend wearing enclosed toed shoes only (no sandals or flip-flops). Boarding may be denied when wearing inappropriate footwear.
Hairdryers are not provided on our Day Tours or Standard Overnight stays, but you are welcome to bring your own (240V). However, a hairdryer is included in the on-suite bathrooms for our Luxury Overnight guests.
Unfortunately, there is no access to guest Wifi onboard our vessels and houseboats.
CPAP machines can be brought on board for overnight tours however they must be included in the hand luggage allowance. Guests should also be aware of regular power outages in the middle of the night due to our power being supplied by generators.
We recommend parking your car at an accommodation site where we offer free pickup.
Yes, we have filtered water available, and we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle.
Unfortunately, we do not have luggage facilities. We recommend arranging luggage storage with your accommodation or using the lockers at Broome International Airport
Due to the local climate, we recommend light summer clothing and a cardigan if preferred. Flat, closed in footwear is highly recommended (no sandals or flip-flops/thongs).
Smoking is not allowed in our seaplanes or on board our boats. On the pontoon we have designated smoking areas you can use.
Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated – including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free and vegan. Please ensure this is advised at the time of booking so our chefs can arrange the appropriate catering. You can also add your dietary requirements through “Manage Booking” (found here) up to 24 hours before your tour starts. If you’re travelling within the next 24 hours, please give us a call within our business hours.
All meals are provided onboard our pontoon as part of your tour. Merchandise, souvenirs and alcoholic drinks (overnight guests only) can be purchased with Mastercard/Visa (1.42% credit card surcharge applies).
Merchandise and drinks can also be purchased at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
Yes, you can get changed in the bathrooms on the pontoon. Nevertheless, if you are attending a day tour and planning to swim in our shark-free enclosure on the pontoon, we recommend wearing your swimwear under your clothing before boarding the tour to save time.
Yes, we will provide sunscreen and mosquito spray but still recommend bringing your own.
The recreational use of Drones is not allowed during our tours. The area surrounding the falls can become very busy with helicopters and seaplanes landing and a 7km drone exclusion zone surrounding Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls) has been created for the safety of seaplanes and helicopters.
Our tours are not wheelchair accessible, and a reasonable level of fitness is required. If you have any mobility concerns, please contact our friendly reservations team for clarification.