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Cable Beach, WA

Cable Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in Australia, with twenty-two kilometres of pristine white sands fringing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Washed clean every day by tides that can reach over nine metres, Cable Beach provides the ideal safe environment for swimming and relaxation.

Known For

  • 22-kilometer-long pristine white sand beach
  • Stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean
  • Iconic unique camel rides on the beach

Cable Beach, WA

Cable Beach takes its name from the telegraph cable that was laid between Broome and Java, Indonesia in 1889 and today it provides the perfect location to enjoy the magnificent Broome sunsets.

Visit Cable Beach

Broome simply oozes with colour. It’s Western Australia’s secret getaway – right on the doorstep of the Indian Ocean and the gateway to Western Australia and the last frontier of pristine wilderness – the Kimberley.

From its rough and tumble, romantic pearling history and the cosmopolitan character of Chinatown, to the clear blue waters, red sandstone cliffs and the endless expanse of white sand at Cable Beach – the colours and moods of Broome will capture your soul. You’ll never want to leave this incredible location.

cable beach

Broome owes its existence to the Pinctada Maxima – the world’s largest pearl oyster shell – discovered in Roebuck Bay in 1861. The giant pinctada shells caused a sensation overseas and soon a melting pot of nationalities flocked to the shores of Broome in the hope of making their fortune. Japanese, Malays and Koepangers joined the Aboriginal pearl divers, whilst the Chinese became the shopkeepers in town.

Today, remnants of Broome’s exotic past are everywhere. The town’s multicultural society ensures a wonderful array of gourmet cuisines, colourful characters and cultural influences. Pearling still remains a thriving industry and the world famous South Sea pearls feature in Chinatown’s string of pearl galleries.

In recent years Cable Beach has become a popular tourist destination, with its stunning white sand and pristine waters attracting people from all over the world.

Things To Do

Visitors to Cable Beach can enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, as well as camel rides along the beach. Kayaking, surfing (when the swell is right) and jet skiing are also popular beach activities at Cable Beach.

Australia’s most beautiful sunset

It is also home to some of Australia’s most beautiful sunsets. Many visitors come to watch the sunset over Cable Beach each night – an experience that will stay with them forever.

In 2020, it was announced that Cable Beach would be part of a new eco-tourism development project which aims to make the beach more accessible and sustainable for tourists. This project will also add additional facilities such as restaurants, tour operators, and other services to the area.

Enjoy the Stunning Scenery

The sand dunes and ochre red cliffs surrounding Cable Beach are some of its most unique and visually stunning features. The dunes are vast, rolling hills of soft, golden sand that stretch along the coastline, providing a stunning contrast to the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and are a popular spot for sandboarding and other adventure activities, as well as for picnicking and just chilling out.

ochre red cliffs

The ochre red cliffs, on the other hand, are towering rock formations that are rich in iron and other minerals, giving them their distinct, rusty red color.

Visit Gantheaume Point

Gantheaume Point is a stunning natural landmark located in the town of Broome, Western Australia. It is a rocky headland that juts out into the Indian Ocean, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding coastline. The point was named in 1801 by Nicolas Baudin after the French Naval Admiral, Joseph Gantheaume.

Gantheaume Point

One of the main attractions of the point is its 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, which are visible during low tides. These footprints are some of the oldest dinosaur tracks in the world, and they provide a unique glimpse into the ancient past of the area. Visitors can walk along the beach and view the footprints up close, or take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.

Dinosaur fossil footprint

Iconic Cable Beach Camel Rides

For a truly unique experience when you get to Cable Beach, join the famous sunset camel trains that operate daily along the beach.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic camel train along the stunning coastline of Cable Beach. The rides take place at sunset, offering breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and a unique perspective of the stunning scenery at Cable Beach, which is not possible through any other mean.

enjoy a Cable Beach camel ride

The sunset provides a beautiful backdrop for the ride and enhances the overall experience. This activity is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of Cable Beach in a unique way.

Cable Beach Camel Rides can be booked through various tour operators or directly with the companies that run the rides. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability.

See the Crocs!

The Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is a popular wildlife park located in Broome. The park is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Australia’s native crocodiles, and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about these fascinating animals up close.

Visitors can see a range of crocodile species, including saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, in their natural habitats. The park is home to a number of large, adult crocodiles, as well as smaller juveniles, and visitors can watch as the animals swim and bask in the sun.

In addition to its croc displays, the park also offers a range of interactive experiences, including guided tours and wildlife encounters. Visitors can take a walk through the park’s wetlands, where they can observe a variety of bird species, and learn about the park’s efforts to conserve the area’s unique ecosystem.

Eating and Drinking at Cable Beach

Cable Beach is home to a variety of dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a gourmet meal, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings in Cable Beach.

Johnny Chi Lane is a charming shopping lane located in the bustling Chinatown district of Broome. It offers an array of shops that showcase the local arts, clothing, and souvenirs of the region. As you stroll through the lane, you will be delighted by the beautifully restored architecture and the lively atmosphere. Additionally, there are numerous dining options to choose from, providing the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious cuisine while exploring the area.

Johnny Chi Lane

For those looking for a casual dining experience, there are several of the resorts have cafes that offer a variety of tasty treats, including freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and ice cream. These cafes are perfect for a quick bite or a snack while enjoying the sights and sounds of Cable Beach.

Looking for a more upscale dining experience? There are several restaurants in town that offer a range of cuisine, including local seafood, Italian, Thai, and more. Many of these places also offer outdoor seating with views of the ocean, making them the perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

Matso's Brewery in Broome

In addition to dining options, Cable Beach is also home to a number of bars and nightclubs that offer a lively nightlife scene. These venues are the perfect place to enjoy a drink, dance the night away, or catch a live performance.

Experience Broome, Western Australia

Broome is the main town in the Kimberley area of Western Australia, and is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Cable Beach, unique cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism industry. Broome is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, which is reflected in its many galleries, theaters, and performance spaces.

The town is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Broome Cup, a popular horse racing event, and the Shinju Matsuri Festival, which celebrates the town’s rich cultural heritage and celebrates the beginning of the pearl harvest.

Town Beach in Broome is a relatively uncrowded and peaceful destination, making it a great alternative to the more popular (and famous) Cable Beach. The beach is surrounded by a number of parks and picnic areas, as well as several cafes and shops.

Is it safe to swim at Cable Beach?

During the dry season, Cable Beach is monitored by trained surf lifeguards, providing added safety for swimmers. In the event of any crocodile sightings in the vicinity, the beach may be temporarily closed for safety reasons. So, if you are planning to take a dip at Cable Beach, it is best to check the conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Caution at the beach however is required between November and March when stingers may be present.

As an option, many of the resorts also have fantastic pools, so you’ll definitely get a chance to take a dip, one way or the other!

Weather and Climate

Broome’s climate is also something to boast about with warm sunny days, balmy nights and spectacular storms during the tropical summer season. Not to mention the unforgettable spectacle of sunset on Cable Beach!

The dry season, which runs from May to October, is the most popular time to visit Cable Beach. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, with very little rainfall. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and camel rides.

Cable Beach weather

The wet season, which runs from November to April, is characterized by higher humidity and more frequent rainfall. Although the weather can be more unpredictable during this time, it is also the best time to relax and experience the beauty of the Kimberley region, as the heavy rainfall transforms the area into a lush and vibrant landscape.

How far is Cable Beach from Perth?

Cable Beach is located approximately 2,000 km north of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. The journey from Perth to Cable Beach by road takes approximately 22 hours, but there are also flights available that take around 2 hours.

  • Nearest Airport: Broome International Airport
  • For further information about Broome and Cable Beach, please visit the Broome website.

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • Romance
  • Cultural
  • Honeymoon
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation
  • Remote
  • Soft Adventure

Popular Activities

  • Off Road Driving
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Outback
  • Beach

About Cable Beach

  • Locality: Suburb
  • Cable Beach Postcode: 6726
  • State: Western Australia
  • Region: Broome & the North West
  • Latitude: -17.94275
  • Longitude: 122.21078
  • Elevation: 20m
  • Population: 5436
  • Median Income: $50960
  • Area (Sq/km): 9.115
  • Timezone: Australia/Perth

Tours In Cable Beach

Discover some of the tours options around Cable Beach

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains