The Iconic Camel Rides In Broome Guide

Broome and camel rides go hand-in-hand, here’s what to expect.

There are many tourist traps around the world, and one can’t help but be a little sceptical when everyone is talking about an experience like Broome camel rides. The thing is, I actually loved it.

The camels are (mostly) chill, the tour leaders are very friendly and the views are incredible. For me, it was 40 minutes of rhythmic heaven that made me feel like I’d really experienced Broome – besides which the history of camels in Broome is so fascinating that becoming part of it is truly a bucket list item.

Where can you ride camels in Broome?

Cable Beach is the one and only place to take a camel ride in Broome, and frankly, you couldn’t hope for a more peaceful backdrop. All tour operators will meet guests on the beach, close to Cable Beach Resort & Spa .

Best time of day to ride camels

While a sunset tour is obviously the iconic imagery you’ve seen (as it should be, the oranges, pinks and purples of Cable Beach sunsets are honestly out of this world) and are always booked out weeks in advance, you really shouldn’t discount a morning tour.

On a sunset tour, you’ll get the incredible colours of a WA sunset, and get to watch the beach come to life as others flock to it. Your photos will be incredible, and you will most definitely have social media bragging rights.

However, on a morning tour, you’ll avoid the heat and the crowds. If you’re booking at the last minute, there will most likely still be a spot open, unlike at sunset. Overall, it’s a far more peaceful experience and the vistas are still ‘gram-worthy with 22 kilometres of unusually straight beach stretching out before you. It’ll also be cheaper.

a group riding a camel at sunset, Cable Beach, Broome — Capture the golden hour on the golden sands of Cable Beach. (Image: CJ Maddock)

What to expect on a camel ride

Camels have a reputation for being on the grumpy side, but these ones are (mostly) very well-trained, and seemingly unbothered by carting around random tourists. Having said that, operators may include a less-trained camel in the string to help get them used to it.

This is exactly what happened on my tour and the woman behind me had a minor freakout when her camel broke ranks – an understandable reaction but to be fair it wasn’t really a big deal and he was tied back up in no time. Camels are tied in a line and the group will always have a tour operator leading the sting, walking alongside and bringing up the rear, so they’re ready for mishaps.

a group camel ride on a straight line — The camels are usually pretty good at following the leader. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

On that note, tour operators will ask for your weight beforehand to make sure none of the camels are given more to carry than they can safely handle, and there are weight limits.

Getting on and off the camels has become almost luxurious now as well, with mounting platforms on the back of operator trucks so you can swing a leg over your camel without the poor thing having to sit down and perform the famously awkward standing back up with you on it.

top view of Cable Beach when riding on a camel — The view from atop a camel is a sight to behold. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Top tours to book a camel ride

Traditionally, camel tour operators in Broome have a frosty coexistence. The long-running “camel wars" reached a truce in February 2011 after years of feuding over camel licenses involving public acrimony, slashed tyres, nude photos and even the throwing of camel dung.

After one court ruling allowed all operators the right to conduct business, and another convicted a former cameleer of theft and burglary with a sizeable fine to boot, peace seems to have been restored.

This means that these days you’re welcome to choose from the three current operators without issue.

riding a camel on Cable Beach, Broome — This rhythmic ride is truly an unforgettable experience. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

1. Red Sun Camels

Red Sun Camels are easy to spot on the beach thanks to their bright red saddle blankets. They operate a morning, sunset and shorter 30-minute pre-sunset tour nearly every day.

For the safety of their camels, they do have a 95-kilo weight limit per person, and a 170-kilo limit power camel (all saddles have two seats).

Staff are bubbly, friendly and really seem to love what they do – even the brand-new staff member from Germany on my tour who never really planned to be working there but now doesn’t want to leave.

The staff will also gladly help you take photos during the tour, going to lengths to get the good angles for you.

a group of tourists riding a camel on Cable Beach, Broome — Experience an enchanting ride with Red Sun Camels. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cost: From $40
Duration: 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the tour.
Contact: 08 9193 7423 / bookings@redsuncamels.com.au

2. Broome Camel Safaris

Operating from Monday to Saturday Broome Camel Safaris , claim to have Broome’s friendliest camels, under the tutelage of Broome’s original camel lady, Alison Bird. While she’s not the only one claiming this title, she did trek through the Australian Outback alone with her camels for more than seven years, so it’s safe to say she knows what she’s doing.

They’re currently not doing morning tours but are running afternoon and sunset tours. They’re also a great option if you’d like to organise a bespoke tour for your own group.

Included in the price of a tour is a free pair of freshwater pearl sterling-silver earrings from local Broome designer, Dahlia Designs for ladies.

a group riding camels on Cable Beach, Broome — Soak up the beauty of Cable Beach with Broome Camel Safaris. (Image: CJ Maddock)

Cost: From $45
Duration: 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the tour.
Contact: 0419 916 101 / via website contact form .

Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6^th February to 1^st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

1. East Perth Power Station

East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival — See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

2. St Mary’s Cathedral

Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

3. Lotterywest Films

guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival — Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

4. The Embassy

guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival — Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

5. Unusual locations

still from The Trial theatre — Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

6. A View From A Bridge

A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival — Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

What else to do in Perth

Shadow Wine Bar in perth — Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .

Your guide to the iconic camel rides in Broome