The very best of Australian coastal cruises
Oomari Falls (King George Falls) Cruises
Oomari Falls: where the Kimberley shows its power
Deep in the remote north Kimberley, the King George River carves through 1.8 billion-year-old sandstone before plunging 80 metres over twin cliff faces into tidal waters below. This is Oomari Falls, also known to many as King George Falls, Western Australia’s highest twin waterfalls and one of the most dramatic sights on the Australian coastline.
There are no roads here. No lookout platforms. No day-trip coaches. The only way to stand at the base of these falls, to feel the thunder reverberate through your chest and the spray cool your skin, is by expedition cruise up the King George River gorge.
For the Balanggarra people, traditional custodians of this country, the twin falls hold deep cultural significance; they are the male and female Wunkurr, the Rainbow Serpents who travelled from the far western reaches of their country. When you witness Oomari in full force, you begin to understand why this place commands such reverence.
True North has been navigating guests into this gorge for over three decades. We know the tides, we know the sandbar at the river mouth, and we know exactly where to position the bow so you can experience the shower of a lifetime.
King George Falls Highlights
Feel the falls from below
The captain positions True North’s bow directly beneath the cascading water. Step onto the foredeck and experience an unforgettable freshwater shower as 80 metres of waterfall thunders down the ancient cliff face around you.
See it all from the air
Lift off in the ship’s helicopter for a bird’s-eye perspective that reveals the full scale of the twin falls, the winding gorge, and the vast wilderness stretching to the horizon. It’s a view that stays with you.
Cruise through ancient gorges
The 13-kilometre journey upriver is an experience in itself. Towering sandstone cliffs rise 80 metres on either side, their surfaces weathered into honeycomb patterns by millennia of sea spray and bearing shades of pink, ochre, and purple.
Discover Koolama Bay's history
At the river mouth lies Koolama Bay, where in 1942 the MV Koolama was attacked by Japanese bombers. The Balanggarra people set out to assist survivors, a story our guides share as part of understanding this remarkable coastline.
Encounter Kimberley wildlife
The King George River system teems with life. Saltwater crocodiles bask on rocky ledges, sea eagles circle overhead, and the waters below hold barramundi, mangrove jack, and dugong. Every visit brings different wildlife encounters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When are the falls at their most powerful?
King George Falls transforms dramatically with the seasons. The falls are at their thundering peak from late December through April, following the Kimberley's wet season rains when the river swells with hundreds of thousands of litres of water. During these months, spray rises over 100 metres into the air, and the roar can be heard long before the falls come into view. From May onwards, the flow gradually diminishes, but the falls remain impressive well into the dry season, and the gorge itself is spectacular year-round.
Why can I only reach King George Falls by boat?
Oomari Falls sits within one of Australia's most remote wilderness regions, with no road access whatsoever. The falls are located 13 kilometres upriver from the coast, accessible only by navigating the King George River through its steep-sided sandstone gorge. True North's shallow draught allows us to cross the sandbar at the river mouth when the tide permits, then cruise the full length of the gorge to position guests directly beneath the falls. This inaccessibility is precisely what keeps the area so pristine.
How close will we actually get to the falls?
As close as it gets. True North's captain will position the vessel's bow directly beneath the cascading water, allowing guests on the foredeck to experience a refreshing freshwater shower. The adventure boats can also take smaller groups even closer to the base of the falls for photography and exploration. For those wanting an aerial perspective, helicopter flights above the falls offer a completely different, and equally unforgettable, experience.
What is the cultural significance of Oomari Falls?
The King George River holds profound significance for the Balanggarra people, traditional custodians of this country. The twin falls are known as Oomari and are revered as the male and female Wunkurr, Rainbow Serpents who travelled from the far western reaches of Balanggarra country at Sir Graham Moore Island. This Dreaming story connects the falls to the broader cultural landscape of the north Kimberley, where evidence of Aboriginal presence dates back over 60,000 years. Our guides share these stories with respect, helping guests understand the deep cultural layers of this remarkable place.
What else will I experience on a King George Falls cruise?
A King George Falls cruise is part of a broader Kimberley adventure. Depending on your itinerary, you may also visit the Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, the Hunter River, Prince Regent River and King Cascade, ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art sites, and remote fishing spots teeming with barramundi and mangrove jack. Every True North Kimberley itinerary combines multiple iconic destinations with daily activities tailored to your interests, from fishing and hiking to helicopter flights and wildlife encounters.
How does True North minimise its impact on this environment?
We operate with deep respect for both the natural and cultural values of this region. True North works within the North Kimberley Marine Park guidelines and maintains close relationships with Traditional Owner groups, including the Balanggarra. Our crew are trained in low-impact practices, and we adhere to strict protocols around wildlife interaction, waste management, and culturally sensitive sites. By keeping guest numbers small and operating purpose-built vessels, we ensure our presence supports the long-term protection of places like Oomari Falls.
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