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
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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8 secret places in Western Australia you need to know about

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

    “Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

    From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

    Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

    1. Mimbi Caves

    You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

    “That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

    Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves.
    Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    2. Kalbarri National Park

    Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

    “I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

    An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge.
    Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    3. Hamelin Bay Wines

    Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

    Almost.

    Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

    “Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

    Spectacular views.

    A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset.
    Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

    4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

    Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

    Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden.
    Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    5. Hoochery Distillery

    Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

    Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

    People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia.
    Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    6. Geraldton

    The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

    woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park
    Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    7. El Questro

    Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

    Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

    Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro.
    Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    8. Lake Argyle

    Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

    Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

    Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra.
    Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

    Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.