Dinosaur Footprints in Broome—7 Incredible Facts to Know
Broome, a coastal town in Western Australia, is renowned for its natural beauty, and indigenous cultural and scientific importance. But what many visitors don’t know is that this area is also home to one of the most remarkable geological wonders in the world – dinosaur prints.
These ancient tracks can be found at Gantheaume Point and offer a window into the past, giving us a glimpse of the massive reptiles that once roamed the earth over 65 million years ago. The dinosaur footprints in Broome are the largest and best-preserved in Australia, providing valuable information on the anatomy, behaviour and habitat of these fascinating creatures.
Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, geology, or natural history, the dinosaur tracks in Broome are a must-visit experience that is sure to leave you in awe.
1. Where to find Dinosaur tracks (Footprints)
Broome, WA is a hidden gem for dinosaur lovers and those interested in the ancient past. The rocky cliffs in Broome are home to some of the largest and best-preserved dinosaur tracks in WA.
These track locations are a fascinating window into the ancient world and provide valuable information on the anatomy, behaviour and habitat of the massive dinosaurs that roamed the earth over 65 million years ago.
Visitors to Broome can experience the awe-inspiring size and power of these creatures by exploring the dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point, Cable Beach and Reddell Beach, James price Point.
The dinosaur coast is easily accessible and can be viewed from the cliffs or by taking a guided tour with informative commentary surrounding. The tours provide expert interpretation of the dinosaur trackways and their significance, making the experience even more educational and memorable.
It is important to remember that the Broome dinosaur footprints are a precious part of the earth’s history and must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. To prevent harming the tracks, visitors are encouraged to show respect for the region and stay on authorized walkways.
The local government and conservation organizations have taken measures to protect the footprints, including installing barriers and signs to inform visitors about their significance and importance.
If you’re visiting Broome, be sure to make time to visit the dinosaur footprints on tour with Broome Dinosaur Adventures at Gantheaume Point.
For detailed site locations and tips, visit the website of the Dinosaur Coast management group
2. Scenic and Prehistoric Boat Tour
From $166 per person,
Scenic and Prehistoric Boat Tour
Time: 2-hour
Come out to see Roebuck Bay, a marine park that has been designated as a national historic landmark, and take in the breathtaking inspiring Kimberley Coastline.
Enjoy a thorough boat tour that includes enlightening commentary about everything Broome has to offer, such as its colorful history, the evolution of the coastline, and of course, the science behind the astonishingly well-preserved, 120 million-year-old dinosaur coast that has been fossilized in rock on the Kimberley Coastline.
3. Dinosaur Adventure Tour
from $223 per individual
time: three hours
Climb aboard Tutti Frutti, a specially designed shallow landing vessel, and take a fully guided tour with enlightening commentary about everything Broome has to offer. Standing on the 120 million-year-old, perfectly preserved Broome dinosaur adventures footprints that have been fossilised in rock on a remote beach is one of the tour’s highlights.
You’ll be perplexed after learning about the early Cretaceous period and the dinosaurs that left their impact on history. Ride up to Dampier Peninsula on the specially designed boat, which enables you to get off right on the beach, it is the ideal vessel for exploring this fascinating coastline.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise up Dampier Creek while drinking sparkling wine and indulging in enjoying gourmet nibbles. You may interact closely with the native flora and fauna while also admiring the breathtaking surroundings of the white beaches and several flowing rivers.
4. How old are the dinosaur footprints in Broome?
The dinosaur footprints in Broome are ancient geological formations that date back to the Cretaceous period, which occurred around 130 million years ago. The dinosaur prints were made by sauropod tracks, a type of herbivorous dinosaur that roamed the region during this time.
The dinosaur footprints have been preserved in the rocky coastline of the Kimberley region and are now protected by the local authorities, making them a unique and fascinating tourist attraction.
The tour stops at the protected area where the footprints are located and provides an opportunity to learn about the history and geology of the region, including the rich pearling town history of Broome. The dinosaur footprints are considered one of the most important paleontological sites in WA and are an important reminder of the incredible natural history of the region.
The dinosaur footprints in Broome offer a glimpse into the ancient past of the Kimberley coastline and are a must-see for visitors to the region. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, the dinosaur footprints in Broome are a testament to the incredible beauty and rich history of Western Australia.
5. Gantheaume Point
Gantheaume in Broome, Western Australia, is an intriguing coastline location that offers breathtaking views of the Kimberley coast and a rich cultural and geological history of 130 million years.
At Gantheaume, at least nine different species of dinosaur footprints have been found. The adjacent traces show that Australia was home to all of the major dinosaur groups.
There are tracks found of meat-eaters related to ornithopods and stegosaurus, armored ankylosaurs, vegetarian ornithopods, the famous tyrannosaurus, and the immense sauropod, which left a 1.7-meter-wide print in its wake.
Location – Gantheaume Point
6. Best time of day to visit
The best time to visit the dinosaur footprints region in Broome is during low tide. The dinosaur footprints are only visible at very low tides, so it is recommended to plan your visit around the tides to get the most out of your experience.
The original prints have been processed into a few plaster castings, which have been positioned among the rocks at the top of the cliff for anyone who visits during high tide. It is advised to look up the tide times prior to your visit.
Low tide is also the best time to visit the region as the tide exposes more of the rock formations, making it easier to see the dinosaur footprints and other geological features.
In general, the best time of day to visit the dinosaur footprints region is in the late afternoon or early evening, when the sun is not too strong, and the lighting is ideal for viewing the footprints.
7. Cable Beach
Cable Beach is a 22-kilometer-long secluded beach located in Broome, WA. White sand, gorgeous turquoise oceans, and breathtaking sunsets are some of its most notable features.
The beach gets its name from the telegraph cable that was laid across the Indian Ocean from Broome to Java in the late 19th century, which revolutionized communication between Australia and the rest of the world.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cable Beach has a rich cultural history and is an important site for the local Indigenous community with strong cultural connections, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Visitors to the beach can learn about the cultural heritage of the region and experience the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history that makes this destination so special.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dinosaur footprints in Broome are fascinating and unique attractions that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich geological and cultural history.
Visitors to this site can learn about the ancient creatures that once roamed this area and see the well-preserved footprints that have been left behind. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, a visit to the dinosaur footprints is an experience not to be missed.
