Coconut Wells is a natural attraction located just a short drive from the coastal town of Broome in Australia’s remote North West region. It is one of those special spots in Broome that transforms dramatically with the tides.
At low tide, hidden rockpools are revealed, whereas at high tide a vast turquoise lagoon seemingly fills up out of nowhere. Read on for all you need to know about visiting Coconut Wells in Broome, and get my insider tips to make the most of your visit.
Getting to Coconut Wells
There are two different areas at Coconut Wells – the lagoon and the rockpools. It is a 25-minute drive from Broome on sealed roads to reach the lagoon, 2WD car suitable.
From the lagoon parking area, it is another 5-minute drive on a sandy 4WD track to reach the rock pools on the beach. A 4WD is required, or you can walk about 15 minutes from the car park.
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Directions From Broome
Head out of Broome on Broome Rd until you reach the Cape Leveque Rd turn-off. Take the first left onto McGuigan Rd. Follow this road until it turns into Lawrence Rd. Travel on Lawrence Road for a few hundred metres.
Your final destination is another left turn onto Denham Road. You will find Coconut Wells Lagoon at the end of Denham Rd, where a sandy gravel parking loop awaits.
You are now overlooking the Coconut Wells Lagoon.
Tip: If you put Coconut Wells into Google Maps, the route should align with the above directions.
Do not navigate to Coconut Well Road, as this will not take you to Coconut Wells lagoon or rock pools.
To your right is a sandy narrow track that you can take in a 4×4 to reach the beach and the Coconut Wells rock pools. If you have a 2WD, park here and follow this sandy track on foot towards the beach (check out my map below).
On foot, expect to take around 15-20 minutes from the parking area.
Coconut Wells Broome Map
Lagoon
During spring tides (nothing to do with the season spring), the higher-than-usual tides cause the ocean to surge through a gap in the dunes along Cable Beach and fill up the lagoon.
Locals flock to Coconut Wells on the weekend of a spring tide to do “the float.”
This unique event involves walking along the beach before high tide to where the lagoon meets the ocean. You’ll see them armed with floaties, eskies and even speakers in hand.
As the lagoon begins to fill up, you hop onto your floatie and float your way down the lagoon back to near the parking lot.
I did my first float in 2021 and can confirm, it is an absolute RIPPER of a day.
When you visit Coconut Wells Lagoon Broome at low tide, it doesn’t appear to be anything out of the ordinary other than a big patch of (slightly damp) sand!
Rock Pools
The rock pools at Coconut Wells are unlike any other rockpools in Broome.
They consist of hundreds of small pools filled with aquamarine ocean water as the tide retreats. The rocks are very sharp, so I recommend wearing shoes or reef booties as you explore the rock pools.
Be careful when exploring, as some marine life might call the rock pool home. Luckily there are so many rock pools, you’ll be bound to find one big enough to cool off in that is free of any other marine inhabitants.
Just remember to tide your visit as the tide is approaching its lowest point!
Final Thoughts
Whether it is high tide or low tide, Coconut Wells is a unique and interesting spot to explore.
While it was once a spot mostly frequented by locals, thanks to social media it has become a spot for many to visit while exploring Broome. Luckily, you’ll find there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy this natural wonder.
Summary FAQ
How far is it from Broome to Coconut Wells?
Coconut Wells is a 25-minute drive from Broome.
When is the best time to visit Coconut Wells?
To see the rock pools, visit at low tide. To see the lagoon filled with water, time it for high tide (9m+).
How to check the Coconut Wells tide?
I use Willy Weather to check the tide forecast. Remember to visit the rock pools as the tide is approaching low tide, and high tides of 9+ metres are required for the lagoon to fill.
Do you need a 4WD to visit Coconut Wells?
No, you can drive to the lagoon with a 2WD car. To reach the rockpools, a 4WD is required or you can walk from the lagoon.
What is the nearest Coconut Wells accommodation?
I recommend staying in Broome and driving to Coconut Wells. There is a local B&B with two glamping eco tents a 5-minute walk from the lagoon, called Coconutz B&B
Found this guide useful? Check out my other Broome Guides
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