Horizontal Waterfalls & The Iron Islands

Friday 3rd June.

The horizontal waterfalls did not disappoint. On our way back yesterday afternoon from Talbot Creek we were given a ride in the outer inlet of the horizontal falls. It was like going through a washing machine. Even on the falling tide, the volume of water rushing through the gaps and created a funnel effect at an incredible pace.

The falls are basically two gaps which cut through the Pentecost sandstone escarpments. Both the incoming and outgoing tides have to force their way through the gaps into embayments (flooded valleys). The inner gap is much smaller then the outer gap and so whilst the tide rushes through you have a situation where the tide at the inner gap is much higher then the outer valley.

We transferred from Explorer into the zodiacs and surfed the fast running tide, eddies and whirl pools. We were able to ride the zodiacs a number of times and the guys driving the zodiacs made sure the thrill was greater by doing donuts, fast circles around Explorer.

When we started the tide in the inner gap was some 8 metres higher than the outer valley and the water rushes through to the second much larger gap in the cliffs. By the time we left some two hours later the tide difference between the inner and outer valley was some 2 metres.

Two hours later we returned to the Oceanic Explorer and Jan and I rode back to the ship in one of the zodiacs. We up anchored and departed for the Iron Islands. As the name suggests the area is the richest deposit of iron ore and on Koolan Island we saw an Iron Ore Mine face at close quarters. The splash of colour on the islands and geology of the area is spectacular.

Tonight we enjoyed pre dinner drinks on the sundeck anchored in Nares Point which over looks the Iron Islands, Cockatoo Island and the iron ore Mine. The sunset was absolutely glorious. Sunsets have been fantastic all along the trip but this one out-did the rest.

Food is still very sumptuous – we don’t even bother about fighting the afternoon tea and morning tea goodies. The group on the ship is really an interesting bunch and we are having a great time joining different groups and sharing a yarn and the day’s activities.