A guide to the best beaches in and near Broome

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Broome may be famous for its pearling history and Shinju Matsuri Festival, but many visitors are really there for the beaches.

Naming the best beaches in Broome could actually be a list of the best beaches in Australia. This Kimberley gem is one of the best beach-filled small towns in Australia. And with guaranteed sunshine and no rain over Broome’s long warm dry season (usually from May to October) you’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy perfect holiday weather.

We have just one warning: while you can drive on many Broome beaches with your vehicle, many locals and visitors alike have lost their cars to the rapidly changing tides.

With that out of the way, and in no particular order (except for the obvious number one spot), these are the best beaches in Broome.

1. Cable Beach

With a view unfurling across the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach boasts 22 kilometres of powdery white sand and dreamy turquoise water.

powdery white sand and dreamy turquoise water of Cable Beach, Broome

Admire stunning views of Cable Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Just a ten-minute drive from Broome’s retail district, Cable Beach derived its name from the telegraph cable that connected Australia’s north-west to the rest of the world in 1889. But instead of keeping you hooked in to the stresses of everyday life, Cable Beach invites you to disconnect and immerse yourself in the tropical vibe.

incredible sunset views on Cable Beach, Broome

Don’t miss out on the incredible sunset views at Cable Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Smack bang in front of the Broome Surf Life Saving Club and Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, grab a beach umbrella from the little Beach Hut and spend the day in a jelly-like state. If you can tear yourself away from the sunlounger, why not try your hand at boogie boarding, surfing or stand-up paddleboarding?

As the sun sinks, tick off an iconic camel ride along Cable Beach, or drive ‘north of the rocks’ and spend the evening sinking bubbles by the beach. This area is also an ‘optional clothing’ beach, so if you’re feeling warm, why not cool down in your birthday suit?

camels at sunset on Cable Beach, Broome

Sign up for an iconic camel ride at dusk. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Lifeguards are on duty from May to October and it’s recommended to swim between the flags, which are located in front of the Broome Surf Life Saving Club. Top-notch facilities – toilets, showers and change rooms – are located near the main entrance of the beach.

A little insider tip: they’ll be hard to spot without taking a tour, but at low tide you’ll find several genuine dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks of Cable Beach, almost directly down from Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa.

camels on Cable Beach, Broome

Camels can walk a perfectly straight line on Cable Beach. (Image; Tourism Western Australia and @from.miles.away on Instagram and @mattfrommilesaway on Facebook)

2. Town Beach

True to its name, Town Beach is close to the centre of this historic pearling town. Framed by mangrove-covered rock flats, this family-friendly beach has pink sand and a mesmerizing view of the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay.

During low tide, venture out onto the exposed rock flats to find a world of tiny pools teeming with scuttling crabs and small marine creatures.

a scenic view of Town Beach, Broome

Bask in tropical vibes at Town Beach. (Image: Alexus71)

Bring a picnic rug and shoot-the-breeze, or on a low tide (aka 1.3m or lower) go in search of the remnants of flying boat wrecks from World War II. With sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure, you can squelch across the exposed seabed to reach the barnacle-encrusted flying boats.

Town Beach also boasts a fun water play area with sculptures of sea snakes, swordfish and stingrays, and kids will love walking out onto the jetty. As the sun sinks, buzzing night markets pop up on Thursdays and on selected dates when Staircase to the Moon takes place.

With fabulous facilities (think clean toilets and plenty of parking) what else do you need?

people enjoying on Town Beach, Broome

Go frolicking on Town Beach. (Image: yaruman5)

3. Gantheaume Point / Minyirr

Here’s one for the dinosaur lovers. Around a 10-minute drive from Broome’s centre, Gantheaume Point, a promontory adjoining Cable Beach, beckons with its marvellous red rocks and striking blue water.

The Gantheaume Point cliffs and lighthouse feature a short track with interpretive signage to reach casts of dinosaur footprints.

a colourful landscape of Gantheaume Point, Broome

Gantheaume Point casts colourful hues from above. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and @ospreycreative)

The real 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints are preserved in reef rock at the base of the cliff. Here, the true magic unfolds. You can run your fingers along the intricately textured surfaces and be gobsmacked at the size of each footprint.

For morning walkers, there’s a handy one-per-day public bus that will drop you at Gantheaume Point. From there stroll the seven kilometres back to Cable Beach and grab some breakfast.

At Gantheaume Point you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Bring a hat and water, and be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Rock Pools at Gantheaume Point, Broome

Dip in the rock pools at Gantheaume Point, Broome. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and @cjmaddock)

4. Reddell Beach / Yinara

Hang out with the locals at Reddell Beach, a 1.7-kilometre stretch between Broome Port and Gantheaume Point. This lesser-known beach is accessible via the unsealed Kavite Road, and it feels like you’re a million miles from Broome town when you scramble down the rugged sand cliffs to reach the beach.

a scenic view of Reddell Beach, Broome Dinosaur Adventure Tours, Broome

Wander across the rugged, cinematic landscape of Reddell Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Throw out the picnic rug and some snacks, then take your time relaxing among the red rock formations that stand like sculptures overlooking the Indian Ocean. You’ll soon see why locals love this spot when you dive into the clear blue water.

a scenic view of Reddell Beach, Broome

Red pindan is bordering the white sandy Reddell Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

You’ll soon understand why dinosaur tours exist in Broome, when you go hunting for yet more dinosaur footprints here. You’ll find them to the north end, and only visible at extremely low tides (the rocks can be slippery and if you have kids it’s safer to hunt footprints on Cable Beach or Gantheaume Point.

dinosaur Footprints at Reddell Beach, Broome

Spot dinosaur footprints on Reddell Beach, Broome. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Coconut Well / Goolarabooloo Millibinyarri

For a clean and quiet stretch of sand, it’s hard to find better than Coconut Well, 15 kilometres north of Broome. Hidden from the world, thanks to a 4WD-only access road, you’ll need to hike over sand dunes before reaching this far-flung extension of famous Cable Beach.

On the receding tide, there’s a huge collection of rock pools to float in – each filled with turquoise water and the odd octopus. Take your time exploring these natural bathtubs and you’ll spot all manner of sea creatures in your own private aquarium.

If you don’t want to go home, there are a bunch of otherworldly Airbnb’s at Coconut Wells.

turquoise blue waters on Coconut Well near Willie Creek

Laze around the dreamy stretch of sand on Coconut Well. (Image: Willie Creek Pearls)

6. Entrance Point

Hang out with the local fishers at Entrance Point, a serene beach near Broome Port with unique rock formations and abundant opportunities for exploration. While it may not be ideal for swimming, Entrance Point has some photogenic wind-eroded rocks that are reminiscent of Nature’s Window in Western Australia’s Kalbarri.

For travellers hiring a boat or bringing their own, the two launching ramps with ample parking allow easy access to Roebuck Bay and the Cable Beach area.

When hunger strikes, head to the Broome Fishing Club and order the fish and chips (cooked to golden perfection).

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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15 top Broome hotels and resorts

    By Leah McLennan
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    It’s no secret that Broome is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Think ancient Indigenous culture, azure waters and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by rugged Kimberley landscapes. Bliss. Broome hotels and resorts are no different.

    Being one of Western Australia’s prettiest towns, hotels here are blessed with good views, tropical vibes and a hearty dose of history. From the timeless wonder of Pinctada McAlpine House to the Mangrove Hotel’s bayside escape, we’ve picked the best hotels and resorts.

    1. The Billi Resort

    Address: 97 Oryx Road (Lullfitz Drive)
    Price: $$

    king tent at The Billie in broome

    Stay in a luxe safari tent or chic villa. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

    Glamping is a wonderful way to experience Broome’s natural beauty and salty ocean air. The Billi Resort has a handful of luxe safari tents with timber floors, private bathrooms and a kitchenette.

    Situated within walking distance of Cable Beach, this retreat also boasts chic villas, ranging from one bedroom to three. Relax at the central pool area or hire an electric bike and explore the shoreline.

    2. The Pearle of Cable Beach

    Address: 14 Millington Road
    Price: $$ – $$$

    The Pearle of Cable Beach hotel

    Swim right up to The Pearle of Cable Beach. (Image: Taryn Yeates Photography)

    If you adore swimming, this resort is for you. Stroll from Cable Beach to your one-, two- or three-bedroom villa at The Pearle of Cable Beach and cool off in your very own private pool. Whip up a cocktail in the designer kitchen then sip it on the deck while dipping your toes into the plunge pool.

    This Southeast Asian-inspired resort has a cafe serving a continental breakfast buffet overlooking the communal pool, which is heated for comfort during the cooler dry season.

    Just be aware, the villas have some semi-detached bedrooms (under the same roof line). This might not suit families with young children.

    3. Beaches of Broome

    Address: 4 Sanctuary Road
    Price: $ – $$

    guest room in beaches of broome hotel and backpackers

    Relax in a private room between swims. (Image: Facebook/Beaches of Broome)

    This hostel is the perfect base for exploring the abundance of adventures on offer at Cable Beach. Located just metres from the ocean, Beaches of Broome offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms.

    The piece de resistance, however, is the sparkling pool – the ideal locale for a cool drink with new or old friends.

    4. Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

    Address: Cable Beach Road
    Price: $$$$

    Cable Beach Club Resort Broome

    Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is the epitome.

    If you know anything about Broome, chances are you’ve heard of the grand dame of hospitality, the Cable Beach Resort & Spa. You can really live it up at this iconic resort where the vibe is unmistakably zen.

    Find four restaurants, two large pools (one adults-only), a spa and salon, a gym to get stuck into and a cocktail menu that’s as long as your arm. The eight-hectare property also offers a refresher room so you can use the resort facilities if you arrive or depart outside of check-in and out times.

    When you’re not pool-hopping or playing tennis, you can take a boat tour, scenic flight, fishing charter or camel ride on Cable Beach.

    5. Pinctada McAlpine House

    Address: 55 Herbert St (Corner Louis St)
    Price: $$$

    deck at Pinctada McAlpine House

    Enjoy the heritage style of Pinctada McAlpine House. (Image: Facebook/Pinctada McAlpine House)

    For fans of places with a past, Pinctada McAlpine House was constructed during the heyday of Broome’s pearl shelling industry. Located within walking distance of the town centre, the property now delivers the same historic charm in a more elegant setting.

    Guests can choose from a variety of suite styles, from the Garden Suite, with its peaceful atmosphere, to the exclusive McAlpine Suite with its four-poster bed and claw foot bath.

    6. Eco Beach Resort Broome

    Address: Lot 323 Great Northern Highway
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    woman swims in the infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort Broome

    Swim the day away. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Gaze the afternoon away with unrivalled views across the Indian Ocean at the secluded Eco Beach Resort in your solar-panel-charged eco villa, glamping tent, or two-bedroom house.

    When you can peel yourself away from your lodging, there is an onsite spa, complimentary daily yoga sessions, paddle boards and kayaks, shaded hammocks on the beach, an alluring infinity pool with comfy sun lounges and an incredible restaurant dishing out local produce.

    To totally unwind don’t miss Eco Beach’s signature activity ‘Mud & Bubbles’ where you paint yourself with mangrove mud and sip bubbles while waiting for the mud to dry, before rinsing off in the Indian Ocean.

    Eco Beach Resort is a 130km self-drive or shuttle bus south from Broome, or opt for a 25-minute helicopter transfer over some of the most spectacular coastline in the world.

    7. Bali Hai Resort & Spa

    Address: 6 Murray Road
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    pool at Bali Hai Resort & Spa

    Step foot into Bali without leaving Broome. (Image: Facebook/ Bali Hai Resort & Spa)

    Like being in the Bali of a bygone era, the relaxed Bali Hai Resort & Spa has a centre-piece swimming pool, lush grounds and spa treatments using traditional Balinese recipes. It’s impossible not to unwind here.

    Set a couple of blocks back from Cable Beach Resort and adjacent to Kimberley Sands Resort, you have four self-contained villas to choose from, all with private courtyards and outdoor bathrooms. The restaurant (dinner only) has a great selection of dishes featuring Western Australian produce, such as prawns, beef eye fillet and pork belly. Dine inside or opt for a table on the deck that has been built around a shiny boab tree.

    8. Mangrove Hotel

    Address: 47 Carnarvon Street
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    an outdoor pool with palm trees and sun loungers at Mangrove Hotel, Broome

    Plunge straight into the pool at Mangrove Hotel.

    Home to arguably Broome’s best view, Mangrove Hotel is polished down to the last detail. Along with two pools, the breezy hotel has a lively bar and restaurant that seamlessly flows from an indoor setting to an outdoor oasis.

    Rooms are white and contemporary, with pops of turquoise fabrics that match the dreamy waters of Roebuck Bay.

    9. Oaks Broome Hotel

    Address: 99 Robinson Street
    Price: $$$

    the pool at Oaks Broome Hotel

    Stay in central Broome at Oaks Broome Hotel.

    Broome is home to two Oaks properties – one close to Cable Beach and the other a short walk from Chinatown. An advantage of staying in a chain hotel is that you mostly know what to expect before you even check-in.

    Near Broome’s retail centre, Oaks Broome Hotel has around 100 hotel rooms, studios, and one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartments. Guests get access to the umbrella-lined pool and a restaurant that offers alfresco and air-conditioned dining.

    10. Oaks Cable Beach Resort

    Address: 11 Oryx Road
    Price: $$ – $$$

    interior suite at Oaks Cable Beach Resort

    Opt for Oaks Cable Beach Resort for an amazing pool and beach access.

    If you love swimming, sunbathing and a bit of luxury, you must plan your vacation around an amazing pool. Oaks Cable Beach Resort boasts five swimming pools including an impressive lagoon-style pool and a children’s wading pool where parents can take up position on a sun lounger. Here you have a choice of modern studio rooms and apartments ranging from one bedroom to three.

    11. Moonlight Bay Suites

    Address: 51 Carnarvon Street
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    pool at Moonlight Bay Suites

    Soak in views of Roebuck Bay. (Image: Facebook/Moonlight Bay Suites)

    You won’t be far from Matso’s famous Brewery if you check into the Moonlight Bay Suites or the Bayside Holiday Apartments, both owned by the Kimberley Accommodation Group.

    Overlooking Roebuck Bay, Moonlight Bay Suites has a huge swimming pool, manicured gardens and 50 one- and two-bedroom suites, 18 of which boast bay views.

    On the corner of Hamersley Street, over the road from Matso’s, Bayside Holiday Apartments offers basic apartments and a pool.

    12. Roebuck Bay Hotel

    Address: 33 Carnarvon Street
    Price: $$ – $$$$

    pool at Roebuck Bay Hotel in broome

    Party on at The Roey. (Image: Facebook/Roebuck Bay Hotel)

    In the heart of Chinatown, The Roey (as it’s affectionately known) is Broome’s longest-standing hospitality establishment, dating back to 1890. If drag bingo, wet t-shirt competitions and nightclubbing until 3am is your type of holiday, then make a beeline for the Roey Backpackers and Party Bar.

    Take a dip in the pool, prep a snack in the communal kitchen and make yourself comfy in one of the many, many bunk beds. If you’re after a room of your own, Roebuck Bay Hotel, as the name suggests, also has standard hotel rooms.

    13. Mantra Frangipani Broome

    Address: 15 Millington Road
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    a pond where water lilies grow, Mantra Frangipani Broome

    There’s a pond where water lilies grow at Mantra Frangipani Broome. (Image: Roderick Eime)

    Mantra Frangipani Broome has apartments ranging from one bedroom to three, which feature a beachside vibe with tiled floors and bright artwork. Cool off in your private outdoor shower or grab a sun lounge next to one of the two pools.

    It’s an easy walk from this Accor-owned hotel to the Cable Beach restaurants, or you can catch a bus to town directly outside the resort.

    14. Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

    Address: Dampier Peninsula
    Price: $$ – $$$

    an aerial view of the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

    A tropical getaway awaits at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

    Overlooking the white sand of Pender Bay on the Dampier Peninsula about 190 kilometres north of Broome, sits the idyllic Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat glamping spot. Cue endless stargazing by night and whale watching by day.

    You can choose from two eco-tents, a cabin with a real bathroom or our favourite – Open Deck, where you’ll sleep in a double bed under a mosquito net on the verandah.

    a beachfront dining setup at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

    Dine by the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

    15. Jetwave Pearl

    Address: Horizontal Falls
    Price: $$$$$

    the living room interior of Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

    The Jet Wave Pearl can fit up to 20 guests. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

    If you love the Horizontal Falls and want to stay longer than just a day, there’s an overnight experience on offer aboard Jetwave Pearl.

    Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures 24-hour tour includes seaplane transfers from Broome, powerboat rides, a sunset cruise, swimming in a marine enclosure and an overnight stay on the two-level, 10-room Jetwave Pearl. It is one of our top picks for Broome tours for a reason.

    a bed facing windows with waterfront views in Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

    Wake up to uninterrupted waterfront views. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

    Find more insider travel tips in our Broome travel guide.