19 Aug 2024

Experiencing the iconic Horizontal Falls

Our Kimberley Explorer voyage continued as Heritage Adventurer stopped at the entrance of Dugong Bay shortly after sunrise and we launched our Zodiacs for a morning of adventure, exploring and admiring the geology of the surrounding bay and islands. On our journey, turtles, raptors, a crocodile and many other birds were observed. Returning to our trusty expedition vessel sailing past Slug Island, we enjoyed a great sighting of the newest Kimberley sandstone known as the Yampi Formation.

Shortly after lunch, we visited Horizontal Falls as the water started to ebb into the embayment. It was a day of large tides, and the whirlpools were already forming. Our Zodiacs headed up Cyclone Creek, checking out flora and fauna along the way and, of course, the iconic geology near the falls where the sandstone has buckled and ribboned up to a near vertical position from its original linear formation. Flame-backed Fiddler Crabs were on the mud, Kimberley Rose’s were in flower, and the mangroves offered shelter from the heat - a glorious day. Back down Cyclone Creek, we revisited Horizontal Falls for peak ebb and encountered the white-water rapids and whirlpools for an exciting Zodiac experience.

Back on board Heritage Adventurer, we enjoyed a ship's cruise through the narrow passages of Talbot Bay and a BBQ and enjoyed al fresco out on the decks in the glorious weather.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions