From Broome: Mitchell Falls Explorer – Wet Season

If you’re planning a trip to Broome and looking for an adventure that combines jaw-dropping scenery with a dash of exclusivity, the Mitchell Falls Explorer might just be your ticket. Offered by West Air Inv./Air Kimberley, this tour promises a full day of aerial sightseeing, cultural insights, and coastal marvels—all packed into around 11 hours. We’ve gathered information from travelers and official descriptions to give you an honest look at what this experience really entails, so you can decide if it’s worth your time and money.

Two things that really stand out about this tour are the spectacular views of some of Australia’s most dramatic natural features—like Mitchell Falls and the Horizontal Waterfalls—and the chance to explore remote areas rarely seen by most visitors. The inclusion of a visit to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm adds an interesting cultural layer and a chance to enjoy some delicious local fare. On the flip side, one potential consideration is the weather dependency—the Horizontal Waterfalls’ flow depends on tides, so while the guides do their best to arrive at the best flow times, there’s no absolute guarantee you’ll see the phenomenon at its peak.

This tour suits adventurers who love scenic flights, nature lovers eager to see untouched landscapes, and anyone interested in a comprehensive, day-long exploration of Kimberley’s coastal highlights. If you’re traveling with a sense of curiosity and don’t mind a full day of activity, it’s a compelling option.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of Australia’s largest tides, Mitchell Falls, and coastal wonders.
• Includes visits to iconic sites like Horizontal Waterfalls and Buccaneer Archipelago.
• Cultural experience at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, with a tour and lunch.
• Small group setting (limited to 8 participants), offering a more personalized experience.
• Weather and tide dependent for the Horizontal Waterfalls, so flow levels may vary.
• Comfort stops and refreshments included, making the long day more manageable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a sweeping view of Kimberley’s most dramatic and beautiful sights, all from the comfort of a small, private plane. From Broome’s airport, you’ll soar north over King Sound, home to some of the largest tides in the world. This initial leg sets the tone for the day—expect some incredible views that are hard to capture from the ground.

The Flight Path: From Broome to Mitchell Plateau

The flight starts with a stunning perspective of Walcott Inlet estuary and the rarely seen Harding Range. As you traverse the Prince Regent River, you’ll see the King Cascade, a notable waterfall that adds to the scenic grandeur of the area. Once you land at Mitchell Plateau, there’s a quick pause for refreshments and a comfort stop—an appreciated touch since the day involves a lot of sightseeing.

Overflying Mitchell Falls and Coastal Wonders

After this quick break, it’s back into the plane to view the spectacular Mitchell Falls from above. These multi-tiered waterfalls cascade down into the wilderness, and seeing them from the air offers a perspective you simply can’t get on foot. The tour then continues southward, passing by Kuri Bay, Camden Sounds, and the vast Montgomery Reef—a fascinating tidal feature that’s worth seeing, even if only from above.

The Highlight: Horizontal Waterfalls

One of the most talked-about parts of this tour is witnessing the Horizontal Waterfalls at Talbot Bay. These natural tidal phenomena are mesmerizing, with rushing water creating what looks like a man-made canal, but it’s all driven by the tides. As with all tide-dependent natural events, timing is key, and guides do their best to optimize the flow, though it’s not guaranteed to be at its maximum.

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Exploring the Buccaneer Archipelago and Cygnet Bay

Next, you’ll fly across the endless islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including some notable iron-ore mines. The aerial view of these rugged, rocky islands, with their hidden beaches and remote coves, is truly special. The tour then lands at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Here, travelers get to enjoy a delicious lunch at their restaurant, take a refreshing swim, and learn about the history of pearling. This stop adds a cultural and culinary dimension that many travelers appreciate.

Coastal Views and Return to Broome

The flight back traces the coastline south, passing by Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Willie Creek, and ultimately returning to Broome’s iconic Cable Beach. The views of the beaches and bays along this stretch offer a fitting conclusion to a day packed with natural beauty.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The aerial perspective is what truly makes this experience special. Seeing places like Mitchell Falls and Montgomery Reef from above offers a perspective few get on the ground. The knowledgeable guides and the small group size make the experience more personal, allowing for plenty of questions and tailored commentary.

The inclusion of the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour is another highlight. It’s not just a quick stop; you get to learn about the history of pearling and see some of the most sought-after pearls in the world. Plus, the on-site restaurant and swimming pool make for a relaxing break during an otherwise busy day.

On the downside, the tour’s success depends heavily on weather and tide conditions. The Horizontal Waterfalls’ flow varies with the tides, and while guides do their best to arrive at peak times, there’s no guarantee you’ll witness the phenomenon at its strongest. This natural variability can be a bit disappointing if you’re especially eager to see the waterfalls in action.

Plus, this experience is quite full-on in terms of time. It’s an 11-hour day, so if you’re prone to fatigue or prefer more relaxed sightseeing, this might be a lot to take in at once. However, if you’re a lover of scenic flights and remote landscapes, the length is justified.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

The tour starts at Broome International Airport, with a meeting point at the airport itself. The flight is conducted in a small group of no more than 8 participants, which means you’ll get a more intimate experience and better interaction with your guide.

You should prepare with essentials like a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen—all recommended for comfort during stops. Since the day involves flying, sightseeing, and some walking at stops, packing light but appropriately is advisable.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind if your plans change. You can also reserve your spot and pay later, making it more flexible to plan.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t listed here, the experience appears to be a premium, all-inclusive day out—covering flights, landings, lunch, and a pearl farm tour. For travelers who value unique perspectives and access to hard-to-reach locations, this kind of tour often offers good value, especially considering the exclusive sights and small group setting.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for those who love aerial views and want to see Kimberley’s natural wonders without the strain of long hikes or multiple ground excursions. If you’re comfortable with a full day of touring, and the weather cooperates, the spectacular scenery will make it all worthwhile.

It’s particularly suited for travelers interested in coastal geography, natural tidal phenomena, and remote wilderness—plus those who enjoy a touch of culture with a pearl farm experience. If you’re after an immersive, exciting journey that combines wildlife, geology, and a bit of luxury, this tour checks many boxes.

For anyone wanting a more relaxed, ground-based experience, or traveling with very young children, this might be a bit too intensive. But for adventure seekers willing to embrace the full scope of Kimberley’s wild beauty, it’s a memorable way to see a slice of Australia few others get access to.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally designed for adults due to the length and nature of the aerial flights, but older children comfortable with flights and full-day outings might enjoy it.

What should I bring?
It’s best to pack a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, as you’ll be spending time outdoors and near water during stops.

Is the Horizontal Waterfalls guaranteed to be visible?
No, because it depends on tidal conditions. Guides will do their best to arrive at peak flow, but the flow level can vary.

How long is the total flight time?
The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, including flights and stops, with the flight portion covering a significant part of the day.

Are meals included?
Yes, a delicious lunch at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is included, along with refreshments during the trip.

What is the group size?
Limited to a small group of 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What kind of aircraft is used?
While not specified, the experience is conducted by a reputable company with a high rating (4.7), likely using comfortable, modern aircraft suitable for scenic flights.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour’s schedule depends on weather conditions; if flights cannot operate, you may need to reschedule or cancel.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
No, most of the experience is sightseeing from the plane, with brief stops for refreshments and a pearl farm tour.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip plans.

In short, if you’re after a day of high-impact, scenic exploration in Kimberley, the Mitchell Falls Explorer from Broome is a top contender. It offers a compelling mix of natural wonders, cultural insights, and memorable views—all from the comfort of a small aircraft. Just keep in mind the tide conditions and the full-day commitment, and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: