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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Booking Questions

If you can’t find the answer to your question below, please contact us to assist further.

What are the Horizontal Falls?

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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.

Do tours run all year round?

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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.

Do tours run daily during the season?

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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.

How and when do I need to pay for my tour booking?

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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

How can I add or change my pickup location?

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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. 

What health and fitness requirements should I be aware of for the Tour?

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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. 

Can I do a Horizontal Falls seaplane Adventures if I’m pregnant?

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We strongly advise that women who are at any stage of their pregnancy seek professional medical advice prior to travel.

Are children welcome on a Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure tour?

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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.

Do you offer transfers to and from accommodation?

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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.

Are there any ages and weight restrictions?

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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.

Can I do the overnight tour from Broome?

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We do offer overnight tours from Broome, these tours include a bus transfer from Broome to Derby. Please note that seats are limited.

What are the terms and conditions associated with a booking?

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You can access the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.

What are marine park fees?

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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:

  • $5.50 per person for day visitors;
  • $17.00 per adult and $7.20 per child (4-12 years inclusive) for overnight stays;
  • $10.50 per passenger older than five (5) years for helicopter or fixed wing scenic flights from the marine park.

Is alcohol available for purchase on half day and full day tours?

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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.

What is Mid Tide?

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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.

Are there power outlets on board?

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Power outlets are available on-board for overnight guests for both overnight and luxury overnight guests.

Can three people share one room?

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In accordance with compliance and safety regulations, each room accommodates a maximum of two guests. This limit applies to both adults and children.

Travel Questions

If you can’t find the answer to your question below, please contact us to assist further.

What do I need to bring on my trip?

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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. 

How long is the flight to Talbot Bay?

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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. 

What sort of footwear is required?

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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.

Will hairdryers be provided?

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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. 

Is WiFi available on board?

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Unfortunately, there is no access to guest Wifi onboard our vessels and houseboats.

Can I bring my CPAP machine?

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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.

Where can I park my caravan while I’m on an overnight?

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We recommend parking your car at an accommodation site where we offer free pickup. 

Do you provide drinking/filtered water?

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Yes, we have filtered water available, and we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle.  

Can I store my luggage with you while I am on the tour?

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Unfortunately, we do not have luggage facilities. We recommend arranging luggage storage with your accommodation or using the lockers at Broome International Airport

What weather should I pack for?

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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). 

Is smoking permitted on the pontoon?

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Smoking is not allowed in our seaplanes or on board our boats. On the pontoon we have designated smoking areas you can use. 

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

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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.

Do I need to bring money?

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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.

Can I get changed on the pontoon?

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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. 

Do you have Sunscreen and Mosquito spray on site?

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Yes, we will provide sunscreen and mosquito spray but still recommend bringing your own. 

Can I bring my drone?

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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.

I have mobility issues – will I still be able to do your tour?

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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. 

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