Broome is a small town located in Western Australia, between the land of the red rocks of the Kimberly and the blue scream of the Indian Ocean. The last haven of peace before the great north of Australia, it will seduce you regardless of the time that you will spend. Broome has a reputation as a wonder, and we think she deserves it. Nature lovers, venture through the mangroves and mudflats around the city centre. This beautiful city centre in which we advise you of strolling from one shop to the other. At the end of the night, go join the entire city on the beach of Cable beach. You’ll get to see the beautiful sunset that Broome has to offer. Check out our tips to visit Broome the best way.
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How to get to Broome?
Broome is located in the Kimberley region in the north of Western Australia. It lies on the shores of the Indian Ocean. 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. You will experience the real Australian outback.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can opt to hire a van, motorhome or 4WD for your road trip. To find the best options and rates, we advise you to use an online comparator such as Motorhome Republic :
The city has an airport, located in the centre, 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.
You can also reach the city by bus. For example, you can travel from Darwin to Broome with Greyhound or Integrity. It’s a fairly long journey, but not too expensive!
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.
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. Take advantage of your coming to buy a snack on the street food market which takes place in the same place, and do not forget to bring your picnic tablecloth.
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
This is a sublime vantage point where you can wander over orange rocks and enjoy several amazing views of Broome and the Indian Ocean. The turquoise ocean hitting the orange rocks is a magnificent sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. At low tide, you can spot dinosaur footprints.
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.
Activities to do 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
Broome is renowned for its heavenly beaches with turquoise waters and white sand. Cable Beach is one of the most famous, stretching for around 22 kilometres. It’s the ideal place to relax, swim, kayak…
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. For this activity again, we advise you to prepare a picnic in order to taste it in front of this peaceful spectacle.
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.
Ride a camel 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.
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.
