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Broome is often referred to as "The Gateway of the Kimberley" however, many amazing natural attractions can be found within the Broome peninsula, without having to travel further afield.
Surrounded by water on 3 sides, Broome experiences some of the largest tidal movements in the world. On the western side of Broome lies 22 kilometres of pristine white sand - the famous Cable Beach, named for the cable that previously ran from Broome to Java. Cable Beach is a popular spot to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean - not a sight to be missed.
Through the Cable Beach sand dunes is Minyirr Park. Minyirr Park offers three colour coded self guided walking trails, the Lurujarri Heritage Dreaming Trail being the longest with “Lurujarri” meaning dune system is marked on the map as purple. Minyirr Park, meaning Birthplace, is coloured Pindan, and Nagular, to the ocean, is marked Blue. Be sure you have proper walking shoes if you go on the longer walks and always take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
At the far southern end of Cable Beach is a rocky outcrop, known as Gantheaume Point. This pindan cliff is home to the original Dinosaur footprints, some 120 million years old. The dinsoaur footprints can only be viewed at tides lower than 2.16m, so ask the Broome Visitor Centre for tide times. As the reef area is very fragile, care must be taken when exploring this area. For the benefit of visitors, a plaster cast of the tracks has been embedded at the top of the cliff. From the replica of the footprints, you can make your way to Anastasia’s Pool, a small pool carved in the rock for a former lighthouse keeper’s arthritic wife.
On the southern side of the peninsula is Redell Beach, a stretch of secluded beach known for it's pindan cliffs, hidden caves and tidal rock pools. Access to Redell Beach is by 4WD only. Following the coastline further round, you will come to the Broome Port of Pearls - a deepwater port and popular fishing spot for the locals.
The eastern coastline of Broome is predominately covered by Mangroves, except for Town Beach, a small protected beach near the Broome Township. Roughly a kilometre off the shore of Town Beach the Catalina Boat Wrecks can be found. These are the original wrecks that were bombed by the Japanese Navy Aircraft 3rd March 1942, and can only be seen on very low tides - talk to the Broome Visitor Centre for more information. Town Beach is also a popular viewing platform for the Staircase to the Moon - a phenomenon which occurs three times a month between March and October. The visual effect is caused by the full moon reflecting off the exposed mud flats of Roebuck Bay.
Crab Creek has excellent birding throughout the year Broome is famous for its spectacular bird life, with over 310 species recorded in the region. The Roebuck Bay shoreline at Crab Creek has vibrant rock formations which mix with the tropical water to produce some fantastic photographic opportunities.The Broome Bird Observatory is a fantastic observation area for the avid birder.
For more information on these and more adventures, please speak to the local staff at the Broome Visitor Centre by calling 1800 883 777 or emailing enquiries@broomevisitorcentre.com.au
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