Plan a Dampier Peninsula Adventure

Just north of Broome, the Dampier Peninsula is a remote coastal self-drive journey of red cliffs, turquoise waters, Aboriginal communities and iconic Kimberley coastal landscapes.

This itinerary follows Cape Leveque Road north from Broome, with options to travel over 2–5 days, or to slow the journey down and spend longer in selected locations.

Planning your journey (2WD and 4WD access)

The Dampier Peninsula can be explored by both 2WD and 4WD, however access varies between locations. 2WD access is available to Beagle Bay, Djarindjin, Lombadina, Cygnet Bay and Ardyaloon (One Arm Point).

4WD is required for Banana Well and Pender Bay, as well as other unsealed coastal and remote camping tracks.

Travellers should plan their route based on vehicle type, road conditions and preferred level of remoteness.

Suggested duration

Most travellers spend 2–5 days exploring the Dampier Peninsula.

The itinerary can be completed in a shorter timeframe focusing on key highlights, or extended with additional nights at coastal camps and Cygnet Bay for a slower pace and more time for fishing, cultural experiences and exploring between stops.

Aerial view of cars and caravans in the grassed campground at Banana Well Getaway, with the ocean visible in the background — Banana Well Getaway

1. Broome to Banana Well Getaway

Leaving Broome, Cape Leveque Road moves quickly into open pindan country a growing sense of remoteness. Follow the signposted 4WD track south of Beagle Bay to reach Banana Well Getaway, a relaxed bush and coastal camp set around tidal creeks and natural springs.

It's a simple, nature-first place to ease into the Peninsula. Fish the creek, watch birdlife move through the bushland, or simply sit and listen. Banana Well offers powered and unpowered campsites as well as air-conditioned cabins, making it a flexible stay for one or more nights. For travellers wanting peace and space before heading north, it's hard to beat.

Pearl shell decorated altar at the Sacred Heart Church in Beagle Bay — Beagle Bay Church

2. Beagle Bay

Beagle Bay is about 130km north of Broome and offers a worthwhile short stop. Here you'll find one of the most historic and charming churches in Australia - the Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church with its whitewashed walls, inspiring mother of pearl shell altar and three-storey square bell towe. The Church was built entirely by hand by the local Aboriginal people (the Nyul Nyul people) and the Pallottine monks more than 100 years ago. Information boards are dotted around the church grounds with the history of Beagle Bay and the story of the Catholic mission which started in the late 1800s. A gold coin donation is welcomed to visit the church and photos are permitted inside.

Beagle Bay also has a community store, fuel and an outback-style bakery — worth stocking up before heading further north. Note, an entry fee is payble to the community.

3. Pender Bay

North of Beagle Bay (about 25 minutes drive) you'll find the turn off onto the unsealed Middle Lagoon Rd. Follow this road for another 30 mins towards the spectacular Pender Bay, where you'll find bush campsites as well as Safari Tent and cabin accommodation at a small number of locations. Fish, swim and read the days away while watching out for the mighty Humpback whales and their calves in Pender Bay, one of the largest nurseries and resting places for these gentle giants during their annual migration.

Advance bookings are essential. Whales are found in the Kimberley region from June to September.

Aerial photo of the campground at Lombadina Community, showing the campground with the beach and ocean beyond. — Campground at Lombadina Community

4. Djarindjin and Lombadina Communities

Back on the Cape Leveque Rd, drive north for about 30 minutes to the Djarindjin and Lombadina Communities.Just at the turn off, the Djarindjin Campground is a welcoming and accessible base with caravan and camping sites. Fuel, basic provisions and takeaway food are available at the roadhouse alongside. Tours run from the campground with local guides Brian Lee, Bundy and Trevor Sampi, a highlight for travellers looking for a genuine cultural experience.

The campground in Lombadina Community is also well equipped, and the community is worth a visit in it's own right. Check in at the community office on your arrival to obtain your day pass, then visit the historic bush-timber church and the art and craft centre, swim at one of the beautiful beaches or take one of the tours on offer including offshore fishing and community tours. Cabin accommodation is also available.

Looking from the swimming pool across to the waters of Cygnet Bay, a man is inside the pool, with a woman sitting on the edge. Both are looking at the view. — Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

5. Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Head to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, about 20 minutes north of Djarindjin Roadhouse. Many travellers choose to spend a couple of nights here to experience the changing tides, coastal landscapes and relaxed pace of life on the water’s edge.

Accommodation from caravan and camping sites to safari tents, air-conditioned pearlers' shacks and the Master Pearler's Retreat, with its own private beach. The newer air-conditioned safari tents are 2WD accessible and a short walk from reception. Enjoy a swim in the infinity pool, and meals at the restaurant.

Aerial view of tour boat at Waterfall Reef with islands visible in the background — Waterfall Reef Tour

Cygnet Bay is the most active touring hubs on the Peninsula, with experiences that explore both land and sea. Join pearl farm tours to learn how South Sea pearls are cultivated and harvested, or take to the water on a sea safari to explore the Buccaneer Archipelago, known for its dramatic tides, islands and marine life.

Cultural experiences led by local guides provide insight into the area’s traditional and contemporary connection to Country, sharing knowledge of coastal living, marine resources and the significance of the surrounding sea country. Cygnet Bay is also a departure point for selected Kimberley air and sea itineraries, including half-day and overnight experiences with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures.

If your stay falls on a full moon, don't miss the natural Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.

Advance bookings are recommended for Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour with Terry Hunter

4. Return to Broome

From Cygnet Bay, continue north to Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), the northernmost community on the Dampier Peninsula. Visit the community-run hatchery to learn about local aquaculture and marine species, then continue to the lookout for expansive views across King Sound, where some of Australia’s largest tidal movements can be seen.

A community entry fee applies, which includes access to the hatchery and designated visitor areas.

From here, begin the return journey south along Cape Leveque Road to Broome. Many travellers break the journey with stops at Beagle Bay or revisit Cygnet Bay depending on timing and travel pace.