Broome Tides

The Kimberley Coast has the biggest tides in the southern hemisphere. The difference between high and low tides is up to around 10 metres. Take time to study our tide charts to make the most of your stay. Low tides offer the best chance to see dinosaur footprints, the flying boat wrecks and the staircase to the moon while knowing when the tide is high can save you getting your car stranded on the beach!

Tide Information

Please find below links to the latest tide information from the Bureau of Meteorology.

All data is copyright: Commonwealth of Australia / Bureau of Meteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau's liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

Special dates and Tides - Staircase to the Moon, Dinosaur Footprints and Flying Boat Wreck dates...

Special dates and Tides - Staircase to the Moon, Dinosaur Footprints and Flying Boat Wreck dates...

We have also created a special dates document that is marked up with all of the Staircase to the Moon dates, dates that the Gantheaume Point Dinosaur Footprints are visible (on tides less then 2.16m) and the Catalina Flying Boat Wrecks (visible on tides less than 0.86m).

Please always check the sunrise/sunset times for optimal viewing and your own safety. Sunlight hours are very important for footprints / boat wrecks and our tides change quickly. The walks to footprints or boat wrecks may be dangerous or strenuous.

This product is based on Bureau of Meteorology information that has subsequently been modified. The Bureau does not necessarily support or endorse, or have any connection with, the product. In respect of that part of the information which is sourced from the Bureau, and to the maximum extent permitted by law: (i) The Bureau makes no representation and gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights; and (ii) the Bureau's liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

Catalina "Flying Boat" Wrecks

Catalina "Flying Boat" Wrecks

Roebuck Bay contains a sunken armada of World War II flying boat wrecks that are fully visible at tides less than 0.86m. No other place in the world has such a collection of rare and historically significant flying boats. The mud has done a very good job of preserving the aircraft.

At extremely low tides, the plane wrecks are visible to those who wish to walk the kilometre across the Roebuck Bay mud flats from Town Beach.

Submerged by sea, but visible on very low tides, these wrecks are heritage protected and respected by the local community, due to them being 'war graves' of the over 100 lives lost when war came to Broome.

Broome and the pearling industry were impacted by both World Wars. During World War I pearling trade lapsed and hundreds of tonnes of shell were left in warehouses and were ruined. The industry continued after the war, though it never fully regained its earlier momentum.

In February 1942 Allied personnel were ordered to evacuate Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) as an attack by the Japanese was imminent. During February and March over 8000 refugees passed through Broome en route to Perth and Sydney using whatever aircraft was available.

On the 3rd of March 1942, nine Japanese Mitsubishi Zero fighters left Koepang, in Timor, and made a daring air bombardment of Broome. They destroyed fifteen flying boats on Roebuck Bay and six aircraft at the Broome airfield. It is estimated over 100 people died during the attack. Heroic rescues by locals and aircrew saved many lives. The attack left no useable aircraft in Broome.

Read more at the Broome Historical Museum website.



Broome's Unique Dinosaur Footprints

Broome's Unique Dinosaur Footprints

Dinosaur footprints dating back over 120 million years can be seen around the Broome area at certain low tides. Enormous Brontosaurus-type seropod and other theropod dinosaur prints, including Stegosaurus, were laid about 130 million years ago.

The prints are scattered around Roebuck Bay and along the coast, some can be reached by foot from at Gantheaume Point when tides are below 2.16m, be aware that the rocks are slippery. Other prints are best reached by on tour with Broome Adventure Cruises and walking tours with the team from Broome Dinosaur Experience.

The replica footprints can be found embedded in the rocks near the walkway at Gantheaume Point (no climbing required).

Footprints can be seen at low tide around Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point and Reddell Beach. The Dinosaur Coast Management Group (DCMG) is a not-for-profit organisation, formed in 2015 to protect and promote the dinosaur tracks of the Dampier Peninsula and to educate the public about their cultural and scientific importance. For more information visit the Dinosaur Coast Management Group website.


Low tide


Uncover some very old and perfectly preserved dinosaur tracks in rock on the beach or marvel at the brightly coloured inhabitants that bask amongst the Mangrove trees lining the coast. You will be amazed by the history that hides on our ocean floor. Join a shallow boat tour featuring the dinosaur footprints with Broome Adventure Cruises. Book your Broome dinosaur footprint shallow boat tours online.

Kimberley Tides

Kimberley Tides

Twice a day a 10 metre tidal wave crashes into the Kimberley Coast in ferocious fashion, made particularly spectacular as it bottle necks in the channels of the islands giving rise to terrifying standing waves, enormous whirlpools and majestic waterfall reefs.

Sunrise and Sunset times


View sunrise and sunset times for Broome here or use the widget below.

Current weather forecast



2024 Neap Tides and Slow Water dates

for Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures


Season opening has been delayed to 20th April 2024.

Note: All dates/availability are subject to change and local conditions may impact availability.

Please call the Broome Visitor Centre 08 9195 2200 if you wish to book on a SLOW WATER date.

BOOK YOUR HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE ADVENTURES ONLINE HERE

Beach Safety at Cable Beach


Lifeguards will be back to Cable Beach on Good Friday, March 29, 2024.

The Shire of Broome provides a beach lifeguard service in partnership with West Coast Water Safety and the Broome Surf Life Saving Club with daily patrols of Cable Beach during the dry season.

Broome Shire Beach Patrol

In the interests of public safety and enjoyment, the Shire of Broome provides a beach lifeguard service in partnership with West Coast Water Safety and the Broome Surf Life Saving Club.

During the dry season there are daily patrols of the swimming area on Cable Beach marked by red and yellow flags in front of the Broome Surf Life Saving Club.

Lifeguards provide a first aid and rescue service to the public on Cable Beach and can answer questions relating to beach safety, jellyfish and tides.

During the dry season, Lifeguards can be contacted on 0447 668 300.

During the wet season, Broome's beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards. For assistance or information, contact Shire of Broome Rangers on 9191 3456.

In case of an emergency, contact 000.

For information regarding Town Beach Jetty - click here