North of Rocks on Cable Beach: 1-Hour Sunset Camel Ride

At sunset, Cable Beach becomes your front-row seat to the Indian Ocean, and the best way to enjoy it here is from the back of a well-trained camel. Alison Bird, Broome’s longest-serving camel ride operator, begins with a safety talk, explains how to mount and dismount, and chooses a camel for each rider.

I like the personal care in the setup, especially the staff helping you on and off and taking photos with your own camera. I also like the simple finish: you thank your camel with a supplied carrot. The main caution is the 90-kilogram weight limit per person, which the operator takes seriously, so check your group before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Cable Beach at sunset: Ride toward the water’s edge as the sun drops over the Indian Ocean.
• A camel chosen for you: Alison Bird assigns riders to camels based on what each animal can safely carry.
• Photos with your own camera: Staff members take pictures during the ride, while professional photography costs extra.
• A gentle introduction to camels: You receive instructions before mounting and hear about camels in the Australian outback.
• A carrot at the finish: After dismounting, you can feed your camel and give it a proper thank-you.
• A firm booking limit: The ride needs at least six adults to operate and may not run every day in the wet or off-peak season.

Why a Cable Beach camel ride works so well

Broome’s famous beach is already a fine place to watch the sun go down. Add a line of camels moving along the sand, and the evening becomes something you will remember long after the practical details have faded.

The ride lasts one hour, which is enough time to enjoy the setting without turning the outing into a half-day commitment. You get the beach, the sunset, the camels, and some local background, then you are free to continue your evening in Broome.

I especially like that this is not treated as a simple photo stop. The staff explain how to handle the camel, talk about the animals’ role in Australia, and give you a chance to pat and feed your mount. That small amount of contact makes the experience feel more personal than simply sitting on an animal for a quick picture.

The sunset is the star, of course. The camels take you toward the water’s edge, where the turquoise Indian Ocean gives the view a broad, open finish. On clear evenings, the timing can be precise: one rider described reaching the end of the ride just as the sun disappeared.

Finding the camels north of the rocks

You do not get accommodation pickup, so allow time to reach the meeting point. The starting area is north of the rocks on Cable Beach, reached from the main car park near Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa.

From the car park, take the vehicle access ramp down toward the beach. At the bottom, face the water, turn right, and walk through the rocky outcrop. Look for the Blue Camels near the sand dunes.

These directions are useful, but do not rush the approach. The meeting point is on the beach rather than at a conventional shopfront, and the final walk through the rocks is part of getting oriented. Arrive early enough to find the camels without cutting into the safety briefing.

The activity generally runs in the afternoon or evening, with the sunset ride timed around the day’s conditions. Exact sunset timing changes through the year, so your ride may begin in brighter light and finish in fading color, or start closer to dusk.

Alison Bird’s safety talk and camel selection

Once everyone arrives, Alison Bird gives the introduction. She has worked with camels across the Western Australian outback and explains what you need to know before climbing aboard.

You will see how to mount and dismount safely before the ride begins. This matters because the camel’s rise and fall can surprise first-time riders. Several riders described those first moments as wobbly or nerve-racking, but the staff help you through them and stay close while the group gets ready.

Alison then chooses a camel for each person. This is more than a seating arrangement. The operator uses the animal’s size and carrying ability when assigning riders, which helps explain the strict 90-kilogram limit.

Be honest when you book and arrive. The weight rule is not a minor suggestion, and one booking party had to cancel places on the day after the operator determined that some riders did not meet the requirement. That was frustrating for the group, especially after booking well ahead. It is much better to settle this before your holiday plans depend on the ride.

The camels are described as friendly, calm, and well cared for. You can pat your camel while staff take an initial photo with your camera, giving you a little time to meet the animal before the line moves off.

Mounting up and moving toward the ocean

Staff assist each rider onto the camel. Once everyone is ready, the group sets off in a camel train toward the water’s edge.

The ride is not a fast animal adventure. It is a slow walk along the beach, with time to look around, listen to the guides, and settle into the camel’s rolling movement. If you have never ridden a camel, the motion may take a few minutes to feel natural. Keep your hands on the harness as instructed and pay attention during the mounting and dismounting demonstrations.

The group format has a useful social side. You are moving together at the same pace, and the guides can help several riders while keeping the line together. It also means you will not be riding alone or choosing your own route along the beach. If you want a private, flexible ride, this is not that kind of outing.

During the walk, staff share the story of camels in Australia. Camels have a long connection with inland routes and the outback, so this background gives the ride more meaning than a purely scenic circuit. The talk is presented in English, and Alison’s years of experience give the introduction a strong local connection.

The sunset is the main event

The ride’s finest section comes when the camels reach the beach near the water. You have a wide view across the Indian Ocean, with the sun dropping toward the horizon.

This is where the slower pace helps. You are not being hurried from one stop to another. You can watch the color change, look back at the camel line, and enjoy the contrast between the animals, the pale sand, and the open sea.

The staff also take photos during the ride. Hand over your own camera or phone, and they will take pictures of you on the camel and of the wider scene. This is a real value point because camel riding is awkward to photograph from the saddle. You do not need to ask another person in the group to frame the shot, and the staff are happy to take multiple pictures.

Do not confuse this service with a professional photography package. Professional photos are not included, so bring a charged camera or phone if you want your own record. The staff-taken pictures are a thoughtful part of the ride, but the quality will depend on your device and the fading light.

For the best result, carry your phone securely and hand it over only when the guide asks. You will want to keep your attention on the beach and the camel rather than spend the sunset managing equipment.

Dismounting, carrots, and a proper goodbye

Near the end of the hour, the staff remind you how to dismount. This is another point where their help matters. A camel is tall, and getting down safely deserves the same care as getting on.

Once you are back on firm ground, you receive a carrot to feed your camel. It is a small gesture, but it gives the ride a satisfying finish. Instead of simply walking away, you can thank the animal that carried you along the beach.

The feeding moment is also good for a final photograph. You can pat the camel, offer the carrot, and get a close view of the animal before leaving the beach. Families and first-time riders may enjoy this part as much as the ride itself.

Several riders specifically liked the camels’ calm behavior and the staff’s obvious care for them. That matters to me. A camel ride should feel like an introduction to an animal, not a rushed prop for a holiday picture.

What the $89 price gives you

At $89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to watch a Broome sunset. You are paying for the camel, the one-hour beach ride, the safety instruction, the guides, help mounting and dismounting, the carrot, and the setting on Cable Beach.

The value improves if you want several things in one short outing. You get a well-known Broome scene, a guided animal experience, local information, and staff-taken pictures without needing to arrange each part separately. The one-hour length also makes it easier to fit into an evening of dinner or another activity.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want a free beach sunset. Cable Beach offers that without a booking. You should choose this ride because you want the camel experience itself, not simply a place to watch the sun.

The staff’s willingness to take many photos adds practical value. A professional photo package is not included, but you can use your own camera and leave with pictures that show the whole group. That is especially useful for couples and families who otherwise end up with one person missing from every image.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This activity suits first-time camel riders, couples, families, and anyone looking for a classic Broome experience with a clear time limit. You do not need to commit an entire afternoon, and the guides provide help before you mount.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy animals but prefer a calm, structured outing. You hear about camel training and Australian camel history, meet your animal, ride in a group, and finish by feeding it.

You should think twice if you dislike heights, feel uneasy around animals, or do not want the movement of a camel. The first few seconds as the camel stands can feel unsteady, even though the staff are there to assist you.

The 90-kilogram limit is the most important suitability rule. Every person must meet it, and the operator may check this before or on the day of the activity. If you are booking for a group, confirm the requirement early rather than risking a last-minute cancellation.

The ride also needs at least six adult passengers to operate. In the wet or off-peak season, it may not run every day, so advance booking is sensible if your Broome dates are fixed.

Practical details to keep in mind

Bring water. Broome can be warm, and the ride takes place outdoors on the beach.

Wear clothing that allows you to sit comfortably for an hour. The information provided does not specify a dress code, but you should be ready for sand, sun, and an open beach setting. Keep valuables secure while mounting and riding.

English is the tour language. Alison Bird leads the safety introduction, and staff members guide the camel train and help with photos. Lucy and Hayley were also singled out by name for their friendly work on one recent ride, while the wider team is repeatedly described as polite and attentive.

No accommodation pickup is included. Plan your own way to the main Cable Beach car park and allow extra time for the walk to the camels north of the rocks.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. That gives you some flexibility, but it does not remove the need to check the weather, your group’s weight eligibility, and the minimum passenger requirement before the final day.

My call: book it if the camel matters

I would book this ride if I wanted one memorable Broome evening and the idea of watching the sunset from a camel genuinely appealed to me. The setting is special, the staff provide hands-on help, and the carrot at the end gives the experience a warm, human finish.

I would skip it if I only wanted a sunset view or if the 90-kilogram rule creates uncertainty for anyone in the group. In that case, Cable Beach itself gives you the view without the added cost or restrictions.

For the right person, $89 is fair value for an hour of beach riding, local stories, animal interaction, and photos taken by the staff. Book early in the wet or quieter season, arrive with water, and make sure every rider meets the weight requirement before paying.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The activity lasts one hour, including the guided camel ride along Cable Beach and the finish with a carrot for your camel.

Where does the camel ride meet?

Meet north of the rocks on Cable Beach. From the main car park near Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, walk down the vehicle access ramp, face the water, turn right, and continue through the rocky outcrop toward the Blue Camels near the sand dunes.

Is accommodation pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the Cable Beach meeting point.

What is the weight limit?

The limit is 90 kilograms per person. The operator uses this requirement when assigning riders to camels.

Does the tour need a minimum number of people?

Yes. The ride requires at least six adult passengers to operate.

What happens before I get on the camel?

Alison Bird gives a safety introduction, explains how to mount and dismount, and shares information about camels in the Western Australian outback. Staff then help you mount your assigned camel.

Are photographs included?

Staff will take photos using your camera or phone during the experience. Professional photography options are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring water. The activity takes place outdoors on Cable Beach, and the ride usually operates in the afternoon or evening.