Jenny Flower

Horizontal Falls closing to visitors?

The Horizontal Falls are regularly voted as one of the top attractions for a Kimberley cruise. If you have been putting off a trip to the Kimberley then now is the time.

From 2028, you’ll still be able to see the horizontal falls, but going through them will be a thing of the past.

“16 tourists tossed into treacherous croc infested waters “

Back in May 2022, there was a serious accident at the iconic Horizontal Falls when a fast boat hit the rocks. Thankfully, no one really ended up in the water but it sure made for a headline!

This incident seemed to be the final straw that led to the decision to close access to the falls for travellers. The traditional owners had been pushing for this for a while, and now, with safety concerns added, the WA government has agreed.

The effect of the ‘waterfalls’ is created by the tide building up in front of the gaps faster than it can flow through them and there can be a four metre high waterfall between the bays.

Some Kimberley vessels have ‘grandfather’ rights to take their passengers through the falls.

So are the Horizontal Falls closed now?

Not yet, but changes are coming. From 2028, no vessels whatsover will be allowed to pass through the stunning cliff gaps of the falls. And starting in 2026, only a local operator will be allowed to take passengers through, with no exceptions for Kimberley cruise operators.

Can I go through the Horizontal Falls if I take a Kimberley cruise in the next 2 years?

It depends. Only a few vessels with existing licenses can still take their own boats through the first set of falls for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. No new licenses are being issued, so if your cruise operator doesn’t already have one, they won’t be able to take you through.

Hold onto your hats

Leave the camera on board and let others take the photos

The Horizontal Waterfalls were described by David Attenborough as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”

The Horizontal Falls are regularly voted as one of the top attractions for a Kimberley cruise. If you have been putting off a trip to the Kimberley then now is the time.

We know the vessels that can still take you through the falls. Give us a call at 1300 654 861, and let’s chat about your Kimberley cruise (to include the Horizontal Falls)

What to do next

If you’d like more information, either researching on your own or by talking to a person who has been to the Kimberley and can give you first hand advice, here are four options:

Download your FREE copy of "Ultimate Guide to Kimberley Cruising”

Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.

It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.

Download Now

Talk to the team

Kimberley cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.

We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Kimberley Cruise Planning Session to have all you questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.

Call 1300 654 861

Book a call

Research the latest specials that include free flights and free accommodation

With almost twenty years of experience in booking Kimberley cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?

It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including free flights, free tours, and free accommodation in Darwin or Broome.

View cruises

Dig even deeper via our blog. Here are a few of the most popular posts:

Blog, Featured Kimberley

4 years ago

Why should I book my Kimberley Cruise with you?

We know we are not the only travel company that…

Read Full Article

Blog, Featured Kimberley

4 years ago

The Top Seven ‘Must Sees’ of a Kimberley cruise

The Kimberley Coast is a spectacular part of our country…

Read Full Article

Blog, Featured Kimberley

4 years ago

How fit do you need to be to take a Kimberley cruise?

This is an important question. Kimberley coastal cruises are expedition cruises and this…

Read Full Article

Blog, Featured Kimberley

4 years ago

When is the best time to cruise the Kimberley?

The Kimberley is a land of many extremes……. And…

Read Full Article

Blog, Featured Kimberley

4 years ago

Why are Kimberley cruises expensive?

“Wow, that’s a lot. I could get a holiday to…

Read Full Article

What travellers say

“Their product knowledge is amazing”

I am very impressed with this company. All the staff I have dealt with have been extremely helpful and courteous, even when I have had to change my travel plans. They went out of their way to assist me with the changes. Their product knowledge is amazing and their help in arranging accommodation and tours has been fabulous. Their offer of two free nights accommodation and a free Broome sightseeing tour is an added bonus. I am very happy that I have booked with them and would thoroughly recommend them.

— Sandra West, QLD

“The cruise suited us perfectly”

We were very pleased with the help we received from Jenny and Simon when we were deciding on which cruise to choose for our Kimberley holiday. The cruise we settled for, Coral Expeditions, suited us perfectly. We were also very pleased with the two free nights accommodation and hop on hop off bus pass in Darwin. Highly recommended.

— Diana Carr, VIC

“Interesting and diverse travel experiences”

The highlights for us were the fabulous food and the unique nature experiences. These were enhanced by on board naturalist with an endless love and knowledge of the region.

I love the followup and practical advice offered by Expedition Partners They offer interesting and diverse travel experiences, truly beyond adventure!

— Eloise Millsteed, NSW

About Jenny Flower

I’m an expert in small ship cruising in the Kimberley and have completed four cruises on different vessels along this spectacular coastline. Cruises in the Kimberley are not one size fits all. There are different ships and itineraries, each offering their own special elements.

If you would like to have a chat with me about Kimberley cruising at a time that suits you book in a call.

Book a call