# Cable Beach Broome | Camel Rides, Swimming, 4WD & Sunset Guide
Canonical: https://bookfromowner.com.au/guides/wa/north-west/broome/cable-beach/
Type: AttractionGuide
Location: Broome, Australia's North West, Western Australia
Last updated: 2026-06-01

> The complete guide to Cable Beach Broome — camel rides at sunset, the best swimming section, 4WD access north of the rocks, surfing and SUP, the honest stinger and croc warnings, and how to time your visit.

## Quick Answer
- Best for: Sunsets, camel rides, swimming, 4WD beach driving
- Price range: Free (camel rides from ~$50)
- Vibe: Iconic, expansive, golden-hour magic
- Distance: 6km from Broome town centre

## Featured Properties
- Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa: 4.5/5 (968 reviews)
  Book direct: https://www.cablebeachclub.com/
  Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa — Broome
- Broome Caravan Park: 4.2/5 (589 reviews)
  Book direct: https://summerstar.com.au/caravan-parks/broome?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp-website
  Broome Caravan Park — Broome
- Beaches of Broome: 4.4/5 (293 reviews)
  Book direct: http://www.beachesofbroome.com.au/
  Beaches of Broome — Broome

## FAQ
Q: Is Cable Beach safe to swim at?
A: During the dry season (approximately May to October), yes — the flagged section south of the rock groyne is patrolled by lifeguards and is the designated safe swimming area. Always swim between the flags when they are up. In the wet season (November to April), box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) are present in near-shore waters and swimming without a full-body stinger suit is a significant risk — the flags come down and swimming is not recommended. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit nearby waterways year-round; never swim near creek mouths, drainage channels or at night on any part of Cable Beach.

Q: How do I book a camel ride at Cable Beach?
A: The main operators are Red Sun Camels and Broome Camel Safaris, both of which offer evening (sunset) and morning rides. Both have websites and can be booked directly. In peak dry season (June to September, especially July and August) evening rides sell out days ahead — book as far in advance as possible. Morning rides are generally quieter and easier to book at shorter notice. Prices start from approximately $50 per person; confirm current pricing when booking.

Q: Can I drive on Cable Beach?
A: Yes, on the northern section beyond the rock groyne, with a valid 4WD beach driving permit from the Shire of Broome. Access is tide-dependent — the entry point from Gubinge Road becomes impassable at high tide — so check tide times before driving on. You need a 4WD vehicle, a valid permit, deflated tyres (to roughly 18–20 PSI), and a recovery kit. The 4WD section is popular for fishing, camping and private sunset spots. Do not attempt it in a 2WD vehicle or without the permit.

Q: When is the best time to visit Cable Beach?
A: The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit. Expect warm sunny days (25–35°C), light afternoon trade winds, no significant rain, safe swimming conditions in the flagged section, and fully operating camel rides and tours. June through August is peak season — the weather is at its most reliable but accommodation and activities are at peak prices. April and November are shoulder months with fewer crowds and lower prices, though the stinger risk begins in October. The wet season (November to April) brings extreme heat, humidity, storms and box jellyfish — not the ideal Cable Beach experience.

Q: Is Cable Beach good for families?
A: Cable Beach is excellent for families in the dry season. The flagged swimming section is gentle, patrolled and family-friendly. Camel rides welcome children from approximately age three (check with operators). The rock pools at the groyne at low tide are a genuine highlight for children. The beach is flat and wide, with facilities at the main car park including showers and toilets. The main safety considerations for families are the stinger season (avoid swimming outside flags in the wet season) and the extreme UV — bring high-SPF sunscreen, hats and shade regardless of season.

Q: Are there stingers or crocodiles at Cable Beach?
A: Yes to both, at different times and locations. Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) are present in near-shore Broome waters from approximately October through April, making swimming outside the flagged section risky during this period. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit Broome's coastal waterways, including creek systems that drain onto Cable Beach and nearby Roebuck Bay. The rule is straightforward: swim in the flagged section in daylight during the dry season, never swim near creek mouths or mangrove edges, and never swim at night on Cable Beach.

## At a Glance
- Beach length: 22 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand
- Orientation: Faces due west — built for Indian Ocean sunsets
- Swimming section: South of the rocks, flagged in the dry season; check conditions
- 4WD section: North of the rocks — valid vehicle permit required, tide-dependent access
- Stinger risk: Box jellyfish Oct–Apr (wet season) — swim south of the rocks and check local advice
- Croc risk: Saltwater crocodiles — do NOT enter creek mouths, mangroves or swim at night
- Camel rides: Evening and morning options — book ahead in peak dry season (Jun–Sep)
- Surf: Consistent beach-break swell; SUP and longboarding popular

## Featured
- 1. Sunset camel ride — The iconic Broome experience — worth every dollar
  - Why people love it: It's one of the very few "iconic" experiences in Australian tourism that actually matches the photograph — the camels, the light, the Indian Ocean all show up at once.
  - Don't miss: Riding at the waterline as the sky turns orange and crimson over the Indian Ocean — book the evening ride and arrive 15 minutes early to watch the camels being saddled.
  - Good to know: Evening rides book out in peak season — reserve at least a week ahead in July and August. Those uneasy at heights or with mobility concerns should ask operators about mounting assistance before booking.
- 2. Flagged swimming section (south of the rocks) — The safest place to swim — flagged, patrolled in dry season
  - Why people love it: In the dry season, on a calm morning, the flagged section is as beautiful a sheltered swim as any beach in Australia — turquoise water, white sand, and the Indian Ocean to yourself.
  - Don't miss: A morning swim in calm, clear, turquoise water in the flagged section during the dry season — arrive before 9am to have the beach to yourself.
  - Good to know: Box jellyfish are present Oct–Apr (wet season) — swimming during this period without a full-body stinger suit is risky. Saltwater crocodiles: never swim near creek mouths, mangroves or at night.
- 3. 4WD north section — Remote, wide, wild — for the properly prepared
  - Why people love it: It's the same extraordinary Cable Beach sunset with a fraction of the crowd — your own patch of the Indian Ocean for the afternoon.
  - Don't miss: Driving far enough north to have the beach to yourself, setting up at the waterline, and watching the sunset with the whole Indian Ocean to yourself.
  - Good to know: Tide-dependent access — check the tide chart before driving onto the beach. No 4WD permit, no beach drive. Carry a recovery kit; deflate tyres before going on sand. Do NOT swim near the creek drainage at the northern end.
- 4. Sunset drinks at Cable Beach Club and Zanders — The civilised sunset — cocktail in hand, feet in the sand
  - Why people love it: Watching the Cable Beach camel trains from a bar stool with a cold drink in hand as the sky turns orange — it's the same sunset, considerably more comfortable.
  - Don't miss: A cocktail on the pool terrace as the camel trains pass at waterline — book a table at Zanders for the evening and stay for dinner.
  - Good to know: Busy and pricey during peak dry season — book ahead for dinner; walk-ups are harder to accommodate at sunset time in July and August.
- 5. Surfing and stand-up paddleboarding — Consistent beach break — relaxed, uncrowded, warm water
  - Why people love it: Warm-water beach-break surfing and flat-water SUP on one of Australia's most beautiful beaches, with almost no one else in the water — the underrated active option at Cable Beach.
  - Don't miss: An early morning SUP paddle north along the waterline before the trade wind fills in — flat, warm, and you'll likely have the water to yourself.
  - Good to know: The trade wind picks up most afternoons, making SUP harder after mid-morning. The surf is genuinely fun but not powerful — experienced shortboarders may find it underwhelming on smaller days.
- 6. Low-tide rock pools at the groyne — Free, easy, excellent for kids — only at low tide
  - Why people love it: The Kimberley's massive tidal range turns the groyne into a free, living rock pool at low tide — the kind of thing children remember from a holiday for years.
  - Don't miss: Arriving at low tide to find the groyne platform exposed, with sea stars and marine life in every pool — time it right and it's the best free hour at Cable Beach.
  - Good to know: Only works at low to mid tide; the Kimberley tidal cycle is fast and the range is extreme — check tide times before going, wear shoes on the rocks, and don't let children wander towards the open ocean side.
- 7. Sunset on the sand — the free version — No camels, no booking, no cost — just the best sunset in Australia
  - Why people love it: The free version of the Cable Beach sunset is still one of the most extraordinary things you can see in Australia — the light here is simply the best west-facing light in the country.
  - Don't miss: Standing at the waterline as the sky transitions from deep blue to crimson — arrive 20 minutes before sunset and stay until the last colour fades from the water.
  - Good to know: The south end of the beach fills up on peak dry-season evenings — if you want space and quiet, walk 20 minutes north along the waterline before the sun gets low.

## What travellers say
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