Horizontal Falls, WA.

The Horizontal Falls Adventure did not live up to the all the hype as far as Judy and I were concerned. There are two gaps through which the tidal water flows, one is 11 metres and the other is 7.5 metres. We did go through the wide gap several times but they would not take us through the narrow gap, stating that it was too dangerous. We purposely delayed our excursion to the 'Falls' to coincide with the large disparity between the High and Low Tides that occurs with a Full Moon. We were seeking the maximum thrill for our dollar. Sadly this did not occur. If this 'Falls Adventure' had of been in New Zealand patrons would have received 'The Full Monty' of adventure. No, I am not a Kiwi!

Having opened with that paragraph, the overall day was quite an experience. This part of The Globe is totally unique and we are happy that we have been there. We were looked after in a very professional manner for the total 6 hours of our Half Day Tour. Part of this was a sumptuous lunch of huge portions of BBQ Barramundi and Salad.

In the air, en route to Talbot Bay. The tide is rising but only covers all the mud flats with the Spring Tides that occur during the Equinoxes.

Approaching Talbot Bay we fly over Cyclone Creek.

The two gaps of the Horizontal Falls. The nearer is 11 meters and the gap in the background measures 7.5 metres across. The depth of water through both gaps is about 40 metres.

Approaching the Pontoons that are the Base Station of the operation.

Disembarking from the 14 seater seaplane.

There is even a helicopter located here. Hire fee is $100 per ten minutes which is comparable with other areas.

At one point there were four of these seaplanes at Talbot Bay. Here one is taking off and the nearer one is cruising out to the 'take off' zone.

On board the Pontoons we were repeatedly warned not to fall overboard as there were sharks galore in the Bay. The sharks are fed by the crew on a regular basis so that keeps them near the Pontoons. These sharks are not caged they can come and go as they please.

We were also taken for an exploratory cruise up Cyclone Creek as part of our day. The commentary along the way was very informative.

Even several kilometres up stream the tidal in rush as a visible effect. Large Vortexes and swirls in the water are clearly visible.

Jude is relaxed!

I am pretty cool too!

The swirl and turbulence of the tidal rush through the large gap. Not seen in this photograph, but the difference in water levels at this point is about 3 metres.

At the narrow gap the difference in water levels is about 4 metres and the turbulence is far greater.

The crew reversed our boat into the narrow gap to about mid point. The difference in water levels is more apparent here.

From the rear of the boat looking back through the narrow gap.

This was the other boat, in the same position we were in, where the previous two photographs were recorded.

High Tide around The Buccaneer Archipelago under our wings as we fly back to Derby.

We fly over a Commercial Barramundi Farm.

The island from which the Barramundi Farm is serviced. This island is extremely remote.

Back at Derby we overfly the Derby Jetty.

Part of Derby township and The Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park. The CP is the treed triangle in the centre of the photograph. Home to over 200 sites of various sizes. The mud flats in the background are only covered during Spring Tides.

Derby, WA.

There is only a short and leisurely drive between Broome and Derby but we still split the drive by staying one night at Nillibubbica RA. Nillibubbica RA is roughly midway between the two towns and therefore automatically becomes a natural stop for many travellers, including us. Of course you still see the 'rush and tear' brigade who barrel past without a pause in their quest for distance in the least amount of time. Certainly, some people are travelling within the constraints of 'Annual Leave Time' but most are not in that category. Nillibubbica RA is typical of the many excellent RA provided for travellers in Northern West Australia, a large gravelled area, picnic shelters, toilets and a dump point.

We initially booked into Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park for three days but very soon extended this to seven days as we experienced the sublime climate here this time of year. Mid to high teens overnight warming to low 30's during the afternoons with a slight breeze to moderate the sun's heat. Further more, after the first week, we then extended for another week. I could get used to this idea. I am calling it a holiday from our travelling holiday, I can feel myself slowing down!

Derby is a slow, quiet town. Everything seems to take place with a minimum of movement, probably due to the fact that the population normally has to contend with a hot and oppressive summer climate. Strangely, Derby is not prone to experiencing Cyclones during the Wet Season. I was told that the last Cyclone recorded in Derby was back in the 1960's. Apparently the huge body of water that is King Sound influences the weather in this area to Derby's advantage.

The Western end of The Gibb River Road is on the outskirts of Derby therefore we see many very red and dusty "Rigs" that have come across 'The Gibb' from the Eastern end near Wyndham. We are not attempting that adventure this trip but will return in the near future and 'give it a go'.

This is Clarendon Street, the area hosting most of the towns businesses.

Boab Trees feature along the wide thoroughfare that is Loch Street. As you arrive in Derby you enter by Loch Street and if you follow this road to it's end you will be at The Derby Wharf area.

The Tourist Information Centre is on Loch Street.

One of the larger Boab Trees in Derby, also along Loch Street.

The Derby Wharf is a popular fishing platform but is also used for the loading of shipping with Lead and Zinc Ore.

The old disused Derby Prison is located beside the current Police Station. This Prison was mainly used to detain the early Indigenous Population.

A 'Close-Up' of the Western end of the Prison. Facilities consisted of an open cold water shower and the toilet was a bucket in the corner behind a blanket suspended from the ceiling.

The Infamous Boab Prison Tree, estimated to be over 1200 years old. Once used to detain arrested Indigenous People charged with Cattle Stealing or Killing.

A 'Close-Up' of the Boab Prison Tree. The exterior appears artificial, it has a 'metallic sheen' that seems to look unnatural.

Adjacent to The Prison Boab Tree is Myall Bore. This bore has been utilised to water cattle but was also essential in supplying water to the Defence Base that was in this area during WW2.

The Cattle Watering Trough is still fed with water from the Windmill above Myall Bore.