Horizontal Falls, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Aug 11th, 2003
One of the most remarkable features of the Kimberley region is the tidal waterfalls at Talbot Bay. Although they are called waterfalls, this natural phenomenon actually consists of immense tidal currents hurtling through narrow coastal gorges. And they do all this sideways - hence the name, Horizontal Falls.
Talbot Bay is a bit like Australia's last frontier. There is no car access, so you'll have to join Derby Seaplane tours to see the full extent of the region's beauty. Derby Seaplanes runs one day tours, starting from Derby and heading into the Bay, via the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago.
This spectacular archipelago consists of up to 1000 rugged and sparsely vegetated islands scattered through a the tropical sea. Watching the landscape sweep by your plane window is one of the many highlights of the day.
While other tours only take you over the falls, this unique tour takes you right into the heart of the falls, where all the action happens.
Before the tour, you'll touch down in Talbot Bay where you can relax with morning tea on a large boat docked nearby, soak up the spectacular views of untouched Australian landscape or - if you're game - even go for a quick swim in the crocodile infested waters.
You'll then board a speedboat to get a closer look at two million litres of water rushing through a gap between ancient gorge formations. Forget a triple-looped rollercoaster ride - this is the real deal. Passing through these narrow gaps that spit out churning water is one of the most exhilarating ways to see Australia - especially during king tides.
The facts
Qantas and QantasLink fly to Broome daily. Prices start from $814 from Melbourne and $553 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Derby Seaplanes will get you through the canyons and to the falls. From Derby it'll cost around $258 for four hours, and $288 from Broome for a full day.
Derby Seaplanes
Tel: 08 9192 6208
Accommodation at the King Sound Resort starts from $115 per single per night.
King Sound Resort Hotel
Tel: 08 9193 1044
