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Why waterfall season is the best time to explore the Kimberley

<p>Australia's Kimberley coast, often described as one of the world's last true wilderness regions, beckons adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. With its rugged coastline and untamed landscapes, this remote corner of Australia offers a unique small ship cruising experience like no other. Coral Expeditions specialise in taking guests on an unforgettable journey through this ancient and captivating region, exploring its highlights with expert guidance in landscape, nature, wildlife, culture, and history.</p> <h3><strong>Unparalleled access to the Kimberley Coast</strong></h3> <p>Coral Expeditions’ small expedition ships are your ticket to getting up close and personal with the Kimberley's wonders. The beauty of this region lies not only in its pristine wilderness but also in its inaccessibility by larger vessels. </p> <p><img style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Kimberley-Shower-at-King-Cascade-Prince-Regent-River-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <h3><em style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Xplorer Tender getting guests up close for a waterfall shower at King Cascade</em></h3> <p>Every season in the Kimberley has its own unique charm, but there's something truly spectacular about the waterfall season. After a big wet season, the waterfalls come to life in spectacular fashion, cascading down ancient cliffs and creating a mesmerising natural spectacle. </p> <h3>The Kimberley Coast: A natural wonderland</h3> <p>Beyond waterfall season, the Kimberley coast boasts over 2,500 islands, each with its own story to tell. The contrast between the rugged shoreline and the crystal-clear waters is a sight to behold, and it's an experience that is vastly different from exploring the Kimberley's inland areas. </p> <p>Coral Expeditions takes you on a journey where you'll witness the Kimberley's coastline in all its glory, revealing hidden coves, ancient rock art, and an abundance of wildlife along the way.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Xplorer-Tenders-exploring-Porosis-Creek-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Xplorer Tenders exploring Hunter River</em></p> <p>It’s amazing to realise that over three decades ago, when Coral Expeditions made the first exploratory expedition cruises into this stunning region, their crew had to rely purely on hand-drawn “mudmaps”, the knowledge of local fishermen and the insights of early explorers to navigate the vast and unpredictable coastline. </p> <p>Today, armed with decades of experience instilled in their team of in-house experts, detailed maps, tidal charts and extensive landing notes, Coral Expeditions possess a level of knowledge that cannot be matched in the region.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Guests-disembarking-the-Xplorer-at-Lumbarni-Island-5-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Guest disembarking the Xplorer tender during daily shore excursions</em></p> <p>Now, Coral Expeditions invites you to join them on a classic <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/?utm_source=OverSixty&utm_medium=Native+Article&utm_campaign=KIM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10-night Kimberley expedition</a>. Witness the power of nature at the magnificent King George River and its towering twin falls, explore ancient rock art with expert guides, and witness diverse marine life and cascading waters at Montgomery Reef. Later in the season, you may also see the majestic Humpback Whales on their migration north to breeding grounds. </p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Thrill-Zodiac-rides-through-Horizontal-Falls-30-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Guests enjoying a thrilling zodiac ride through Horizontal Falls</em></p> <p>Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels; cruise the Prince Regent River to the “hanging garden” King Cascade waterfall; view the Kimberley landscape by air on a scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost); enjoy sunset canapés and drinks on the beach as dusk settles over the Kimberley, and so much more.</p> <h3>Unique Xplorer Tenders</h3> <p>All Coral Expeditions ships are equipped with a fleet of excursion tender vessels to simplify travelling ashore and enjoying water-based activities. The Xplorer Tenders with comfortable padded seating are very easy to board directly from the deck, while the unique hydraulic system gently lowers the craft into the water. On-board, a microphone and speakers allow the guides to share their expert commentary, an overhead canopy protects guests from the sun – and there is even a toilet for remote exploring convenience!</p> <h3>30 years of expertise and passion</h3> <p>What sets Coral Expeditions apart is their unrivalled experience in the Kimberley region. With more than 30 years of exploring this wilderness, their crew possesses unsurpassed knowledge and a deep passion for this land. They are not just guides but also storytellers, sharing the secrets of the Kimberley and creating a connection between you and this ancient landscape that is truly unforgettable.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Mitchell-Falls-04.05.23-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Guests admiring the view across to Mitchell Falls</em></p> <p>When you embark on a Kimberley cruise with Coral Expeditions, you're not just taking a holiday; you're embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Coral Expeditions is committed to providing unparalleled experiences and dedication to preserving the pristine beauty of the Kimberley,  making Coral Expeditions your ideal partner for exploring this remarkable corner of Australia.</p> <p>Don't miss your chance to be part of the next Kimberley expedition with Coral Expeditions. Visit their website <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/?utm_source=OverSixty&utm_medium=Native+Article&utm_campaign=KIM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to learn more about upcoming cruises and begin your journey into the heart of Australia's last true wilderness.</p> <p><em>All Images: Coral Expeditions.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Coral Expeditions.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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6 of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls

<p>They are one of the most stunning natural wonders on the planet, and these are six of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls.</p> <p><strong>1. Slejlandsfoss, Iceland</strong></p> <p>The land of fire and ice is full of incredible waterfalls, and (if we have to choose) Slejlandsfoss is our pick. It’s 65 metres high and the water tumbles off a grassy cliff, plunging in a huge arc to the ground below. It’s possible to walk right behind it, though you’ll definitely need a raincoat. In the right light, it will look like you’re standing right beneath a rainbow.</p> <p><strong>2. Iguassu Falls, Brazil and Argentina</strong></p> <p>Easily the world’s most beautiful border crossing, Iguassu Falls splits the countries of Brazil and Argentina along the River Iguassu. Though a relatively petite 82 metres in height, it’s the width of the falls that is truly breathtaking. They stretch for just under three kilometres, running along a series of lush forested cliffs and spraying an incredible amount of water into the sky.</p> <p><strong>3. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana</strong></p> <p>This one isn’t easy to get to (you’ll probably need to fly in on a very small plane), but it’s definitely worth the effort. Tucked away in the densely forested nation of Guyana in Central America, it’s absolutely huge, standing at 226 metres tall and averaging 663 cubic metres of water per second. Few falls in the world have this kind of raw power and it is quite a sight to behold.</p> <p><strong>4. Detian Falls, Vietnam and China</strong></p> <p>Straddling the border between these two nations, Detian Falls is the collective name for two converging waterfalls. It's one of the largest falls in Asia, but the waters are relatively gentle. Boat trips can take you right up to the cascade or you can ride a bamboo raft through to tranquil swimming holes. Just make sure you don’t go too far and end up in another country…</p> <p><strong>5. Parakunui Falls, New Zealand</strong></p> <p>This waterfall can’t compete in terms of size. It falls only 20 metres over three tiers of sloping rocks surrounded by ancient forest. It makes up for it in beauty and looks like something from a fairytale. You half expect pixies to dance out from under the leaves any minute. The walk through the forest to reach the falls is just as captivating.</p> <p><strong>6. Horizontal Falls, Western Australia</strong></p> <p>While not a true waterfall in the traditional sense, Horizontal Falls will still take your breath away. Described as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the falls run horizontally rather than vertically as seawater builds up in a channel between a narrow rocky gap. It’s best seen from the air, so splurge on a helicopter flight.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty, Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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8 fun facts about the world’s most beautiful waterfalls

<h2>The site of an emergency plane landing</h2> <p>Dropping 980 metres from the top of the Auyán-Tepuí plateau (or ‘Devil’s Mountain’ in English), Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world. Located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, Angel Falls is named after the adventurous American pilot Jimmy Angel who emergency landed his aeroplane there in 1937. The plane remained there for 33 years, and although the original is now in an aviation museum, Angel Falls’ visitors can still find a replica plane placed on top of the plateau today.</p> <h2>The thousand-year-old (and then some) waterfall</h2> <p>As one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, horseshoe-shaped Godafoss features water rushing down a cliff measuring 12 metres high and 30 metres wide. Godafoss, meaning Waterfall of the Gods, got its name in the year 1000 when Iceland was converting from pagan religious beliefs to Christianity. The story goes that Iceland’s chieftain at the time, Thorgeir, threw statues of the heathen gods into the waterfall, symbolising the switch to Christianity and giving the falls their name.</p> <h2>The tallest waterfall in Central Europe</h2> <p>Nestled in Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park, Krimml Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Central Europe, reaching a height of 380 metres. The water originates at Krimmler Ache, a glacial creek that serves as the source of the falls, and plummets over three tiers of rock formations. A one and a half hour hike up the falls brings you to Bergerblick, the highest point that offers the most spectacular views of the falls below.</p> <h2>A waterfall watched over by Buddha</h2> <p>The Detian Falls can be found cascading 75 metres over the Guichun River on the border of China and Vietnam. Depending on the time of year, the amount of water travelling down the waterfall will range from a full-speed rush in the humid months of June and July to a more gentle splash in the drier seasons. To complement the peaceful surroundings of rice paddies and rock formations, a tiny Buddhist shrine sits atop the falls.</p> <h2>“Poor Niagara!”</h2> <p>Although the majority of the Iguazu Falls are located in Argentina, many say you can find a better overall view from the Brazilian side. They can be accessed through any of the three cities in the tri-border area between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Iguazu Falls are taller and twice as wide as Niagara Falls and it has been said that when Eleanor Roosevelt saw these falls for the first time she exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!”</p> <h2>It’s in the oldest state park in the US</h2> <p>Niagara Falls State Park, designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, is the oldest state park in the US, established in 1885. Niagara Falls is sourced by the Niagara River which is supplied by water from Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Erie, four of the five Great Lakes, allowing 3160 tons of water to flow over Niagara Falls each second. The iconic falls were first seen and described in 1678 by Father Louis Hennepin on an exploring expedition in the Niagara region.</p> <h2>They’re actually interconnected waterfalls</h2> <p>The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is world-famous for its series of 16 interconnected, breathtaking lakes, caves and waterfalls. The park features two main waterfalls: the Large Waterfall at the end of the lower lakes, and the Galovac Waterfall at the end of the upper lakes. But what makes this park so unique and beautiful are the formations of many smaller waterfalls that flow throughout the series of lakes through naturally created mossy cascades.</p> <h2>It separates itself each summer</h2> <p>Koosah Falls are one of three major waterfalls along the McKenzie River in Oregon, USA. Although there has been some dispute over the true height of the waterfall, with measurements ranging from 16 to 36 metres, the true height is said to be around 20 metres.The appearance of Koosah Falls changes dramatically from season to season, in the summer it appears as being two separate segments, but during the height of snow melting in the winter, water spreads seamlessly across the 20 metre wide ledge</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/8-fun-facts-about-the-worlds-most-beautiful-waterfalls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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Uluru turns into a waterfall in “rare and magical” sight

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A rare bout of rain </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/northern-territory/uluru-turn-into-waterfall-amid-heavy-rain-in-region/news-story/d7ab44457590e77dfb3740e5d3c78f25" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">has turned</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Uluru into a series of waterfalls, with footage emerging of the wondrous sight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park shared a series of images and videos showing the transformation, after the area received 22 mm of rain earlier in the week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though that might not sound like a lot of rain, Parks Australia said the area’s average rainfall is just under 300 mm — meaning it received seven percent of its annual rain in a single night.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Parks Australia shared the “rare and magical” moment on social media, with one video capturing both the amazing sight and the sounds of burrowing frogs calling to each other.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVxAxD2Fr3C/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVxAxD2Fr3C/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (@seeuluru)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For most of the year these frogs are underground, avoiding hot and dry conditions,” Parks Australia explained in the caption.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“They emerge after rain to breed, feed and return underground to evade perishing in the harsh weather conditions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“They continue to call for the next day or so, especially in the early morning and at dusk.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845319/uluru1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8baae45cf4da4585969de90e41e13193" /></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @seeuluru / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But it isn’t the first time this kind of moment has been witnessed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last year, the area received 30mm of rain — the biggest downpour in three years — which created a series of waterfalls that poured over Uluru.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following the most recent deluge, Parks Australia confirmed that the weather has since cleared.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV1KPZ9htok/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV1KPZ9htok/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (@seeuluru)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“At about 5.30pm last night the skies lifted and it was clear that the Irish are right and there is a treasure at the rainbow,” the organisation wrote on Thursday, alongside a trio of photos capturing a double rainbow stretched across Uluru.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @seeuluru / Instagram</span></em></p>

Domestic Travel

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“Impossible” waterfall installed at Palace of Versailles

<p>The Palace of Versailles is a must for anyone exploring France, and thanks to this latest installation a visit to the famous grounds just became all the more spectacular.</p> <p>Danish artist Olafur Eliasson has transformed the Palace’s famed gardens with the installation of an “impossible” waterfall, captivating visitors from around the world.</p> <p>And as you can see in the gallery above, it’s really something else!</p> <p>The waterfall has been created as part of a grand project designed to revive the initial vision of Andre Le Notre, principal gardener to King Louis X.</p> <p>Eliasson said, “The waterfall is an attempt to finalise, to make the impossible possible, to make the dreams come true.”</p> <p>To observe the speculator water feature scroll through the gallery above. From certain perspectives it looks like an impossible achievement!</p> <p>What do you think of the new water exhibition at the Palace of Versailles? Have you ever visited this famous site, and how was your trip?</p> <p>Share your story in the comments.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / Canoe Travel </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/05/french-train-carriages-turned-into-art/"><strong>French trains turned into moving art galleries</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/05/woman-travels-to-paris-to-explore-amelie-film-locations/"><strong>Woman travels to Paris to explore Amelie film locations</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/02/is-it-safe-to-go-back-to-paris/"><strong>Is it safe to go back to Paris?</strong></a></em></span></p>

International Travel

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Tourists hang off the edge of 91-metre waterfall

<p>If you ever find yourself near Victoria Falls in Zambia and you’re feeling a little adventurous, it might be worth your while visiting the famous Devil’s Pool.</p> <p>The main feature of Devil’s Pool is an angled rock which lets tourists get right up to the edge of the waterfall in relative safety and take amazing photographs. </p> <p>The attraction of Devil’s Pool is seems to be in a similar same vain to Sydney’s Wedding Cake Rock or <a href="/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Figure Eight Pools</span></strong></a> in the sense that it attracts a range of tourists looking to take great photos despite the dangers.</p> <p>As we see in the video above, Victoria Falls’ Devil’s Pool is a little bit safer as an angled rock and guide helps prevent tourists from slipping the 91-metre drop.</p> <p>It’s a certainly a beautiful part of the world, but we’re not too sure if you’d see us taking a photo from that vantage point!</p> <p><em>Video credit: YouTube / quang long</em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here to read more about Over60 Travel Insurance</span></a>.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/a-look-inside-first-class-cabins/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Inside 8 first class cabins that will amaze you</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/most-photographed-locations-in-london/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>London’s 8 most photographed locations</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/holiday-ideas-for-animal-lovers/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>8 holiday ideas every animal lover needs to experience</strong></em></span></a></p>

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