Glenn Moore – Destination Broome
Once upon a time in a faraway land, hidden deep within the tranquil waters of Talbot Bay, there existed a natural wonder that captivated the hearts of all who laid eyes upon it.
The Horizontal Falls, as it was to become known, was a spectacle so extraordinary that even the renowned Sir Richard Attenborough, in his 2002 documentary Great Natural Wonders, deemed it “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”.
Imagine two parallel tongues of land, with narrow gaps between. These two small gaps are all that separate two massive bodies of water are instrumental to the magic that unfolds in Talbot Bay. Combine with the massive tropical tide that with the ebb and flow creates a natural phenomenon: the water would fall faster than it could escape creating a water level difference between the two bays creating what is now well known as the “Horizontal Falls.” Adversely though when the tide turned, the falls would reverse their flow in and rush out, adding to the mystique, wonder and allure of this natural marvel.
Since 1998, adventurers and thrill-seekers from all corners of the globe have flocked to Talbot Bay to experience the exhilaration of jet boating through these two narrow gaps which is quite remarkable because Talbot Bay is only accessible by air & sea.
The extreme experience of navigating these treacherous waters has become world-renowned for passing through both gaps. However, recent changes to passage privileges for operators have altered the landscape of this once heart-pounding adventure. It’s now deemed too dangerous.
Today, only the wider gap, measuring 20 meters, is accessible to jet boats, while the narrower gap, a mere 10 meters wide, is off-limits.
Some question whether this change would cause the Horizontal Falls to lose its fizz, its essence of pure adrenaline and excitement.
But don’t be too quick to dismiss the magic that still resides within these remote wildernesses surrounded waters. While the narrower gap may no longer be traversed by jet boats, it still remains a testament to the untamed wild forces of nature. Its presence serves as a reminder of the raw power that courses through those narrow channels, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness the sheer force of nature.
Moreover, the wider gap still offers a thrilling adventure for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Though it may not possess the same level of intensity as its narrower counterpart, it continues to provide an unforgettable and thrilling experience, allowing visitors to still experience the sheer force of the Horizontal Falls.
So, has the Horizontal Falls experience lost its fizz?
Absolutely not. Perhaps, like the country that surrounds the Horizontal Falls it too has evolved, transforming into a new version of itself. The Horizontal Falls still stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature, ready to captivate the hearts and minds of those who dare to venture into its realm and witness the beauty and grandeur of nature’s creations.
It’s a pulsating experience that has not lost any of its lustre or wonder and it will continue to beckon travellers from all points of the world for many years to come.
Note. David Attenborough’s quote on the Horizontal Falls has been twisted, reshaped, and misquoted so many times over the past 20+ years its quite ludicrous however his actual quote on the Horizontal Falls was “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”.
So, if it wasn’t David Attenborough that called the Horizontal Falls “The 8th natural wonder of the world” or “The world’s most unique natural wonder” or “The Greatest Natural Wonder of the World” or even the less confident “One of the greatest Natural wonders of the world” ?
Then who did?