Broome is a hub for the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Six kilometres outside of town is Gantheaume Point, unlike any other attraction in Australia. The red sandstone cliffs and coastline have a vast collection of dinosaur footprints.
The Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints cover an 80-km area. They are more than 130 million years old and belong to 21 different species of dinosaurs.
They formed during the Cretaceous period when the creatures, including the theropod, sauropod and stegosaurus, walked in coastal marshes near Gantheaume Bay, and pebbles filled their footprints, preserving them.
These prehistoric relics are most visible at the Gantheaume Point rock pools. Though it is possible to find these spots on your own, you should consider taking a dinosaur footprints Broome tour if you want to get right to the best examples of this unique phenomenon.
Photo credit: Gumnuts Outdoor Adventures - @gumnuts_outdoor_adventures
The Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints are located only 6 kilometres outside of Broome. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes from town if you drive along the Gantheaume Point Road to Gantheaume Bay.
In general, the best time to view the extraordinary dinosaur tracks is between April and November, which is the driest and coldest time of year.
Before you head out to the preserved tracks, be sure to check the tide first. When exploring the Broome dinosaur footprint site, you should aim for very low tide.
Information to help you plan the timing is available at Broome's visitor centre.
There are different ways to see the Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints.
The boat and plane tours may also take you to explore other area sites, such as a World War II wreck.
Gantheaume Bay is a one-of-a-kind site, so you will want to bring a camera. The rock formations along the coast make this a very scenic area, so there are more photo opportunities aside from the dinosaur tracks.
Explore the red sandstone cliffs, climb the rocks or just take in the extraordinary blue water of this scenic area.
Unlike stereotypical beaches, the landscape at Gantheaume Point is very rocky. Therefore, you should bring soft-soled shoes, which will help you handle the rock pool terrain and prevent slipping on the rocks.
Photo credit: Made in the Bay WA - @madeinthebaywa
Even if you visit during the cool season, it will be sunny and warm. You will need to protect yourself from the sun with a hat and plenty of sunscreen. You should also bring enough water to stay hydrated during your hike along the coastline.
You can book a tour that will allow you to experience the best Gantheaume Point Broome sites. Here are some options.
Photo credit: Global Travel Stories - @global_travel_stories
If you are looking for the best accommodations to stay at when visiting the Gantheaume Dinosaur Footprints, consider the Broome Caravan Park. It offers powered and unpowered sites, park homes, free Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities. In addition, you can easily access the dinosaur footprint sites, just a short 10-15 minute drive from the park
What are the dinosaur footprints in Gantheaume Point, Broome?
The dinosaur footprints in Gantheaume Point, Broome, are prehistoric relics that date back over 130 million years and belong to 21 different species of dinosaurs. They were formed during the Cretaceous period when the creatures walked in coastal marshes near Gantheaume Bay, and pebbles filled their footprints, preserving them.
How can I visit the dinosaur footprints in Gantheaume Point, Broome?
You can visit the dinosaur footprints in Gantheaume Point, Broome, by driving along the Gantheaume Point Road to Gantheaume Bay, accessing the sites directly in your car or motorhome. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour or cruise, an aerial tour, or a floatplane tour.
What should I bring on a Gantheaume Point Broome trip?
You should bring a camera to capture the one-of-a-kind site, soft-soled shoes to handle the rock pool terrain, plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and enough water to stay hydrated during your hike along the coastline.
Are there any tours available to visit the dinosaur footprints in Gantheaume Point, Broome?
Yes, there are several tours available that allow you to experience the best of the Gantheaume Point Broome sites, such as Prehistoric Tours from Australia's Northwest Tourism, Broome Hovercraft Adventure day tours, and Dinosaur Coast Management Group tours. These tours offer interactive activities, preservation or excavation activities, visits to other area sites, and food and drinks.
