Mitchell Falls & Horizontal Falls Scenic Flight from Broome

Broome to Mitchell Plateau by air, waterfalls, helicopter ride and wild coastline

You’ll fly from Broome into remote Kimberley country, tracking rivers and palm forests before landing at Mitchell Plateau for a helicopter ride straight to Mitchell Falls. Swim beneath thundering water, share a picnic lunch with your group, then fly back along the coast past Horizontal Falls and Cape Leveque—all with local guides who know every bend of this wild land.

What’s included

• Your day includes scenic flights from Broome across King Sound and Prince Regent River with expert pilots guiding you all the way.
• You’ll transfer by 4WD through ancient palm forests to Mertens campground before boarding a helicopter straight to Mitchell Falls.
• There’s time for swimming at the falls plus a picnic lunch with snacks and bottled water provided throughout before flying back along Western Australia’s wildest coastline.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Broome to Mitchell Falls and return flight

• Depart Broome and fly north
• Fly over King Sound and Walcott Inlet
• Overfly Harding Range and Prince Regent River
• Drive through Livistona Palm Forest
• Helicopter scenic transfer to Mitchell Falls
• Explore Mitchell Falls and swim
• Enjoy gourmet picnic lunch
• Helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and Mertens Gorge
• Return to campsite and refresh
• Fly home tracking coast past Kuri Bay
• Overfly Camden Sound and Montgomery Reef
• Fly over Horizontal Waterfalls
• Fly over Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque
• Coastal flight along Dampier Peninsula bays and beaches

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the sound—propellers chopping through that thick Broome morning air. We lifted off and suddenly the red dirt and mangroves just dropped away. Our pilot, Dave (he’s lived in the Kimberley for ages), pointed out King Sound below—he joked about “Australia’s biggest tides” like it was no big deal. I pressed my forehead to the window as we crossed over Walcott Inlet and those ridges of Harding Range. It’s all so empty but somehow alive—patches of green palms, then nothing but ochre folds for miles.

I didn’t expect the Livistona Palm forest to look so ancient. We bumped along in a 4WD through this weirdly lush patch before stopping at Mertens campground. There was this earthy smell—like sun-baked leaves and something sweet in the air. The helicopter transfer felt surreal; you barely get used to one view before you’re hovering over Mitchell Falls itself. I tried filming but gave up—some things are just too wide for a screen. Our guide, Sarah, handed out sandwiches near the water (I still think about that cold chicken salad). A few of us braved a swim under the falls—it was icy and sharp on my skin but kind of addictive once you got in.

The flight back was quieter. Maybe everyone was tired or just full of it all—I couldn’t tell. We skirted Kuri Bay (Sarah pointed out the pearl farm), then Montgomery Reef where you could see white water racing over coral flats even from way up high. When we flew over Horizontal Falls, Dave grinned and said David Attenborough called it “the 8th Natural Wonder”—it did look wild from above, like someone had sliced open the ocean. Cape Leveque’s red cliffs were glowing in late light; I tried to take a photo but mostly just stared until my phone slipped onto my lap.

Top questions

How long does the Mitchell Falls Explorer tour take?

This is a full-day trip departing from Broome in the morning and returning by sunset.

Is lunch included on the Mitchell Falls day trip?

Yes, a picnic lunch plus snacks and bottled water are provided during your tour.

Do you actually land at Mitchell Plateau or just fly over?

You land at Mitchell Plateau and transfer by 4WD through palm forest before taking a helicopter to Mitchell Falls.

Can you swim at Mitchell Falls during this tour?

Yes, there’s time for a refreshing swim beneath the falls if you wish.

Are there weight or health restrictions for this flight?

The maximum individual passenger weight is 120kg; not recommended for those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Does this include hotel pickup in Broome?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point in Broome.

What sights do you see on the return flight?

You’ll fly over Kuri Bay, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, James Price Point, Willie Creek and Cable Beach.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes, local guides accompany you throughout—from pilots to ground staff at Mitchell Plateau.