The Ultimate Guide to Gantheaume Point Broome

Situated at the westernmost point of Broome, Gantheaume Point reaches out over the water towards the horizon. It’s a place of striking red rocks fringed by the beach and the stunning blue water of the Indian Ocean as its backdrop.
As well as the gorgeous colours, Gantheaume Point is one of the more famous spots in Broome. Not just for its rock formations, but the collection of preserved prehistoric dinosaur footprints that lie underneath the waves.
We’ve created the ultimate guide to explore Gantheaume Point. It includes how to get there, the best times to visit, and nearby experiences.
How to get to Gantheaume Point
There are plenty of ways to get to Gantheaume Point.
Car
If you’ve got a car or are hiring one during your time here, it’s around a 10-minute drive from the town centre to the Point.
You can book a taxi from one of the town’s taxi companies if you aren’t driving.
Guided tours
There are several guided tours that take you out to Gantheaume Point, with knowledgeable local tour guides who help you learn about the area’s rich history.
Broome Explorer bus
The Broome Explorer bus makes a loop of the key points around town, including Gantheaume Point. But you must be up early, as it’s only featured on the day’s first service.
Kicking off at 7.23 am, the Broome Explorer rides around the city, and you’ll reach the Gantheaume Point stop around 7.57 am.
From there, you’ll have the rest of the day for yourself. You can walk a relaxing 5km trail along the shore up to Cable Beach, then catch one of the many bus services back to town.
Bicycle
Alternatively, there are a few bicycle hire services in Broome where you can rent a bike for your time in town. It’s about a half-hour ride from town to Gantheaume Point – and a dip in the cool Indian Ocean awaits you at the end.
The best times to visit Gantheaume Point
The best time to visit Gantheaume Point depends on what you want to get from your experience there.
Weather
Regarding weather, the most popular time to visit Broome is during the dry season, between April and October.
During this time, the weather cools down, and the rain backs off, providing perfect conditions to enjoy the tropical splendour. However, it also means bigger crowds, so be aware that more people will be there during your visit.
Are you visiting in the off-season? Learn more with our guide to visiting Broome in the wet season.
Tide
To see the world-famous dinosaur footprints, the best time to visit Gantheaume Point during the day is when the tide is at its lowest. The water recedes hundreds of metres, exposing the red rock and mud flats.
There is typically a low tide event early in the morning, then again in the late afternoon. However, the tides vary from month to month and vary significantly with the moon’s phases. So be sure to check the local tide charts for information on safely planning your trip – be sure to see the staircase to the moon whilst you’re visiting Broome!
What to do at Gantheaume Point
Discover the tracks of ancient dinosaurs
Broome is world famous for its extensive fossilised dinosaur tracks, and Gantheaume Point is one of the best spots to experience this stunning look back in time.
Past the interpretive signage, you’ll find a path that leads down to the rocks and the best spots for finding dinosaur footprints. Dating up to 130 million years old, they’re a truly breathtaking experience.
When the tide is low, tracks of up to 20 dinosaurs can be found scattered among the rocks. They range from small bird-like dinosaurs to larger two-legged herbivores like the Iguanodon and Muttaburrasaurus.
You can discover footsteps of the lumbering Stegosaurus, and if you’re lucky, see the massive indent made by a Brachiosaurus, with footprints up to 1.7 metres wide.
Nearby walking and hiking trails
The beach and surrounding cliffs at Gantheaume Point are stunning and well worth the visit, even if you don’t see the dinosaur footprints. The striking red rock undulates down to the water, providing the perfect place to duck in and out and explore.
The walk from Gantheaume Point to Cable Beach is gorgeous, immersing you in the salt and sand that the beach is known for.
Or explore the Minyirr Trail further inland. A bit behind the beach, this 4.7km bush walk takes you from Minyirr Park through the hinterland to Cable Beach. The sandy surface and the day’s heat can challenge it, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Nearby attractions to explore
Cable Beach
Just a few kilometres north of Gantheaume Point, you’ll find the world-famous Cable Beach. Its stunning white sand, perfect waves, and striking blue water have captivated tourists from all over the globe. And with its iconic camel rides, gorgeous sunsets, and serene conditions, it’s easy to see why.
Broome Historical Museum
The Broome Historical Museum lets you discover Broome’s recent history.
Learn about the pearling trade that made the town what it is today and understand the conditions these brave souls and their families faced. Discover the Aboriginal history that laid the foundations in the area and how the pearling trade changed this.
Or read about Broome’s part in the Second World War—and how you can experience this history first-hand.
What to know when visiting Gantheaume Point
Gantheaume Point is an iconic Broome experience, so you must do it right.
- It can get hot out on the rocks, so wear a hat, adequate sun protection, and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the rocks can be sharp. And the car park is some distance from the cliffs and beach, so be ready for a bit of a walk.
- To make the most of your experience, check the tide schedule before you leave to ensure the tide will be at the right place to see what you want.
How to have an unforgettable Broome experience
Gantheaume Point is where you can see Broome’s natural beauty at play. A place to explore, to step back in time, or to relax.
To make the most of your time in Broome, book a room at the Mangrove Hotel. Just 13 minutes from Gantheaume Point, our friendly staff can help you get there and back and advise on what else to do to make your time here memorable.