Over &Above

There’s something magical about flying over the Kimberley coast. The colours are simply dazzling as they morph from sandy white beaches being kissed by an aquamarine ocean, to the deep, leafy greens of forested land, slashed by ochre roads. Soaring over the Buccaneer Archipelago, tiny islands punctuate the multi-hued ocean and mangroves seem to drift on the waves, they stand so distant from the shore. Blink and the scene changes in a slideshow of natural splendour. This is what you will experience when embarking on a journey with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures.

A frisson of excitement surges through the eight passengers as the seaplane approaches Talbot Bay, flying over rippled land that looks as if it’s been lifted from The Lord of the Rings. It feels like we are among a lucky few, as we glide across these remote lands. The Traditional Owners, the Dambimangari peoples, believe much of Dambimangari Country was created by the writhing actions of a female Woongudd Snake. The undulations in the landscape bear witness to this creation story.

And then we’re there, circling over the Horizontal Falls, whirlpools of white, swirling water clear evidence of the power of the tide as it squeezes through the two gaps in the ridges of the McLarty Range like air whooshing to freedom from the neck of a balloon. Sir David

Attenborough wasn’t wrong when he described this as one of the world's great natural wonders.

This isn’t the end of the journey, though. On an overnight package with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, the aerial view of the falls is just the start.

The seaplane glides across the surface of the water, pulling up at the main pontoon, which sits in the middle of Talbot Bay. Framed by a rocky escarpment with a mantel of greenery that tumbles to the water’s edge, it’s a rather spectacular place to land. Greeted with smiles we disembark, our excitement at an all-time high.

The rest of the day is packed with adventure, whether it’s taking a powerboat tour of the Falls or a low-level heli-flight; cruising down Cyclone Creek, watching for crocodiles lurking in the mangrove fringe; fishing for dinner; or taking a dip in the pool at the marine viewing platform, sociable tawny nurse sharks gliding passively close on the other side.

As the day sinks towards the horizon, dinner is served. Staying on the main pontoon, there’s an al-fresco barbecue on the outdoor deck with local barramundi as the star. On Jetwave Pearl, the luxury overnight houseboat, it’s a more refined affair, with a private chef dishing up a three-course menu to delight even the most refined palate.

Lulled to sleep in the private airconditioned cabin, morning creeps in like a watercolour painting, gentle pinks and soft blues heralding dawn. By the time breakfast is done, the cliffs have turned ochre, glowing in the burgeoning sunlight, providing a final spectacle as a Kimberley-style farewell.

Then it’s one last flight, taking you over and above; one final opportunity to witness the untouched beauty of this part of the country; one last moment to sear this moment into your memory.

This is what overnight at Horizontal Falls is all about — sheer wonder.

Book your overnight adventure now departing Broome and Derby. Book online at visitbroome.com.au/members/ horizontal-falls-seaplane-adventures