Cooling off in a natural rock pool is one of my favourite things to do in Broome. I’ve spent countless hours looking for rock pools in Broome!
These spots used to be a well kept secret but have now been shared frequently on Instagram… So now I’m sharing all you need to know about where to find incredible Broome rock pools for yourself.
A word of caution: Take care when visiting these spots – a high level of mobility and caution is required when visiting. Please be sensible and don’t risk it just for a photo.
Gantheaume Point Rock Pools
Gantheaume Point is THE spot to find rock pools in Broome. As I’ve highlighted before, you’ll know that the tides significantly impact the landscape in Broome.
Make sure you check the tides before visiting otherwise these rock pools won’t be full. Generally, you will need at least an 8 metre tide.
There are three rock pools that I’ve found at Gantheaume Point.
Anastasia’s Pool, Broome
Anastasias Pool at Gantheaume Point was a natural rock pool modified by the former lighthouse keeper to make it easy for his wife, Anastasia, to access. The story is that Anastasia suffered from arthritis and found the ocean water smoothed her joints.
In 2014, wild weather severely damaged the pool. The surrounding walls and concrete bottom were damaged such that the Shire of Broome decided not to repair the pool.
The former site of the pool is broken in half so it is hard to recognise. In the surrounding area you will still find some smaller pools (as pictured).
Location: Head down the path at Gantheaume Point until you reach the end of the path and head to the right.
Plunge Pool
Nearby Anastasia’s Pool is a deep circular plunge pool. When visiting on an 8.5 metre tide, this pool was only half filled. Close to a 9+ metre tide is required for it to completely fill up.
This pool is open to the tide at the bottom and fills from the bottom. I only put my feet in it, as the strong tide movements in and out could drag you out.
Location: Head about only 50 metres down the path from the car park and then turn right until you reach the water’s edge.
The Best Gantheaume Point Rock Pool
Saving the best for last – this is my favourite rock pool at Gantheaume Point.
It is also the hardest to find and requires a bit of climbing down the rocks. Each time I visit here there seems to be more and more people visiting, thanks to its features on social media.
Tides of over 8 metres are required for the pool to fill. Usually it is quite calm, but a strong tide or very high tides can cause waves to come in and overfill the pool. Again, a reminder to use caution when visiting these spots.
Location: Head all the way down the path to the Point and turn left. You will need to walk left for a few hundred metres. Check along the rocks closest to the coast line to see if you can spot the rock pool below you. It is then a bit of a climb down the rocks to reach the pool.
Coconut Wells Rock Pools
Coconut Well, Broome is located north of Cable Beach. It is about a 25 minute drive from Broome.
Here’s a short summary about Coconut Wells. I have a detailed guide here, which includes a map if you need it.
Coconut Wells Directions: To get to Coconut Wells from Broome, take Broome Rd and turn off onto Cape Leveque Rd. Take the first road turning off on your left and follow it along to reach Denham Rd. This is where Coconut Wells lagoon is.
This small beachside community is known as Goolarabooloo Millibinyarri to the local indigenous peoples.
The landscape of Coconut Wells transforms with the tides. At high tides, the entire lagoon fills up with ocean water. A popular activity at Coconut Wells during spring tides is the “float,” where people take their floaties and let the tide float them along a natural lagoon as it fills with water at high tide.
At low tide, the ocean retreats to reveal a rocky landscape with hundreds of little rock pools to be found.
For direct beach access, a 4WD is required. Make sure you time your visit here with low tide otherwise this area might be under water. The rocks are quite sharp, so wear shoes or tread very carefully. The many little rock pools have all kinds of marine life in them.
To see the rock pools on the beach, you need to time the tide. The best tide for Coconut Wells rock pools is low tide, or on the approach to low tide.
Location: Follow the directions above to reach Coconut Wells lagoon. To access the rock pools, take the 4WD only sandy path along to the beach at low tide. You could also walk out to the beach if you don’t have a 4WD, it will take about 20 minutes or so.
Other Rock Pools around Broome
For the more adventurous, head up the Dampier Peninsular to Cape Leveque for some more rock pool hunting.
An iconic one is the rock pool in the base of the towering cliffs at Pender Bay Escape (2.5 hours north of Broome, 4WD required).
Also found on the Dampier Pensinula are the rock pools at Manari at Coulomb Point.
That wraps up my guide on the best rock pools Broome has to offer!
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Your blog is looking so good babe!
Hi Tess,
Thanks a lot for your wondeful blog.
May I know what time is the best to visit these pools?
My partner and I went to Gantheaume today from 12pm to 4pm but the tide was not high enough. Do you suggest going early in the morning?
Thanks, and I hope to hear from you Tess.
Best regards,
Hoang
Hi Hoang. Check the tide times before you go (I use the free app Willy Weather), you need at least 8m for the main rockpool. And even higher for the smaller plunge pool one closer to the car park. Good luck!
Stunning and so helpful! How did you find the last one in Pender Bay? xx