Talbot Bay (Ganbadba) is in a remote area just over 100 kilometres north of Derby in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Most famously known as the home of ‘Horizontal Falls’ Talbot Bay is one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the Kimberley region. Described by David Attenborough as one of the world’s great natural wonders, Horizontal Falls is a phenomenon that’s mesmerising, mysterious, and magnificent.
Horizontal Falls are created by fast-moving tidal currents squeezing through two narrow gorges at an incredible rate, like rapids, to form what look like waterfalls tipped on their side. The gorges are part of the McLarty Range in Talbot Bay and are only accessible by air or water. There is much more to explore in the Talbot Bay area including the spectacular rock formations and extraordinary coral reefs.
Welcome to an unforgettable journey to Broome, Western Australia's hidden gem. Immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of this unique destination. Explore the Buccaneer Archipelago on a thrilling seaplane flight to Talbot Bay, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring Horizontal Falls up close. Dive into the world of pearls with a guided tour of the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, including a scenic cruise. Experience the magic of a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach and uncover the secrets of the ancient world with a visit to 120 million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Cruise the pristine waters of Talbot Bay and admire the architectural wonder of Beagle Bay Church. Journey to the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, explore Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, and be captivated by the marine wonders at One Arm Point Trochus Hatchery and Aquarium. With expert guidance and a memorable culinary journey included, this is your ticket to an unforgettable Broome adventure. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime!
The Horizontal Falls are not a true waterfall, but there seems no better way to describe this incredible phenomenon. The falls are created by ocean water being pushed through two sandstone gaps between the rugged red rock faces of the McLarty Range. Twice a day, millions of litres of water are pushed through the small gaps with incredible force. As the incoming tidal waters build up behind the sandstone rock, it creates a variation in ocean levels of up to four metres, making the mesmerising horizontal waterfall effect.
There are several ways to get close to the action. A relaxing cruise takes you there through the pristine bays and creeks of this wilderness area. Adventure seekers can board an adrenaline-packed boat ride and get close enough to feel the force of the raging waters. Otherwise, a scenic flight over Talbot Bay and the Horizontal Falls will be one you’ll long remember.
Talbot Bay has one of Australia’s most remarkable reef systems. Aptly named for its abundance of turtles, there are also large quantities of dugongs, crocodiles, and finfish in its waters.
Turtle Reef at Talbot Bay covers 25 square kilometres and is one of the largest reefs on the Kimberley coast. It is also one that is seldom explored, hence its pristine condition. Turtle Reef joins the rocky Molema Island, located near the centre of Talbot Bay, to the mainland. At low tide, the reef rises six to seven metres above sea level exposing the magnificent coral living alongside extensive mud deposits and mangrove forests. Also living on the reef are a variety of seagrass, sponges, invertebrates, and molluscs.
These well-developed reefs are of particular interest to scientists as they thrive in opposition to the current understanding that corals need clear ocean waters to grow and prosper. Turtle Reef flourishes in these dramatic intertidal conditions.
Talbot Bay is located in the Buccaneer Archipelago, a remote area on the coast of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is a little over 100 kilometres to the north of Derby and 250 kilometres from Broome.
There are no roads to Horizontal Falls so visitors travel by boat, plane, or helicopter. The flight on a luxury turbo-prop jet seaplane takes around an hour from Broome and about 40 minutes from Derby. There are fabulous views to take in as you fly over the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago before landing on the calm waters of Talbot Bay.
The Dambimangari are the traditional owners of The Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls area. This is the ancestral country of the saltwater people, and the traditional owners have exclusive possession native title over the area.
For thousands of years, the Dambimangari have depended on and cared for these lands and oceans and the area remains one of the last relatively undamaged coastal areas in the world.
The Lalang-garram/Horizontal Falls marine park was created in 2016. The Dambimangari people chose the name Lalang-garram, a Worrorra word meaning a spiritual place, a place of natural abundance.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
.png)
We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
Powered by EngineRoom
Fill out your details and we will get in touch with you to reserve your place on the tour.
We roll out the red carpet so you can just sit back and relax and know that everything is included in your holiday experience, no surprises, all inclusive!
More on tour inclusions
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)