Guide to Cable Beach

Why visit Cable Beach?

Cable Beach is a great place to visit at any time of day. Early mornings are peaceful, with walkers and joggers making the most of the cooler temperatures. By late morning, the calm waters attract swimmers and families, while the afternoon is perfect for relaxing on the sand or taking a stroll along the shoreline. As evening approaches, the beach transforms once again as visitors gather to watch one of Australia's best sunsets. And while the sunsets have made Cable Beach famous, they are only part of the experience. 

Cable Beach stretches for 22 kilometres, so there's plenty of space to find your own quiet spot, even during the busy dry season. Gentle waves, warm water and expansive views across the Indian Ocean make it an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring Broome and the Kimberley.

Its location also makes Cable Beach particularly appealing for campervan travellers. Within minutes, you can move between the beach, Broome's restaurants and cafés, local attractions, supermarkets, and holiday parks, making it easy to combine sightseeing with the practicalities of life on the road.

What to do at Cable Beach

Whether you're planning to spend an hour or an entire day here, there's no shortage of ways to experience Cable Beach.

• Watch the famous sunset: This is undoubtedly Cable Beach's signature experience. As the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, the sky comes alive with shades of orange, pink and purple, creating one of Australia's most photographed coastal scenes.

• Take a camel ride along the beach: The iconic camel trains that walk along the shoreline at sunset have become synonymous with Broome. It's a memorable way to experience the beach and one of the region's most recognisable attractions.

• Go for a swim: During the appropriate season and when conditions are safe, the calm waters provide a refreshing place to cool off. Always swim between the flags when lifeguards are on patrol and check current safety advice before entering the water.

• Walk the length of the beach: With 22 kilometres of coastline, Cable Beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Depending on the tide, you can walk for kilometres while enjoying uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean.

• Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the ocean: Several cafés, restaurants and resorts sit close to the beach, making it easy to combine spectacular views with a meal or coffee.

• Experience Staircase to the Moon: If your visit coincides with this natural phenomenon, you'll see the full moon reflected across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a staircase reaching towards the sky.

How to get to Cable Beach

Cable Beach is located around 7 km west of Broome's town centre, making it an easy 10-minute drive by campervan. Well-signposted roads lead directly to the beach, and there are several public car parks providing convenient access to the sand.

If you're collecting your campervan from the Britz Broome branch, Cable Beach is one of the easiest first stops on your road trip. Its proximity to town also makes it an excellent place to settle into holiday mode before heading further into the Kimberley or continuing along one of Western Australia's iconic road trip routes.

Best time to visit Cable Beach

The best time to visit Cable Beach is during Broome's dry season, which generally runs from May to October. During these months, visitors can expect warm, sunny days, low humidity and very little rain, creating ideal conditions for swimming, beach walks and watching the famous sunsets. This is also the busiest time of year, with Broome attracting travellers from across Australia and overseas.

If you're planning a campervan holiday through the Kimberley, the dry season also brings more reliable road conditions and improved access to many of the region's major attractions. It is the ideal time to combine Cable Beach with destinations such as Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Purnululu National Park and the Gibb River Road.

The shoulder months can also be rewarding if you prefer fewer crowds. Temperatures begin to rise, but the beach is often quieter and accommodation may be easier to secure. During the wet season, from around November to April, high humidity, tropical storms and marine stingers can affect beach conditions, so it is important to check local advice before swimming.

What is the weather like at Cable Beach?

Cable Beach enjoys a tropical climate, with distinct dry and wet seasons that create very different experiences throughout the year.

During the dry season, daytime temperatures generally sit in the high 20s to low 30s, with cooler evenings and very little rainfall. The combination of warm sunshine, clear skies and gentle sea breezes makes this the most popular time to visit.

The wet season brings hotter temperatures, higher humidity and the possibility of heavy rain and thunderstorms. While spectacular cloud formations and dramatic sunsets can still occur, swimming conditions may change, and marine stingers are more common. Travellers should always check current beach conditions before entering the water.

Large tidal movements are another feature of Cable Beach throughout the year. At low tide, vast expanses of firm sand are exposed, dramatically changing the appearance of the beach and creating excellent opportunities for long walks and photography. Before exploring, it is worth checking local tide times, particularly if you plan to visit nearby Gantheaume Point to see the dinosaur footprints.

What else can you do near Cable Beach?

Cable Beach is only one part of what makes Broome such a rewarding destination. Spending two or three days here gives you time to experience the area's natural beauty, history and unique culture.

• Visit Gantheaume Point: Famous for its striking red cliffs, turquoise water and ancient dinosaur footprints revealed at very low tide, this is one of Broome's most photographed locations.

• Explore Broome's historic town centre: Wander through Chinatown, browse local galleries, visit cafés and discover the pearling history that helped shape modern Broome.

• Discover Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park: See some of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles and learn more about the Kimberley's remarkable wildlife.

• Visit the Broome Historical Museum: Learn about Broome's pearling industry, multicultural heritage and fascinating wartime history.

• Take a scenic flight: Experience the Kimberley from above with flights over Horizontal Falls, the Buccaneer Archipelago or the striking coastline surrounding Broome.

• Join a whale watching cruise: Between July and September, humpback whales migrate along the Kimberley coast, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Campervan tips for visiting Cable Beach

Cable Beach is one of Western Australia's most campervan-friendly coastal destinations. Staying in Broome for a few nights gives you time to enjoy the beach at different times of day while also exploring the wider Kimberley region.

• Visit at sunrise and sunset: The atmosphere changes dramatically throughout the day, and both times offer fantastic photography opportunities.

• Check tide times before visiting: Large tidal variations affect beach access, walking conditions and when the dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point are visible.

• Swim only when conditions are safe: Always follow local safety advice, swim between the flags when lifeguards are present and be aware that marine stingers may be present during warmer months.

• Pack for the sun: Shade is limited along much of Cable Beach, so bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and plenty of sun protection.

• Arrive early for sunset: Sunset is the busiest time of day, particularly during the dry season. Arriving early makes parking easier and gives you time to find the perfect viewing spot.

• Use Broome as your Kimberley base: Stock up on groceries, fuel and supplies before continuing north or east into more remote parts of the Kimberley.

Where to stay near Cable Beach

Broome offers several excellent holiday parks that make convenient bases for exploring Cable Beach and the surrounding region.

• Discovery Parks – Broome is located close to Cable Beach and offers spacious powered sites, modern facilities and a relaxed atmosphere, making it popular with campervan travellers.

• RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park sits within easy reach of the beach and provides powered sites, a swimming pool and excellent facilities for families and couples spending several days in Broome.

• Broome Caravan Park offers another convenient option with easy access to both Cable Beach and Broome's town centre. It is a practical base if you're planning day trips around the Kimberley before continuing your road trip.

Road trips that pass include Cable Beach

• Perth to Darwin Road Trip 

• Broome to Darwin 4WD Road Trip 

• Gibb River Road Adventure

• West Kimberley Crossing 

• Ardi Cultural Drive 

FAQs

Can you swim at Cable Beach?

Yes, Cable Beach is a popular swimming beach when conditions are suitable. Always swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty, follow local safety advice and check for any warnings relating to marine stingers or changing conditions before entering the water.

How long should you spend at Cable Beach?

Many visitors spend at least half a day at Cable Beach, but staying two or three days in Broome gives you time to enjoy the beach at sunrise and sunset while exploring nearby attractions such as Gantheaume Point, Chinatown and the Broome Historical Museum.

Is Cable Beach suitable for families?

Yes. The wide sandy beach, gentle waves during suitable conditions and nearby cafés, restaurants and holiday parks make Cable Beach a popular destination for families. As with any beach, children should always be supervised around the water.

Can you drive on Cable Beach?

Vehicle access is permitted in designated areas and under suitable conditions, but it is important to understand local regulations, check tide times and drive responsibly. Always follow local signage and avoid driving on the beach if conditions are unsafe.

Are dogs allowed on Cable Beach?

Some areas of Cable Beach allow dogs under local council regulations, while other sections have restrictions. Check current signage and local rules before bringing your pet.

Is Cable Beach worth visiting on a campervan holiday?

Absolutely. Its easy access, nearby holiday parks, stunning sunsets and location within Broome make Cable Beach one of the Kimberley's must-visit destinations. It also works perfectly as the starting point for road trips through the Dampier Peninsula, Gibb River Road and wider Kimberley region.