Gantheaume Point: The Red Headland Where Dinosaurs Left Their Signatures
Where ancient tracks meet modern tides — plan your visit around the low tide and golden hour
The air at Gantheaume Point tastes of salt and ochre — a mineral tang that reminds you this place has been weathering since long before humans named it. Early morning light spills across a low, serrated reef; the red rocks glow like ember-streaked clay. A handful of travelers stand quietly at the cliff edge, peering down at shallow tidal pools that hold tiny, glassy fish and the occasional anxious starfish. For most, the reason they’ve come here is written in stone: fossilized dinosaur footprints embedded in the reef platform, only revealed when the ocean draws its breath back at the lowest tides.
Trail Wisdom
Check the tide chart
Dinosaur footprints are visible only at very low tides—plan your visit around the lowest tides of the day and arrive an hour early to find safe access.
Wear reef or grippy shoes
The intertidal platform is rocky and slippery; reef shoes or footwear with good traction reduce slips and protect feet from sharp shell and coral.
Sun protection and water
Broome sun is intense—bring a wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and at least 1–2 liters of water per person for short visits.
Respect the fossils and culture
Avoid walking on clearly marked fossil areas and follow signage; this is Yawuru country and features of cultural significance should be treated with care.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early morning tidepool scramble at the base of the point for small reef life
- •Sunset vantage just west of the main lookout for unobstructed color and quieter crowds
Wildlife
Humpback whales (in season), Green sea turtles and small reef fish in tidepools
Conservation Note
The dinosaur prints and reef are fragile—stick to marked paths, avoid removing shell or rock, and support local Indigenous-led tours that promote cultural and environmental stewardship.
Gantheaume Point is on Yawuru country; Broome’s pearling boom shaped the town’s multicultural fabric in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Low-crowd exploration, Tidepool life, Warm, stable days
Challenges: Increasing temperatures, Higher chance of afternoon storms late season
Spring offers pleasant temperatures and active tidepools—good for shallow reef exploration, though days start to warm and occasional storms can roll in.
summer
Best for: Warm swimming, Long daylight hours, Night sky viewing
Challenges: Very hot temperatures, Wet season storms and higher humidity
Summer is hot and humid; reef access is possible but the wet season can bring sudden storms—plan morning trips and avoid midday heat.
fall
Best for: Quieter beaches, Good light for photography, Milder days
Challenges: Residual heat from summer, Tides remain key for footprint viewing
Autumn cools gradually and provides excellent light; tide timing still governs the experience, but days are more comfortable than midsummer.
winter
Best for: Dinosaur footprints visibility, Whale watching offshore, Comfortable outdoor conditions
Challenges: Cooler nights, Higher visitor numbers in peak months
Winter (June–August) is ideal: cooler, dry weather with the best conditions for low tide viewing and whale migration sightings off the headland.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef shoes or sturdy water sandalsEssential
Protects feet on slippery rock and sharp shells when exploring the intertidal platform.
Wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreenEssential
Essential for sun protection in Broome's strong tropical sun.
Water bottle (1–2 L)Essential
Keeps you hydrated during coastal walks and while waiting for low tide.
Camera with polarizing filter
Helps cut glare on wet rock and enhances the saturated colors of the cliffs at golden hour.
Common Questions
When can I see the dinosaur footprints?
The footprints are exposed only at very low tides, typically around the lowest tide of the month; consult local tide tables and plan to arrive at least an hour before the low to find safe access.
Is there parking at Gantheaume Point?
Yes—there is a small car park near the viewing area; it can fill on peak days and during sunset, so arrive early or plan for a short walk from roadside parking.
Can I walk on the footprints?
No—many prints are fragile. Follow signage and guidance from local rangers or guides; climbing on fossil surfaces can cause irreversible damage.
Are there guided tours that interpret the prints?
Yes—local Broome guides and some tour operators offer interpretive walks that explain the paleontology and Yawuru cultural connections; these can greatly enhance your visit.
Is Gantheaume Point good for snorkeling?
Snorkeling is possible in calm conditions away from the exposed reef; check local conditions and tide—high tide often offers safer water access for snorkeling.
Can I see whales from the headland?
Yes—humpback whales migrate along the coast during winter (roughly July–October), and they are often visible offshore from the headland on clear days.
What to Pack
Reef shoes for safe footing, wide-brim hat and sunscreen for sun protection, 1–2L water to stay hydrated, a camera with polarizer to capture wet-rock colors and tidepool details
Did You Know
The dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point date to the Early Cretaceous, roughly 130 million years ago, and are preserved in the coastal limestone platform.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Check local tide tables before you go; 2) Visit at low tide and either early morning or late afternoon for best light; 3) Respect all signage and avoid climbing on fossil areas; 4) Combine your trip with a Broome pearling or Indigenous cultural tour for context.
Local Flavor
Broome is a pearling town with Yawuru roots and rich Asian influences—finish your visit with fresh seafood (try mud crab or barramundi), a stroll down Chinatown for pearling history, and sample local Indigenous art at community galleries.
Logistics Snapshot
Drive 10–15 minutes south of Broome township; small car park and boardwalks; low tide is essential for footprints; set aside 30–120 minutes depending on reef exploration and photography.
Sustainability Note
Do not walk on visible fossilized prints or remove any stones; support Yawuru-guided experiences and local operators who contribute to conservation and cultural preservation.