Tucked away in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia lies one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles, Horizontal Falls. Unlike any ordinary waterfall, this remarkable phenomenon occurs when powerful tidal currents, sometimes rising or falling as much as 10 metres are pushed through two narrow gaps in the McLarty Range.
As the tide changes, water builds up faster on one side of the gorge than it can flow through to the other, creating the appearance of a waterfall flowing sideways. At times, this “horizontal” waterfall can be as high as 4 metres. Then, as the tide shifts again, the flow reverses, an ever-changing, awe-inspiring display of nature’s rhythm.
But Horizontal Falls are more than just a natural wonder. To the Dambimangari people, the Traditional Owners of this land, the area is deeply sacred. According to their Dreaming stories, the powerful serpent spirit Woongudd moved across the land and sea, shaping the world as we know it today including these extraordinary falls.
A visit here isn’t just a chance to witness a rare natural event, it’s also an opportunity to connect with the ancient stories and culture that have shaped this land for tens of thousands of years