Dampier Peninsula and Cape Leveque

The Dampier Peninsula runs north from Broome to Cape Leveque, and its coast is a striking combination: cliffs of deep red pindan soil dropping onto white sand with turquoise water below, a colour contrast unlike anywhere else in Australia. The land belongs to Bardi, Jawi, Nyul Nyul and other communities, and visiting means engaging with them: cultural tours, mud crabbing, fishing and accommodation are run by community enterprises at Kooljaman, Beagle Bay, Lombadina and Cygnet Bay. Beagle Bay's church, built by Pallottine missionaries and completed in 1918, has an altar decorated entirely in mother of pearl. The road from Broome was sealed in 2020, transforming access.

What you actually see

• The red cliffs - pindan soil dropping to white beaches and turquoise water.
• Beagle Bay church - the 1918 mission church with a mother of pearl altar.
• The community tours - cultural, fishing and mud crabbing trips run locally.
• Cygnet Bay - the working pearl farm with tours and accommodation.

When to go

May to September for the dry season; the wet brings heat, storms and road closures even on the sealed section. Community businesses close for parts of the wet. Booking accommodation ahead is essential in the dry.

Honest expectations

This is Aboriginal land and visitors need permits or bookings for most places; turning up unannounced is not appropriate. Fuel and supplies are limited and expensive. Crocodiles are present along the coast and swimming is only advisable at designated beaches.

Nearby

Broome lies south; the Buccaneer Archipelago is off the peninsula's eastern side.