Good Times @ Gantheaume Point - Broome, Western Australia

High Tide at Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia

 

 

Is high tide the best time to see the amazing rich red soil, and the coloured layers of the rocks against the astonishing blue sea at Broome's Gantheaume Point?



Pindan at Gantheaume Point, Broome, WA

Well … maybe! Broome's iconic point, at the northern end of the 22km white sand curve of world famous Cable Beach, is a stunning scenic masterpiece during the strong light of day.

 

Osprey with fish

Osprey on rocks

The lighthouse, set on the rocks above the point, marks a spectacular and ever-changing vista as ospreys feed their young on the nest in the lighthouse framework, tourists conduct impromptu photoshoots and fishermen try their luck from the rocks below.



Broome, in Western Australia's north-west, is a rare combination of outback and coastal landscapes, where the Kimberley meets the coast in a startling shock of colour from the dramatic contrast of red soil and rock of Pindan country with clay-coloured ocean so blue it looks like it's sucked all the colour from the sky.

Gantheaume Point Lighthouse looking towards Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia

But with Broome having one of the largest tidal movements in the southern hemisphere, Gantheaume Point's low tide view is an intriguing alternative.



Dinosaur Footprints, Gantheaume Point

Coral, Gantheaume Point

At tides lower than 2.16 metres, climb down to explore the rocky – and slippery – platform that emerges below the lighthouse.

 

Amongst the live coral, seaweed and rock pools, look for the dinosaur footprints that show where Megalosauropus Broomensis and others once roamed.

Viewing the point from below gives an entirely different perspective to the views from the vantage points above – and is therefore a photo opportunity not to be missed!

Gantheaume Point from rock platform at low tide, Broome, Western Australia

Just down the harbour road and around the corner on the point's southern side is yet another perspective, with rock formations stretching all the way down the coast. The 'Bingle-Bingles' are a miniature – and far more easily accessible – alternative to Western Australia's 'other' main attraction, the magnificent 'Bungle Bungles'!

'Bingle Bingles' Rock Formations, Gantheaume Point, Broome

And at sunset the landscape changes all over again.

Sunset at Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia

As do the visitors. A pair of grey nomads, clutching their 'happy hour' drinks while attempting to negotiate the steep, slippery rocks moan about the 'crowds' while reminiscing about an long ago – and therefore 'better' – time when they were the only visitors. A clutch of French backpackers fish for supper from the rocks. And a forest of tripods with enough expensive camera gear to sink the Titanic appears as the sun sinks into the sea.

Sunset at Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia

So when IS the best time to visit Gantheaume Point?

Too hard!

You'll just have to decide that for yourself!

 

Want more information?

• Gantheaume Point
• Broome
• Western Australia

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