Dog-Friendly Broome: Visiting Broome with a Dog

Despite its isolation, Broome is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Western Australia. With the stunning Cable Beach and beautiful natural scenery, is it any wonder that this tropical town attracts tourists by the caravan-load every winter. But what if you have a pet? Find out what it’s like to visit Broome with a dog, and the options available to you.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Broome

So, once you’ve made it to Broome, what is there to do with your pup? Although it’s a destination perfect for chilling out, consider ticking off these items..

#1 Go Swimming at Cable Beach

While the bays closest to the centre of Broome are mangrove mudflats, across town is the 22km long stretch of white sand known as Cable Beach, due to it being the site of the first undersea telegraph cable linking Australia to the world.

Deservedly famous, it’s a must-visit destination in Broome, whether to swim, laze on the sand or 4WD along much of it. And luckily, dogs are allowed along most of it, although the rules have changed since my visit. The latest restrictions are detailed on the Shire of Broome website, along with a handy map.

Dogs are no longer allowed along the main swimming stretch, in between the vehicle access ramp and the surf club access ramp. Additionally, immediately to the north, between the rocks and a point 2km north, they are now only allowed off-leash between 5am and 8am, as of May 2025. During the rest of the day, they are prohibited.

Dogs are allowed off-leash along Cable Beach north of this area, without any time restrictions. This section of the beach is best accessed by 4WD. Just keep in mind the rules are few along this stretch, which is also a designated nudist beach, and there may be dingos around.

Alternatively, head south of the main swimming area. Dogs are allowed on-leash immediately south from the surf club access ramp, then off-leash after about 450m – there should be a sign at the start of the dog exercise area.

This off-leash dog exercise area extends south to Gantheaume Point and the edge of the vehicle access area. Dogs are now required to be on-leash within the the vehicle access area at the far end of the beach. Dogs also need to be on-leash in the horse exercise area between 7am and 10am.

Keep in mind that it can get hot on the sand, even during the winter months, so consider setting up an umbrella to provide shade for your pup. Don’t forget a water bowl, such as a collapsible bowl. Cable Beach can also be closed if crocodiles are spotted in the vicinity, as happened briefly in June 2024 – check the signs.

#2 Watch the Sunset at Cable Beach

Cable Beach isn’t just the place to go for a swim in Broome, it’s also the place to soak up a tropical sunset, with the sun slowly sinking into the Indian Ocean that stretches before you.

If you’ve got a 4WD, this is the most popular time to head to the sand, accessed from the northern end of the Cable Beach carpark. Once you found a spot, it’s time to set up your chairs and watch the sunset with a beer in hand.

Unfortunately, since the prohibition of dogs on this stretch of the beach outside of 5am and 8am, it’s no longer possible to watch the sunset here with your pup at your feet. Presumably it’s still possible to keep your dog in your vehicle with the windows open. Or else head further north.

If you don’t have a 4WD, I recommend setting up a picnic blanket on the grassed reserve next to the carpark, overlooking the beach. Or head to the section of beach south of the surf club, where dogs are allowed on-leash or off-leash all day long.

Sunset is also the time of the most popular camel rides on Cable Beach. These famous rides have taken place on Cable Beach for decades and are a sight to behold, even if you don’t take part. 

The camels walk along the beach north of the rocks, where 4WDs are also allowed. Just be careful to keep your dog well away, particularly if your dog shows an inclination to bark at the camels. A new rule requires that dogs are always kept on-leash around camels.

#3 Check Out the Other Beaches

I must admit that when we visited Broome we spent much of our time at Cable Beach. However, this was before restrictions were put into place limiting access by dogs to the famous beach. With the introduction of these restrictions, consider visiting some of the other beaches around Broome, that generally don’t have any restrictions.

At the southern end of Gantheaume Point, head to Reddell Beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash. The beach is edged by low red cliffs, contrasting with the sand.

Town Beach is the closest beach to the town centre. While it doesn’t have the white sands of Cable Beach, dogs are allowed off-leash along the small strip of beach, plus on-leash in the reserve behind and on the jetty. Town Beach Reserve is a relaxing spot thanks to the large mature trees providing welcome shade, and is also home to a huge playground and splash park for kids. 

Dogs are also allowed off-leash along Simpsons Beach, in between Town Beach and the port jetty. There isn’t road access to most of the length of this long beach – the easiest access point is near the port.

#4 Look for Dinosaur Footprints

The history of Broome dates back to prehistoric times, with some of the best dinosaur footprints in Australia found around Broome. One of the most popular spots to visit them is Gantheaume Point, at the southern end of Cable Beach, where off-leash dogs are permitted.

The Point can be reached by road, which is surprisingly unsealed for the last 600 metres (at least when we visited in 2021). Take it easy if you’re in a 2WD, as it can be bumpy, or park at the Turf Club instead. Then follow the walking track over to the rocks.

The dinosaur footprints are only visible at low tide, or very low tide, and visitors are actually discouraged from locating them, with no directions provided. We think we spotted some of them, but aren’t sure. It’s easier to check out the plaster cast of three prints, located at the end of the walking path. 

In any case, Gantheaume Point is a beautiful spot, with the red rocks starkly contrasting against the turquoise blue water, and worth a visit. 

#5 Chill Out at Matso’s Brewery

Matso’s Brewery is a Broome institution, established over 20 years ago in the historic Matso’s Store. They’re most famous for their Mango Beer and alcoholic Ginger Beer, although they’re not the only beers they typically have on tap.

Beer isn’t the only thing on the menu, with the onsite restaurant offering up casual yet chic dining for lunch and dinner. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you in the beer garden area, but not on the verandah immediately surrounding the restaurant.

At the time of our visit, the other advantage of sitting in the beer garden, in addition to the lovely relaxed seating, was there was a Japanese food truck set up in the garden. In addition to being able to order from the main restaurant menu, we could grab the simple takeaway-style dishes from the food truck. This is probably only a dry season event.

#6 View the Staircase to the Moon

Another Broome institution is watching the Staircase to the Moon. This natural phenomenon  occurs at Roeback Bay, around each full moon period between March and October, as long as the full moon rising coincides with a low tide. Check online for the expected dates for the coming year. 

One of the best dog-friendly spots to watch the Staircase from is from Town Beach Reserve. Just be prepared for crowds and keep your dog on a leash.

#7 Visit the Local Markets

It’s not a true visit to Broome without visiting at leash one of the markets held regularly in town.

The larger markets of the two are the Courthouse Markets. These markets are held every Saturday morning, from 8am to 1pm, year-round. (Although they wrap up early at midday from September to March.) Additionally, between April and October, they’re also held on Sunday mornings.

The bustling markets have a huge number of art and jewellery, local products and hot food stalls. On the morning of my visit, the drink stalls had very long queues! Afterwards, relax on the grass with a drink or lunch, while listening to live music. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

During the months from June to October, the Town Beach Markets are also held every Thursday evening. These smaller markets focus more on food, with a variety of food trucks set up, although there are also stalls with jewellery, clothing and homewares.

A special edition of the Town Beach Markets are held during the Staircase to the Moon event. One night of the full moon the Staircase Markets are held at the Town Beach Reserve. Browse the stalls and find something to feast upon on the grassy lawns while awaiting the spectacle.

#8 Explore the History of Broome

Broome has a fascinating history, ranging from the early pearling days through to the bombings that occurred during WWII. One of the most fun ways to explore the history is by taking a Broome Tramway Tour.

Friendly dogs are welcome to join on the tours. Their one-hour long Town & History Tours depart from both Cable Beach and Town, exploring the history of the town. Previously, there were also shorter 20-minute Snapshot Tours than ran during school holidays.

Another place to visit to explore the history of Broome is the Broome Historical Museum. This volunteer-run museum is open daily in two of Broome’s oldest buildings. There’s a variety of exhibits and activities for kids, with well-behaved dogs on a leash welcome to accompany you.

#9 Wander Through Chinatown

The historic heart of Broome is known as Chinatown, although it doesn’t have that much of a Chinese touch to it these days. Instead, it’s the location of many of the pearl outlets and shopping boutiques, as well as cafes, tour shops and more.

Go for a wander through the streets of Chinatown with your pup, keeping an eye out for the many signs explaining the history of Broome. Keep an eye out for Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest operating picture gardens. 

It’s also worthwhile detouring to Streeter’s Jetty, a jetty constructed in the late 19th century through the mangroves to allow access for the merchants and pearl dealers. Further along the waterfront climb up to the Roeback Bay Lookout, for beautiful views over the mangroves and bay. 

#10 Go Camping North of Broome

Staying in Broome isn’t the only option available to experience this region. If you want the Broome experience but without the crowds of Broome, head to the many camping spots located north of town.

Some of the potential campgrounds include Willie Creek, Nuwirrar (Barred Creek) and Kardilakan (Quandong Point). Access to each of these is 4WD only, and be prepared for no facilities, but campsites are generally free. Dogs are allowed at each of these locations, but double check in case rules change. 

Further north again is the Dampier Peninsula. Previously only accessible to 4WDs, the 200km road to the tip is now almost entirely sealed, although many access roads to communities and campgrounds are still only suitable for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only.

The local visitors centre previously advised that dogs shouldn’t be taken to the Dampier Peninsula, and many locations still prohibit dogs, but there are more campgrounds allowing dogs. Banana Well Getaway permits pets, while Gumbanan Wilderness Retreat allows small to medium dogs in their campground. At both campgrounds, keep your dog on a leash.

Dog Sitting Options in Broome

On my visit to Broome, we didn’t make use of any dog sitting services. However, there are options available, such as if you want to visit the Dampier Peninsula. For starters, there’s the Broome Pet Motel, located at 29 McDaniel Road near the point, which has quite reasonable rates. Call (08) 9193 5384 to find out details.

The Broome Veterinary Hospital also offers boarding, whether just for the day or longer periods. Their current rate is $35 per calendar day (or $26 for cats). They recommend booking well in advance during holiday periods. 

One more option is Broome Dog Sitting on Facebook, with Amy looking after pets in her own home and plenty of five-star reviews. Just be warned she usually books out well in advance and temporarily closed to new bookings in June 2025.

Dog-Friendly Walks in Broome

One of the best dog-friendly walks available around Broome is along the white sands of Cable Beach. Although dogs are restricted from parts of the beach, either head north of the rocks for off-leash walks before 8am or else head south of the surf club.

Another option is to head to the part of Minyirr Park located in the sandhills behind Cable Beach, and experience one of the multiple walking trails. Close to the Gantheaume Point Road, there’s an access point for the Lurujarri, Nagula and Minyirr Walks.

Or head to Cable Beach Road West, opposite the RAC caravan park, for the short Wanbiny Trail. This short concrete pathway leads to the dunes behind Cable Beach and can be combined with a beach walk. Dogs are permitted on leash on the trail.

Keep in mind the temperatures in Broome, with the best option to head out on a walk either early or late in the day. 

Dog-Friendly Parks in Broome

Previously, Broome was not home to any official off-leash dog parks. However, with the introduction of further restrictions for dogs on Cable Beach, the one upside is that the Shire of Broome has finally officially declared many of the parks to be off-leash.

Dogs are allowed off-leash in a large number of parks scattered around town, including Cygnet Park, Durack Park, Hin Park, Kapang Park, Manggala Park, Maritana Park, Sugar Glider Park, Sibosado Park, Solway Park, Sunset Park, Tanami Park, Tolentino Park and Tomarito Park. They are also allowed off-leash at Brac Ovals and Haynes Ovals when they are not in use for sports or events.

Dog-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Broome

There’s quite a few dog-friendly cafes and restaurants located around Broome, where you can enjoy the warm tropical climate while feasting on some delicious local food.

For starters, as mentioned above Matso’s Brewery has a restaurant onsite, open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves up dishes ranging from local fish to eye fillet, plus a list of share plates. Each of the markets in Broome also offers an array of food trucks.

Another frequently recommended dog-friendly cafe is The Good Cartel, located not far from the main Chinatown strip. Reputedly serving the best coffee in Broome, they also offer breakfast sandwiches and burgers. 

The recently opened Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach is also dog-friendly in part of its spacious outdoor area – try and find a shady spot. Serving up meals as well as drinks, the venue is open daily for lunch and dinner. Check online for details of their latest specials.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Broome

Over the years the accommodation options in Broome have become increasingly dog-friendly, at least when it comes to caravan parks. Not that long ago, none of the caravan parks in town permitted pets to stay, but now the majority are pet-friendly. 

Each of Broome Caravan Park, Discovery Parks – Broome, RAC Cable Beach Park and Tarangau Caravan park accept pets on selected sites. It’s best to call up and book, including checking for any extra restrictions, with advance bookings a must over the winter months. 

Even better, Discovery Parks – Broome now allows pets in a wide range of cabins at its park. It seems to be all cabins, but call up to double check. An extra $50 cleaning fee applies for bookings with pets. The park is conveniently located in between the off-leash Town and Simpsons Beaches.

If you arrive during the peak season without a booking, both of the current overflow sites, at the Pistol Club and the Seventh Day Adventist site, also allow pets. We queued first thing at the morning at the Pistol Club.

Outside of Broome, about 20 minutes back along the highway, Broome’s Gateway Pet Friendly Caravan Park naturally allows pets. Originally the only pet-friendly option near Broome, the park has a fenced off-leash exercise area area for dogs, but no powered sites.

Keeping Your Dog Safe Around Broome

It’s important that your dog’s safety is paramount when visiting this isolated region. For starters, Broome is in the Kimberley, one of the regions worst affected by the current outbreak of Ehrlichiosis. This tick-borne disease is spread by the brown dog tick and can be fatal if left untreated.

It’s vital that you use a tick prevention treatment for your dog. In addition to continuing to give our dog his monthly Nexguard chew (which doesn’t kill ticks quickly enough to prevent Ehrlichiosis), we also used a Seresto collar (available both for puppies and small dogs and medium and large dogs). For more information, see the WA government website.

At the other end of the size spectrum, estuarine (or salt-water) crocodiles are also a risk around Broome. While they’re a rare visitor to the main stretch of Cable Beach, which is closed if there are any sightings, you need to consider the risk in less populated spots. Dogs can be a target of crocs, so keep your pup well away from the water, unless you have no doubt there are none around. 

There have also been some recent reports of dogs being attacked by dingos or wild dogs along the northern stretches of Cable Beach. Be cautious in remote areas and don’t allow your dogs to wander alone – keep them close by.

Finally, even if you are visiting Broome in the winter months, it’s well into the tropics, and can still experience quite hot weather, particularly in the afternoons. Make sure your dog has access to shade and water, and never leave them alone in a hot car. 

Head Next To

• Dog-Friendly Kununurra
• Dog-Friendly Karratha
• Dog-Friendly Exmouth