The Guide To The Best Beaches In Broome

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).

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

A guide to the best beaches in and near Broome