Photo: Zoharby / CC BY-SA 3.0
Stretching for 22 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is Broome’s iconic strip of white sand and turquoise water. Named after the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889, the beach remains the region’s most celebrated natural attraction. The combination of spectacular sunsets, camel trains and clear warm water makes it a must-visit for any traveller exploring the Kimberley.
Highlights & What to See
- Sunset camel rides – Join a guided camel train along the beach at dusk; it’s the classic Broome experience and a fantastic photo opportunity.
- Swimming and strolling – The calm waters are perfect for a dip (stinger suits recommended Nov–May) and the firm sand is ideal for long walks. The southern end near the rocks is quieter.
- Gantheaume Point – A short drive or walk from the beach, this red-rock headland reveals dinosaur footprints preserved in the reef at low tide and offers sweeping views.
- Broome’s pearling history – While not on the beach itself, the nearby Pearl Luggers and Willie Creek Pearl Farm provide context on the industry that shaped the town.
- Mangrove Boardwalk & Minyirr Park – A coastal boardwalk through pindan woodland and mangroves, offering birdlife and a different perspective of the beach.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend one full day at Cable Beach, arriving mid-afternoon to enjoy the water and stay for sunset. If you’re based in Broome, you can easily return multiple times – early morning walks are sublime and crowds are thin. Two nights in Broome allow you to experience both a sunset camel ride and a relaxed beach day without rushing.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Broome Town – Chinatown’s galleries, pearl showrooms and outdoor cinemas are just 10 minutes away.
- Roebuck Bay – Famous for its staircase to the moon phenomenon and abundant birdlife, especially during the dry season.
- Horizontal Falls – A spectacular tidal phenomenon in Talbot Bay; book a seaplane or boat tour from Broome.
- Kununurra & the Ord Valley – A 10-hour drive northeast, this is the gateway to Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles.
- Dampier Peninsula – A 2–3 hour drive north leads to indigenous communities and remote beaches like Cape Leveque.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.