The Surf Window

Broome

Western Australia, Australia

Beach breakBeginner

In the Kimberley region of WA's far northwest, Broome is a pearling town of extraordinary character where Cable Beach stretches 22km and occasional cyclone swells create rideable surf in the most unlikely tropical outback setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–NW 1–2m at 10–14s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide only (check tidal range carefully)

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Small peaks along the long beach

Length

30–70m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Inconsistent surf with an extreme tidal range requires experience reading conditions

Hazards

  • •Extreme tidal range (up to 10m), high tide completely covers Cable Beach
  • •Saltwater crocodiles in creek and river systems near the beach
  • •Box jellyfish (Irukandji) in summer months, potentially lethal

Local Tips

  • •The tidal range is the key, only surf around mid tide when the beach is exposed and waves are breaking
  • •Cable Beach sunsets are world-famous, the camel rides at sunset are a Broome institution
  • •Gantheaume Point at the south end of Cable Beach has dinosaur footprints visible at low tide

Location

Map showing the location of Broome in Western Australia, Australia

-17.9629, 122.2321