Broome, a stunning coastal town in Western Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Situated in the Kimberley region, Broome is famous for its pristine beaches, pearl diving history, and breathtaking sunsets. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible destination.
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How to get to Broome?
Broome is located in the Kimberley region in the north of Western Australia.
The nearest towns are Derby, a three-hour drive to the east, and Port Hedland, six hours to the south. By car, Broome is accessible via a sealed road and is almost 1900 km from Darwin, and more than 2200 km north of Perth. To reach Broome from the West or East Coast, the road is long and very uncrowded.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can opt to rent a van, motorhome or 4WD for your road trip. To find the best options and rates, use an online comparator such as Motorhome Republic :
Broome has an airport which serves most major Australian cities. You can fly from Perth to Broome in 2.5 hours, or from Sydney to Broome in just over 5 hours.
Finally, it is also possible to reach the city by buses that operate within the country. For instance, you can take a Darwin-Broome trip with Greyhound or Integrity.
Best season to visit Broome
Broome enjoys a fairly humid subtropical climate. If you want to visit this part of the country, it’s best to do so during the dry season. This runs from April to October. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, with sunny days and little rain. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, water sports and excursions around Broome. This is also the period when the “Staircase to the Moon” phenomenon can be observed.
The wet season (November to April) is characterised by high temperatures, high humidity and frequent tropical showers. Some people enjoy the tropical atmosphere, lush green landscapes and low tourist numbers during this period. However, some activities may be limited due to weather conditions and the risk of tropical cyclones.
This is also the time when the “Staircase to the Moon” phenomenon can be observed. This natural event occurs when the full moon rises over the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay and creates the illusion of steps leading up to the moon, reflecting on the water. This phenomenon only lasts for 2-3 days each month from March to November.
What to see in Broome?
Staircase to the moon
If your trip coincides with a period of full moon, do not miss the famous ” staircase to the moon “. This optical illusion that occurs when the moon is rising lets see a staircase that invites us to join the moon. This natural curiosity is to see at Town beach.
The bustling city centre
The city center stretches from the shopping centre where you can find supplies, to the small, shady streets of Chinatown. A multitude of attractive shops can be found there. We recommend you try them with a good coffee or a fresh smoothie, which you will find in one of Broome’s many cafés. This long walk will whet your appetite, and a lunch on the terrace in the centre will probably be welcome. There is something for all tastes and budgets.
Jetty to jetty
Jetty to jetty trail is a 3 km walking through Broome’s Chinatown to Town beach. There you will discover the important places of the city and will be able to learn a little more about the culture and history of the city. There is a free app that serves as a guide (available on Android and iOS).
Gantheaume point
Gantheaume Point offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into the prehistoric past with its preserved dinosaur footprints. The turquoise ocean hitting the orange rocks is a magnificent sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. At low tide, you can spot dinosaur footprints (130-million-year-old).
You can also check out Anastasia’s Pool, a natural rock pool that offers a unique swimming experience.
The pearling industry
Broome is an inseparable part of the pearling industry. You will find speciality shops throughout the city. This craze for the pearl dates back to 1880, Broome was the world capital of the pearling industry. For lovers of these little gems, we recommend a detour to visit the Broome museum, as well as to the many pearl shops.
Local culture
Broome has a rich Aboriginal history and vibrant culture. You can learn more about Aboriginal traditions and lifestyles by visiting cultural centres such as the Broome Historical Museum, which has exhibitions on local and Aboriginal history. Attending Aboriginal dance performances or participating in Aboriginal guided tours can also be a rewarding experience.
Roebuck Bay
This site is considered one of Broome’s most beautiful natural attractions. Located within the Ramsar Nature Reserve, Roebuck Bay is a stunning wetland area. The beauty of this place comes from its myriad of colors that blend together to form a living canvas—it’s incredible! The red-orange sand and rocks contrast strikingly with the turquoise blue ocean and the green of the trees.
Activities in Broome
Open-air cinema
Broome is home to one of the oldest open-air cinemas in the world. The Sun Pictures Cinema is an institution in the city and also one of our favourites. We encourage you to start your day by reserving your spot for a screening night. Bring a picnic and a small plaid in the bag, for an unforgettable experience under the stars. You will witness a wonderful spectacle of bats in the garden of the cinema, and with a little luck, you will also see beautiful shooting stars to top your wonderful evening. You’ll never want to go to another cinema after this experience.
Enjoy the beach
Cable Beach is one of Broome’s most iconic attractions, stretching 22 kilometers along the Indian Ocean. Known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, it is the perfect spot for relaxation and various water activities.
You will quickly understand, Broome lives for his sunset. At the end of the day, you will see an incessant broom of locals, tourists and backpackers heading towards the very famous Cable beach to attend this spectacle.
You can also experience a unique sunset camel ride along the beach, an iconic Broome activity.
Go fishing
Fishing in Broome is legendary. Broome is without doubt one of the best fishing destinations in the country. In Broome you can enjoy many different forms of fishing, including sea fishing, shore fishing and angling. The area is renowned for its waters rich in fish such as barramundi, grouper, tuna, marlin, mackerel and many other species.
Hiring a fishing guide or booking a fishing charter is recommended to maximise your chances of success and get the most out of the experience. Local guides know the best fishing spots, tides and techniques for the species you are targeting.
Camel ride on the beach
If you want to make the experience even more unique, join one of the camel rides that patrol the beach every night. Once the sun goes down, the beach comes to life in a different way. The jugglers of fire invade the sand and the evening unfolds in the glow of the torches. This is worth a visit if you are in Broome.
Broome Historical Museum
Learn about Broome’s rich history, including its pearling industry, indigenous culture, and World War II history. Allocate a couple of hours to fully explore the museum’s exhibits and take part in any guided tours available.
Exhibits:
- Pearling History: Discover the town’s early days as a pearling hub.
- Indigenous Culture: Explore artifacts and stories from the local Yawuru people.
- WWII History: Learn about Broome’s role during the war and the air raid in 1942.
Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
A visit to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park provides a thrilling opportunity to see Australia’s most famous reptile up close. The Park is located only a 15 minutes drive from Broome. Arrive in time for the feeding sessions, which are often the highlight of the visit. Entry is $40 per person and the park is open 7 days/week from 2 to 5 pm.
Activities:
- Crocodile Feeding: Witness the power and agility of crocodiles during feeding sessions at 3pm every day.
- Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to various other Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, birds, and snakes.
- Educational Tours: Learn about crocodile behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.
Activities to do in the surroundings
Take advantage of your stay in Broome to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. The 4WD tours to Cape Leveque, with its red cliffs and secluded beaches, are incredible. You can also visit the spectacular rock formations of Horizontal Falls, or take a scenic helicopter flight or whale watching boat cruise (in season).
Where to stay in Broome?
For budget travellers
For affordable accommodation, you can opt for motels and hostels in Broome. These establishments often offer single or shared rooms with basic facilities, but offer good value for money. Some popular motels in Broome include the Bayside Holiday Apartments and the Kimberley Travellers Lodge YHA with swimming pool and bar.
If camping is more your thing, Broome also has well-equipped camping sites. Here you can pitch your tent or park your van and enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Broome Vacation Village and Cable Beach Caravan Park are two popular options for camping.
For more comfortable budgets
Broome is home to a number of upmarket resorts and hotels offering superior facilities and services. These establishments often offer spacious rooms, swimming pools, restaurants, spas and other luxurious amenities. Popular Broome resorts include Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa with 2 swimming pools, The Pearle of Cable Beach (nights from $300) and Oaks Broome with private flats.
