Choose your own slice of white-sand heaven for a spot of sunbathing or relax beneath a parasol on this sun-kissed 22km-long beach that shelves into the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Uncrowded even during the peak season between May and October, you can always find a quiet stretch of pristine white sand to lay down your towel or hire a deckchair and umbrella to relax and soak up some sunshine.
Swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, chase a surf wave, hire a jet ski and then savour a fiery sunset from the soft sand or enjoy the quintessential Broome experience – a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach.
Cable Beach is world famous for its iconic camel-train rides and spectacular ocean sunsets. Try it out: sitting high astride a camel while it ambles rhythmically in time with the camel train gives you a different perspective of this beautiful location.
At the northern end of Cable Beach, past the rocks, clothing is optional and locals are often seen in 4WDs enjoying sunset drinks overlooking the Indian Ocean.
While at the southern end of the beach, walking trails lead through the red dunes of Minyirr Park – a spiritual place for the Yawuru people.
Three colour coded trails wind their way through this coastal reserve, heading to the sea, through the bush and sand dunes – especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, with lovely vistas stretching along Cable Beach.
Go hunting for dinosaur footprints below the red pindan cliffs of Gantheaume Point. Beautiful at any time, but especially at dawn or sunset when the cliffs turn scarlet and the Indian Ocean brilliant turquoise.
Turtles nest on Cable Beach between October and February, and there are some restrictions on beach driving during that time. You can find out more about the turtle nesting season and turtle friendly beach driving tips from the Broome council office.
Cable Beach and the Amphitheatre play host to a number of events throughout the year including the Shinju Matsuri Long Table Dinner, various concerts and Cable Beach Polo.
Lifeguards are on duty at the beach from May to October and it is advisable to swim between the flags.
Beachside facilities include toilets, showers and changing rooms, which are situated by the car park and main entrance at Cable Beach Road West. You can also hire deck chairs, umbrellas, paddle boards and bicycles.
Broome is less than a 15 minute drive away from Cable Beach – you can hire a car, catch a taxi, ride the Town Bus or, if staying close by, walk to the beach.
4WD vehicles are permitted on Cable Beach in the area ‘north of the rocks’ – access is via the vehicle ramp at Cable Beach Road West, and cars must proceed past the rocks to the northern part of the beach.
If you have a hire car, check the hire conditions as several hire companies do not allow their cars to drive on the beach. If you are planning to drive on the beach it is important to be aware of the tide times – Broome has a huge tidal movement.
Historical note: Cable Beach takes its name from the undersea telegraph cable from Java that came ashore there in 1899. It was used for international communications until 1914. However, little evidence remains of it today, except for Broome Courthouse, which is the old Cable Station.
In Broome, explore a restored wooden pearl lugger and listen to tales of ’saltwater cowboys’ at Pearl Luggers. Or tour the Willie Creek Pearl Farm to learn about pearl farming, to see an oyster being ‘seeded’ and to discover how to choose that special pearl.
Catch a movie at Sun Pictures, built in 1916 and thought to be the world’s oldest open-air cinema.
Marvel at the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ – when for three days following the full moon from March to October, reflections of the moon stretch out across shiny mud flats creating the beautiful illusion of a long silver staircase.
Paddle a sea kayak around Turtle Bay to see unusual rock formations while watching out for sea turtles. Cruise the bay on an authentic 104-year-old wooden pearl lugger or hike the 5km Point to Port Walk – one of the best short coastal walks in Australia.
Along the way you’ll see some of the more remote bays and beaches along the Broome Peninsula, including Reddell Beach, a crescent of white sand dotted with red boulders and fringed by grass-covered sand dunes.
More about Broome's sights and attractions …
Unwind in comfort with world-class amenities at a range of resorts on (and within walking distance of) Cable Beach…
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
Location: Cable Beach
Rating: 4.5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD249 per room
Description: The award-winning Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa overlooks the iconic Cable Beach, a 23 km stretch of white sand. The property features a poolside bar, 4 restaurants, a day spa and a mini golf course. Leisurely afternoons can be spent at the adults-only Ocean Pool or you can enjoy a treatment at the world-class Chahoya Spa by LÓccitane. Younger guests can visit the playground or the children's pool and waterpark. Boasting private verandas, the spacious air-conditioned rooms feature Asian or colonial-style décor, a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. All rooms offer a comfortable arm chair, an in-room safe and a minibar. All rooms include free parking. Club Restaurant offers a selection of fine wines, while Rambutan serves classic Malaysian cuisine and offers lovely views over the pool area. The resort's interior displays a collection of Australian art, including works of Sir Sidney Nolan. At the rear of the property you will find the Blue Body Buddha Sanctuary, an ornamental garden ideal for relaxation and meditation. A short 10-minute drive from Broome Airport, Cable Beach Club Resort boasts commanding views of the coastline.
The Pearle of Cable Beach
Location: 14 Millington Road, Broome
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD135 per room
Description: Just a 10-minute walk from the white sands of Cable Beach, the Pearle of Cable Beach Resort offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The luxury rooms and villas are set amongst landscaped grounds. Inspired by the exotic pavilion homes of South-East Asia, The Pearle offers spacious rooms featuring its own private swimming pool and a designer kitchen. The Pearle Café overlooks the 25 metre heated/cooled infinity-edge swimming pool. Other facilities include an early/late check-out lounge, guest laundry, resort shop and day spa. The tour desk can assist with all your scooter, car hire and tour booking requirements. Wireless internet access is available. The Pearle of Cable Beach is a 10-minute drive from Broome Airport and Broome city centre. Gantheaume Point is a 10-minute drive away.
Kimberley Sands Resort and Spa
Location: Murray St, Broome
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD114 per room
Description: This 5-star resort offers a variety of day spa options, free onsite parking and spacious luxurious accommodation, just 500 metres from Cable Beach. Each room offers a private balcony and a pillow menu. The on-site day spa features individual treatment rooms, Li’Tya Day Spa Dreaming products, 1 Vichy shower treatment rooms, a juice bar, sauna and a hair salon. Kimberley Sands Resort's tour desk can arrange for customized tours upon request – from private viewings at the Paspaley Pearl's showroom to individual tours of Broome's beaches, galleries and Chinatown. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is a 12-minute drive away. Kimberley Sands Resort is 5 km from Broome International Airport and 6 km from the heart of Chinatown.
Anytime, but the dry season from May to November is probably the best time to holiday in Broome and Australia’s North West region, as you can expect sunny skies and an average high temperature of 30ºC (86°F).
June and July are the ‘coolest’ months averaging 29°C (84°F).
For more climate info: Cable Beach Weather Guide…
Named after the telegraph cable that was laid between Broome and Java in 1889, Cable Beach is just a 10-minute drive (or bus ride) from the centre of Broome.
Broome is located on the northern coast of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, around 2240km (1392 mi) north of Perth and 1871km (1162mi) southwest of Darwin.
The most convenient route to Broome is by air to Broome International Airport (BME) located less than 2km (1.2mi) west of Broome city centre.
From most international destinations this may require first flying into Perth Airport (PER), followed by a connecting flight to Broome International Airport (BME).
More information on how to get to Broome…
The best way to get around Broome is on foot or bicycle. Hire cars and scooters are also available. Most hostels will rent out bicycles and scooters.
Numerous cycle paths and off-road tracks in and around Broome make hiring a bike the perfect way to getting around.
Broome Cycles (www.broomecycles.com.au) hire out mountain bikes by the day (AU$30) or week (AU$100) from their outlet in Chinatown, and from a trailer at Cable Beach Road & Sanctuary Drive during the dry season.
Broome Cycles also hire tandem bicycles for a bit of fun and road bikes for the keen road rider. Fat bikes are perfect for cruising soft sand – the tyre width makes beach riding easy.
Hire cars are available to reach those attractions that are further afield and cars are easily available from several international companies, including Hertz, Europcar and Budget.
Local operator Broome Broome (www.broomebroome.com.au) offers unlimited kilometres and alternative insurance conditions to those of the nationwide companies.
The Town Bus Service (www.bebus.com.au) provides a loop of all the major attractions, including Chinatown and Cable Beach, every 30 minutes during the Dry and every hour during the Wet. Under 16s ride free with an adult or pay AU$2 without.
Reliable taxi services in town include Broome Taxis, Chinatown Taxis or Pearl Town Taxis.
Latest update: Cable Beach, Broome honeymoon: 5 May, 2022
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