Horizontal Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horizontal Falls |
|
|---|---|
| Horizontal Waterfalls, "Horries" | |
 |
|
| Location | Kimberley region, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 16°23′00″S 123°57′29″E / 16.38325°S 123.95797°E |
| Part of | Talbot Bay |
| Offshore water bodies | Indian Ocean |
| Elevation | 0m |
| Width | 10m (landward gap) 20m (seaward gap) |
| Drop | up to 4m |
| Geology | Waterfall |
| Designation | Marine park |
| Indigenous name | Garaanngaddim |
The Horizontal Falls, also called Horizontal Waterfalls or "Horries", are an amazing natural wonder in Western Australia. Local Indigenous people call them Garaanngaddim. These unique falls are found on the coast of the Kimberley region. They are special because the water flows sideways, creating waterfalls when the ocean tides change.
The Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park is a protected area. It helps to look after the falls and the beautiful ocean around them.
Contents
Discovering the Horizontal Falls
These incredible falls happen when ocean water rushes through two narrow gaps. These gaps are like small canyons, about 300 meters apart. They are located in Talbot Bay, which is also known as Ganbadba.
The gap closer to the ocean is about 20 meters wide. The gap further inland is about 10 meters wide.
How the Horizontal Falls Work
The falls are created by huge tidal differences. The tide can rise or fall by up to 10 meters! This means a lot of water moves very quickly.
The water builds up on one side of the gaps faster than it can flow through. This creates a powerful "waterfall" effect, sometimes up to 4 meters high. When the tide changes direction, the falls reverse, flowing the other way!
The famous naturalist David Attenborough once described these falls. He called them "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world."
Safety and Visiting the Falls
For many years, boats could take tourists right through the gaps. This offered a thrilling experience. However, safety is very important.
In May 2022, a tourist boat had an incident at the falls. Several people needed medical help. This event highlighted the dangers of the strong currents and remote location. Rescues were challenging due to the presence of box jellyfish and estuarine crocodiles.
Because of these dangers, and because the local Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation considers the falls to be a sacred place, boat trips through the gaps stopped in 2026. Visitors can still travel to the entrance of the Horizontal Falls. This allows them to see the powerful tidal movements and the amazing rock formations up close.
Protecting Our Oceans: Marine Parks
Marine parks are special areas in the ocean. They are set aside to protect marine life and important habitats. The waters around the Horizontal Falls are part of a larger network of these parks.
The Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park
This specific marine park is managed by the Government of Western Australia. They work together with the Dambimangari people, who are the traditional owners of these lands and waters.
The Dambimangari people chose the name "Lalang-garram." In their Worrorra language, it means "the saltwater as a spiritual place." It also means a place full of natural abundance. The Dambimangari people call the Horizontal Falls "Garaanngaddim."
This park, along with the North Lalang-garram Marine Park, is within the Dambimangari people's native title area. This means they have special rights and responsibilities for these traditional lands and waters.
Expanding Marine Protection in the Kimberley
There is a big plan to create even more protected ocean areas in the Kimberley region. This plan aims to connect several marine parks. These include the Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park, the Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park, and the North Kimberley Marine Park.
The goal is to form a larger protected area called the Lalang-gaddam Marine Park. This huge park will cover a vast area of coastal waters. It will help protect many different marine animals and their homes.
The name "Lalang-gaddam" is the correct pronunciation of the Worrorra word. Another new park, the Maiyalam Marine Park, is also part of this plan. "Maiyalam" means "between islands" or "a gap through." These efforts show how important it is to protect our oceans for future generations.
See also
In Spanish: Horizontal Falls para niños
