Cable Beach: Beach, Dunes and Walmanyjun

Beach and Dunes

Cable Beach stretches for 22 km and is characterised by white sand and clear tropical water. At Cable Beach, the dunes rise about 12 m above the beach and offer vantage points for watching the sunset. These measurements describe different aspects: 22 km refers to the length of the beach, while about 12 m is the height of the dunes above it. The long coastline and elevated views offer distinct impressions. When considering Cable Beach as a destination, you can appreciate the beach and dunes as separate highlights rather than reducing the area to a single activity.

Yawuru Name and Naming History

Among the Yawuru, the Traditional Owners, Cable Beach is traditionally known as Walmanyjun. The name Cable Beach comes from the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889. The traditional Yawuru name and the history of the cable connection offer different cultural and historical perspectives on the area.

Minyirr Park and Activities

Minyirr Park borders Cable Beach. Along the beach, known as Walmanyjun, it protects threatened monsoon rainforest and dune systems. Many Broome residents use the park for leisurely walks or to get to the beach. Camel rides and water sports are among the activities at Cable Beach. The adjoining park is a place for conservation and walks, while camel rides and water sports are beach-related activities.

Paths and Tour Planning

The Cable Beach Foreshore Access Path is a 280 m shared path connecting Millington Road with the Foreshore Amphitheatre at Cable Beach. Unlike the panoramic outlook from the dunes, the focus here is on connecting two named points. Construction or maintenance work may affect access; check local notices before your visit.

The Cable Beach Muwarrt tour includes the announcement of the location of the Cable Beach Dinosaur Track. The track is tide-dependent and visible when the water level is below 3.0 m. The tour meeting point is near the Surf Life Saving Club, at the entrance to the Minyirr Park Trail, by the “Welcome to Minyirr Park, Yawuru Conservation Estate” sign. The meeting point and the tidal condition answer different planning questions: the meeting point tells you where the tour group gathers, while the track’s visibility depends on the water level. If seeing the Dinosaur Track is important to you, factor this visibility condition into your plans.

Events

Cable Beach is also an iconic venue for the Broome International Airport Cable Beach Marathon and the Shinju Matsuri Long Table Dinner. These two events add another way to experience the area, complementing its landscape, culture and activities. If either event is important to your travel plans, check the relevant event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Pinjarra, Lancelin, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Hazelmere, Manjimup, Chapman Hill, Clackline

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.