Gantheaume Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Gantheaume Point is an exposed beach and point break at the southern end of Cable Beach in Broome. The coastline is visually dramatic, with deep red cliffs and reef/rock platforms that can hold prehistoric dinosaur footprints during extremely low tides. As a surf spot, it’s described as highly exposed, and its wave quality is described as average and dependent on timing and swell size. Multiple sources describe the break orientation differently (left-hand beach/point break versus a right-hand point break), but both agree that it is a point/reef environment where tidal coverage is crucial. Surfing is generally restricted when the rocks are exposed, with a specific warning to avoid surfing at low tide. Conditions are described as needing big swells, often associated with cyclones, and a higher tide is typically required to cover the rocky reef and connect sections. Wind is typically associated with south-easterly flow providing offshore conditions for surfers. One source also provides wind reliability as fair and mentions turbulence near the cliffs, so on-site assessment is important—especially as the rock environment and currents can change quickly. The seasonal wind/surf rhythm is tied to Broome’s tropical pattern, and cyclone conditions are specifically noted as a key time for surf. Safety risk at Gantheaume Point is emphasized: sharp rocks/rock flats, strong tidal currents with a very large local tidal range (up to about 10 meters), and marine hazards including saltwater crocodiles and stingers (Irukandji and box jellyfish). Local guidance highlights that dinosaur tracks are only visible at very low tides, so visitors should plan around the Broome tidal guide and avoid damaging the reef when accessing the rock flats.
- Iconic dinosaur footprints visible at very low tide
- Exposed point/reef surfing that needs the right tide and big cyclone swells
- South-easterly winds described as offshore for surfers
- Strongly offshore wind conditions are described with south-easterly winds
- Iconic scenery and prehistoric dinosaur footprint attraction at very low tide
- Works best for surfing on larger cyclone-driven swells and with appropriate tide
- Surf is highly inconsistent and requires rare, large swells
- Extreme tidal range dramatically changes access and current; low tide exposes rocks
- Rock hazards are significant (sharp rocks/rock flats, reef coverage changes with tide)
- Stinger season risk for Irukandji and box jellyfish (November to May)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Wind can be turbulent close to the cliffs
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Conflicting descriptions exist: one source says sand composition; another describes rocks at the landing/point.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Rocky launch directly from the point (or paddling from the southern end of Cable Beach is mentioned by one source). Another source describes gravel road access around the perimeter and a beach strip about 300m long at the base of the bluffs.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — One source rates launch difficulty as easy; another source states launch difficulty is difficult due to the rocky point environment.
Through the year
Usually quiet for surfing due to inconsistency; the area is a major tourist attraction for sightseers during sunset.
Cyclone season (wet season; November to April)
By sport
What to expect for each.
The point itself is rarely used for kiting due to rocks and cliffs; the adjacent cable beach area is described as popular for kiting when conditions align.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Very limited suitability due to shallow rocks and extreme tidal movements.
- Foil Friendly
- No
Exposed beach and point break with left-hand beach break and left-hand point break described by one source; another source describes a right-hand point break that requires a large swell and mid-to-high tide to cover rocky reef.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, N
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — Mid-to-high tide is needed to cover rocks; low tide is restricted due to exposed rocks.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- South-easterly winds provide clean offshore conditions
- Bigger Swell
- Handles larger cyclone swells better than other spots in the region (and is generally described as needing big swells, usually from cyclones).
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer a long peeling right-hander when the swell is large enough to connect sections.
- Ride Length Details
- When the swell is large enough to connect the sections, it can produce a longer peeling ride.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Gantheaume Point in the full forecast view.
Gantheaume Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–14 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- W274°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2614 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.0 m5s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Gantheaume Point is forecast for daytime winds of 6–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.6–1.0 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- sharp rocks
- rocks and rock flats
- large tidal range (water movement can be exceptionally fast)
- powerful tidal currents and rips near the point
- saltwater crocodiles
- Irukandji (stingers)
- box jellyfish
- environmental significance of the dinosaur tracks (avoid damaging the reef)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no.
- Emergency Info
- Broome Hospital is approximately 7km away.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism level reported as none for the surfing use at the point.
Rules of the spot
Check tidal charts carefully; Gantheaume Point only becomes rideable/accessible under the right tide because of exposed rocks. Be especially cautious around the dinosaur tracks to avoid damaging the reef.
- No surfing at low tide due to exposed rocks
- Dinosaur footprints are visible only at very low tide; the three sets of prints appear under very low tide (under 1m for all three sets).
- Only surf when conditions are right for the big swells and higher tide—do not surf at low tide because rocks are exposed.
- Summer is stinger season; during the stinger season wear appropriate protection (full-length stinger suit recommended from November to May).
- Check the Broome tide charts carefully; the tide swing (up to ~10 meters locally) changes access and current dramatically.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Broome
- Nearest Town
- Broome
- Parking
- Ample parking at the end of Gantheaume Point Road near the lighthouse; also described as gravel-road perimeter parking.
- Access
- Accessible by sealed road from Broome town center; parking available at the end of Gantheaume Point Road near the lighthouse. A gravel road runs around the perimeter of the point; access to Beach K18 is on the north side at the base of the red bluffs.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various resorts and caravan parks in Broome and near Cable Beach.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the point; food and drink available at Cable Beach and in Broome town.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are described as available in Broome town and at Cable Beach (via local shops).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A major scenic landmark featuring well-known prehistoric dinosaur footprints that become visible during extremely low tides.
Prehistoric dinosaur tracks preserved in the reef; visible only at very low tide (under 1m for all three sets).
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Gantheaume Point?
The best overall months at Gantheaume Point are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Gantheaume Point?
Gantheaume Point works with SE winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Gantheaume Point?
Recommended equipment sizes at Gantheaume Point: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Gantheaume Point suitable for?
Gantheaume Point suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate.