Cable Beach

Cable Beach, at Broome in Western Australia's Kimberley region, is a 22 kilometre-long stretch of pure white sand, set against a backdrop of red ochre cliffs and fringed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Ride a camel along the beach at sunrise or sunset. Just a short trip from Broome, immerse yourself in the town's romantic pearling history and multicultural society. Shop for precious South Sea pearls. Marvel at the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon. Learn about one of the oldest cultures on Earth from the local Aboriginal community. From pearl diving to dinosaur footprints, Broome's history is captivating.

Broome's Cable Beach is known around the world for its 22 kilometres of sun-kissed white sand, turquoise water, rich red soil and spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. Cable Beach is a long, flat beach, with gentle rolling waves perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing.

The beach is very much a part of Broome's history, earning its name from the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889, connecting Australia's North West with the world.

At the southern end of Cable Beach is Gantheaume Point where at low tide, you can see 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Gantheaume Point Lighthouse is a wonderful place to watch for dolphins and migrating whales in season.

Sunset over Cable Beach is simply spectacular. One of the most popular activities is riding a camel along the beach. Drive your 4WD on to the sand for a picnic dinner and a spot of fishing. Sip a cocktail at a beachside bar in one of the string of resorts beside the beach.

Minyirr Park is a coastal reserve directly behind the sandhills along Cable Beach which is run by the Shire of Broome and the Rubibi Aboriginal people. Learn about the oldest culture in the world, Australia's native plants and animals, and the bush medicines that are still used today.

Broome lies on sheltered Roebuck Bay, with Cable Beach just six kilometres away. Between March and October you can see the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon caused by the full moon rising over Roebuck Bay at low tides, creating a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon.

In the 1800s Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearl divers arrived seeking their fortune. Today, the town's multicultural society ensures a wonderful array of gourmet cuisines, colourful characters and culture. Broome is known as the pearling capital of Australia and the home of South Sea pearls. See how Broome pearls are cultured on a cruise to a local pearl farm. Immerse yourself in the romantic tales of the original pearl luggers, or pick up a memento of your trip in the pearl showrooms of Broome's Chinatown. Wander into the neighbouring galleries and admire the works of the Kimberley's contemporary and Aboriginal artists.

As spectacular as Cable Beach is, Broome is also the gateway to outback adventures in the stunning Kimberley wilderness so make sure you have time to enjoy the contrasts of this unique location.