Stretching for 22 kilometres (14 miles) along the eastern Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is both a magnificent coastal destination and a suburb of Broome, Western Australia. Named after the historic telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889, this remarkable stretch of coast features striking low red ochre cliffs rising behind a very flat, wide expanse of pale white sand.
The beach environment changes notably with the local seasons. Between May and October, during the dry season, the waters of Cable Beach typically offer mostly gentle waves. However, visitors entering the ocean during the wet season months from November to April must exercise caution, as dangerous box jellyfish (stingers) and Irukandji jellyfish may be present in the water, along with occasional off-shore crocodile sightings.
Cable Beach caters to a diverse range of visitors, from families and outdoor enthusiasts to those seeking unique coastal experiences. You can explore walking trails through the adjacent coastal reserve of Minyirr Park, drive four-wheel drive vehicles north of the rocks at low tide, or take iconic camel rides around sunrise and sunset. A designated clothes-optional section also stretches north toward the mouth of Willie Creek.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Broome, Western Australia |
| Beach Access Road | Access road from the main car park provides entry to the beach and 4WD areas. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Best time to visit & the water
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | May to October | Waves are mostly gentle along the beach during these months. |
| Wet Season / Stinger Season | November to April | Box jellyfish (stingers) and Irukandji jellyfish may be present in the water, requiring caution when swimming. |
Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-12
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish may be present between November and April; warning signs are posted on the beach.
- Occasional crocodile sightings occur off the shore, with preventative measures taken when sighted.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed north of the rocks to navigate the beach at low tide.
- The clothes-optional nudist area lies north of the beach access road and extends 17 km to Willie Creek.
- Dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point are only visible at low tide.