Photo: denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0
Perched on the northern tip of the Dampier Peninsula, One Arm Point is a remote Aboriginal community offering an authentic window into the culture and coastal life of the Bardi Jawi people. This is a place where the turquoise Indian Ocean meets rugged red cliffs, and where traditional knowledge of the land and sea is still very much alive. Visitors come for the spectacular scenery, the chance to learn about Indigenous fishing and pearl farming, and the sheer sense of being at the edge of the continent.
Highlights & What to See
- Ardi (One Arm Point) Community & Cultural Tours: Join a guided tour led by Bardi Jawi rangers or local elders to learn about bush tucker, traditional fishing techniques, and the deep connection to Country. The tours often include a walk along the beach to see ancient shell middens and rock formations.
- One Arm Point Pearl Farm: Visit the community-run pearl farm to see how South Sea pearls are cultivated. The farm offers insights into the history of pearling in the Kimberley and the sustainable practices used today.
- Stunning Coastal Views: The lookout near the community provides panoramic views across the turquoise waters to the Buccaneer Archipelago and the distant Lacepede Islands. It's a prime spot for photography, especially at sunset.
- Fishing & Boating: The waters around One Arm Point are rich in fish, including barramundi, mangrove jack, and threadfin salmon. Local operators offer fishing charters, or you can try your luck from the shore.
- Birdwatching: The area is a haven for seabirds and shorebirds, including ospreys, sea eagles, and migratory waders. The nearby mangroves and tidal flats are excellent for spotting them.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a full day at One Arm Point, arriving early to join a morning cultural tour, then exploring the pearl farm and coastline at a leisurely pace. If you're on a self-drive Kimberley itinerary, it works well as a day trip from Broome (about a 2.5-hour drive, with the last 100 km on unsealed road) or as part of a longer stay in the Dampier Peninsula. For those wanting a deeper cultural immersion, consider overnighting at the community's campground or a nearby eco-lodge.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kooljaman at Cape Leveque: A stunning coastal resort with white-sand beaches and Aboriginal cultural experiences, about an hour's drive south.
- Djarindjin & Lombadina: Two Aboriginal communities with homestay accommodation and tours, offering a similar cultural experience.
- Broome: The gateway to the Kimberley, famous for Cable Beach, pearl shops, and the historic Chinatown. Combine a trip to One Arm Point with a few days in Broome.
- Horizontal Falls: Accessible by scenic flight or boat tour from One Arm Point or Broome, this natural phenomenon is a must-see for adventure seekers.
- Buccaneer Archipelago: A group of rocky, uninhabited islands that can be explored by boat tour, offering remote beaches and excellent fishing.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Cape Leveque — CC BY 2.5
- Broome — Kat Clay from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Horizontal Falls — Reefpix / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Buccaneer Archipelago — en:User:I@n / CC BY-SA 3.0