The natural phenomenon is caused by the changing local sea level due to tides of up to 10 metres (33 ft).

The water builds up on one side or the other of the gaps faster than it can flow through them, creating a waterfall up to 4 metres (13 ft) high.

[3] On May 27, 2022, the Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures was conducting a tour of the natural phenomenon, about 250km north-east of Broome, when it ran into trouble with 26 passengers and two crew on board.

[4] The safe rescue of passengers was made more difficult due to the falls remote location and accessibility only by sea and air.

[5] Starting in 2026, the West Australian government has opted to cease boat access through the gaps at the Horizontal Falls along the Kimberley coast.

This choice stems from safety considerations and input from the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation due to the area's sacred significance.

Despite this change, visitors can still journey right up to the entrance point of the Horizontal Falls to experience the mesmerising tidal movements and the spectacular ancient rock formations up close.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service deployed six aircraft to the scene, with a triage zone established at the Koolan Island iron ore mine nearby.