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.
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Getting There
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 its own airport, a 10-minute walk from the town centre — unusually convenient for Australia. Perth to Broome takes about 2h30, Sydney to Broome just over 5 hours. Note that the route network here is thin and changes often: international connections have come and gone, and regional carriers adjust schedules seasonally. Check current options rather than assuming a route still exists.
Long-distance coaches also serve Broome from Perth and, seasonally, from the Northern Territory. Operators on these remote routes change regularly, so confirm the current service before planning around it. Whichever way you arrive, note that Broome has very limited public transport, there is a local bus between town and Cable Beach, but you will want a vehicle to reach Gantheaume Point or anything beyond town.
Best time to visit Broome
Broome has a tropical climate with two sharply defined seasons, not a subtropical one and the difference between them dictates almost everything about your trip.
The dry season, May to October, is why people come. Warm sunny days, cool nights, almost no rain, calm seas and every tour operating. It is also peak season: accommodation books out and prices climb, particularly over the July school holidays.
The wet season, November to April, brings intense heat, high humidity, monsoonal downpours and cyclone risk. Some tours shut down entirely and access to the Kimberley beyond Broome becomes limited or impossible. In return you get dramatic electrical storms, green landscapes, empty beaches and the lowest prices of the year.
👍 The sweet spot is May and September: dry season weather without peak season crowds or pricing.
⚠️ Swimming in the wet season. Box jellyfish and Irukandji are present in Broome’s waters roughly November to April, and both are potentially fatal. Warning signs are posted at Cable Beach and Town Beach. Take them seriously, and check locally before entering the water at any time of year — saltwater crocodiles also occur in the region.
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What to See in Broome?
Staircase to the Moon
Broome’s signature natural phenomenon. When a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay at low tide, the reflection on the wet mud forms what looks like a staircase climbing up to the moon.
It happens on two or three consecutive evenings each month, roughly March to October, and only when the full moon and a low tide coincide. Dates are published in advance by Visit Broome and the local visitor centre, check them before booking your trip if this is a priority, because missing the window by two days means missing it entirely.
The classic viewing spot is Town Beach, which looks out over Roebuck Bay, and a night market runs there on Staircase evenings. Arrive early: it gets very busy.
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 walk 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
Deep red pindan cliffs dropping straight into turquoise water, seven kilometres from town. It is the most photographed spot in Broome, and best at sunrise or sunset when the rock genuinely glows.
The point is also known for its dinosaur footprints, left in the rock around 130 million years ago and among the oldest recorded in Australia. They are only visible at very low tide, which happens on relatively few days each month — check a tide chart before making the trip, and don’t count on seeing them. There are cast replicas at the top of the cliff for anyone who misses the tide.
Just below sits Anastasia’s Pool, a rock pool built into the reef by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife, who had arthritis. Also tide-dependent, and the rocks are slippery.
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.
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.
The Bird Observatory at Roebuck Bay is a hotspot for migratory waders. Courses like “Wave the Waders Goodbye” (March/April) and “Birds of the Broome Region” (Sept/Oct) offer immersive birdwatching and education.
Aboriginal culture
Broome sits on Yawuru country, and the surrounding Dampier Peninsula is home to Bardi, Jawi, Nyul Nyul and Nimanburr communities. The most rewarding way to engage with this is on an Aboriginal-led tour rather than through a museum display.
Local operators run bush food and foraging walks, coastal storytelling and mud crabbing experiences, and multi-day trips onto the Dampier Peninsula. Several require a permit to enter community land, which the operator arranges, another reason to go with a guide rather than driving out independently.
The Jetty to Jetty walking trail, developed by Yawuru people, covers 13 sites between Streeters Jetty in Chinatown and Town Beach, with a free app narrating each one in Yawuru and English. It is the best free hour you can spend in Broome.
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 its sunset. At the end of the day, you will see a steady stream of locals, tourists and backpackers heading towards the very famous Cable beach to attend this spectacle.
⚠️ Cable Beach safety: Be aware that box jellyfish (Nov–Apr) and Irukandji may appear in the water; warning signs are posted for public safety
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
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 take over the sand and the evening unfolds in the glow of the torches. This is worth a visit if you are in Broome.
Camel rides on Cable Beach have become more accessible with new mounting platforms and skilled cameleers enhancing the experience.
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).
Accommodation Guide
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.
