Broome, the remote pearling town in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, sits at an interesting location where the red sand meets the Indian Ocean. It’s the place where the ocean swallows the sun every evening, in the most beautiful way possible. And, of course, mankind has this weird fascination for sunsets (and sunrises), which is why Broome has been drawing people here for years.
It first attracted people with its pearls and now, with sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange, purple and gold. If you are visiting this coastal town for the first time, then the Broome sunsets should definitely be on your ‘must-experience’ list. But with so many incredible vantage points across town, choosing where to go can be confusing. So here are the top five places to catch the famous Broome sunset…
Broome Sunset Cruises
Is the first one in a listicle always the best amongst the rest? No! But is the first one in this listicle the best one? Mate, 100%! Broome sunset cruises are, without question, the best way to watch the sun go down here. From the decks of a luxury boat, with no buildings, car parks, or people between you and the horizon, the Kimberley sky presents itself on a golden platter!
These Broome sunset cruises usually depart from Gantheaume Point or Cable Beach in the late afternoon, and run for 3–6 hours, depending on the cruise. And if you are really lucky, you might have sightings of Snubfin Dolphins, one of Australia’s rarest species. And yes, on most cruises, tasty food accompanies you.
Cable Beach
Then there is the most famous sunset spot in Broome: Cable Beach, with its divine white sand stretching for kilometres on end, directly facing the Indian Ocean. So let’s just give it to Cable Beach… because it absolutely earned the reputation. To get there, head down the Cable Beach Road West, which is just 10 minutes from the town centre.
It would be nice if you arrive an hour before sunset and walk north up the beach, away from the main cluster…so you can take in the Cable Beach sunset without any disturbance. And if you have done some research on sunsets in Broome, you definitely might have come across the Sunset Camel Rides. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like—watching sunset atop a camel! It might cost $90+ per person, and might sound touristy. But it’s definitely worth it!
Roebuck Bay
Roebuck Bay is on the eastern side of the peninsula, so technically you cannot see the sun go into the water, but don’t let that put you down! Because, once the sun drops behind the town, the eastern sky over the bay is vibrant with vivid pinks, purples and oranges. These colours reflect off the turquoise water and red pindan soil, creating a serene, glowing landscape that many photographers find more dramatic than a direct sunset. Ya, who thought Broome would redefine sunset for you?
Town Beach is the easiest access point, where you can take in this beauty. It is also the best place to witness the ‘Staircase to the Moon’. This natural phenomenon happens on specific evenings between March and October when the full moon rises over the exposed tidal mudflats, creating the optical illusion of steps climbing toward the sky.
Gantheaume Point
Just a 9 km drive from town, Gantheaume Point is where you find the red pindan cliffs dropping down into the Indian Ocean. You can park your vehicle at the main car park near the lighthouse.
For the best Gantheaume Point sunset angle, walk around the cliff and find your own spot! It’s that easy. And keep your eyes on the base of the cliffs because that is where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints are preserved in the rock. It is an entirely free experience and an underrated gem compared to Cable Beach.
Entrance Point
This often-ignored and not-so-crowded place is located near the port, about 10 minutes from Broome town. It is popular with locals for fishing. So, it’s an authentic local spot as well! Tourists skip it completely, which is exactly why it is a calm and peaceful alternative to popular sunset spots.
From atop the rugged rock formations (twisted by years of tide and wind) you can catch the fading light in a peaceful way!
So, Broome is famous for many things: the pearls, the beaches, Staircase to the Moon and so on… But the sunsets hold a very special place. Whether you are on a catamaran with a glass of wine or standing barefoot on a deserted red-sand beach, the Kimberley sky will make sure you remember it.
