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Broome Visitor Centre

The Broome Visitor Centre is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation established to assist people plan, book and make the most out of their visit to Broome. 

Visitor Centre staff know and love the Broome region and will provide you with expert advice on local attractions, accommodation, tours, special events, tide times, local businesses and facilities. They also provide the latest information on National Parks as well as road and weather condition reports for Broome and the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Friendly and professional staff can tailor-make your holiday based on your budget, interests, and length of stay in Broome and the Kimberley region.

The Visitor Centre provides a free booking service for tours, accommodation and vehicle hire for Broome and the Kimberley region. 

Opening hours 

Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 1pm Sunday Closed

 If you are looking for the ideal accommodation, the perfect experience, a souvenir and, above all, a warm Kimberley welcome; visit the Broome Visitor Centre on Male Oval, call on 08 9195 2200 , email us at [email protected]  for all the latest news.

Related Information

• Broome Visitor Centre website

Broome Visitor Centre

1 hammersley street, chinatown wa 6725.

The Broome Visitor Centre has been assisting visitors to Broome | Rubibi for over 46 years with the support of the Shire of Broome, the community and our valued members.

Talk to us for friendly, local advice regarding Broome accommodation, Kimberley cruises, Broome tours, car hire and both local and Kimberley wide tours.

We are the top booking agent in Broome with a dedicated team of staff to assist you. We know and love Broome and offer expert advice on highlights, places to see, special events, tide times, local businesses and much more!

Pick up maps. brochures or a copy of the latest Broome Visitor Guide at the centre.

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Broome Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 25, 2024

Broome is located in northwest Australia and is a major stop on the backpacking and RV Australia travel trail.

The city was founded in the 1880s as a pearling town and named after the territory’s governor. Today, the area’s mining boom has created an influx of people into the city.

When you visit Broome, you’ll find a small, sleepy little seaside town with not much to do except lounge around in the sun. It’s out of the way nature means it doesn’t see a lot of visitors per year (to be fair, neither does most of Western Australia). The heat and humidity here can get unbearable, and the phrase “Broometime” is often used to describe the city’s sluggish pace.

While there’s not much to do here, it’s worth a visit to enjoy the slow pace of life. There’s a beach, some museums and activities around town, and some good eateries. The town is also an excellent base for visiting the nearby Outback.

Use this Broome travel guide to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this laid-back coastal town!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Broome

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in broome.

1. Tour the Pearl Farms

Broome used to be the largest pearling port in the world. Founded around 1880, pearls were an important commodity used for making cutlery, buttons, and jewelry. By 1900, there were 300 ships here, though the industry fell into decline during World War II (and then, after the war, plastic was invented, which diminished the need for pearls). You can learn all about the region’s rich history at the Pearl Lugger Museum (tours for 30 AUD). If you want a more hands-on experience, Willie Creek Pearls also offers a two-hour boat tour for 129 AUD. You’ll learn about the risks and challenges of the industry while also getting to hold and touch all kinds of valuable pearls. You can also take a tour to harvest your own pearls for 500 AUD.

2. Enjoy Cable Beach

Cable Beach is Broome’s biggest attraction, a 23-kilometer (14-mile) stretch of sandy white beach. Every day, the high tides wash the sand clean, making it one of the most pristine beaches in Australia. It faces west, so there’s an incredible sunset every day. You can fish, kayak, swim, surf, or just relax. There’s also a nudist section nearby too (north of the rocks) if you’re feeling like letting loose.

3. See Dinosaur Footprints

Broome has the largest and most diverse dinosaur footprints in the world and when the tide below Gantheaume Point gets low enough you can see some of them. There are around 20 different kinds of tracks, which stretch some 80 kilometers (50 miles). Many are over 130 million years old. If you want an in-depth experience, take a tour They aren’t cheap (225 AUD), but the guides are excellent and provide a lot of context. You can also download an app and do a self-guided tour if you’re on a budget.

4. Spend Time in the Kimberley

Broome is also close to the Kimberley, an outback region three times bigger than England that’s filled with stunning gorges, beautiful waterfalls, and a vast desert landscape. It was one of the first areas settled in Australia some 65,000 years ago (Europeans arrived here in the 1830s). There are all kinds of day trips and hikes here that you can do solo, as well as multi-day guided tours. Expect to pay around 1,200 AUD for a 3-day guided excursion. If you’re going solo, popular overnight hikes include Piccaninny Gorge and Lurujarri Dreaming Trail.

5. See James Price Point

If you’re heading to the Kimberley, don’t miss the stunning landscapes of James Price Point. It’s a vivid headland just 52 kilometers (32 miles) north of Broome and home to some stunning rock formations and towering red cliffs. It’s absolutely beautiful and worth seeing with your own eyes!

Other Things to See and Do in Broome

1. relax at riddell beach.

Riddell Beach isn’t as well known as Cable Beach, but it’s only 8 kilometers (5 miles) outside of Broome between Riddell Point and Gantheaume Point. Like Gantheaume Point, Riddell Beach has gorgeous red pindan cliffs set against the Indian Ocean. It’s rockier than Cable Beach, but the landscape is more interesting (and the beach is less crowded).

2. See the Staircase to the Moon

You’ll have to nail the timing to see this one, but it’s worth it. During the dry months, the rising full moon creates an optical illusion of a staircase leading up to it over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay. It’s such a popular event for the locals that there’s even a market set up for it. You can usually see it a few times a month between March-October.

3. Go Fishing

In Broome, you can fish for tuna, mud crab, barramundi, and a whole lot more! Roebuck Bay is especially a popular area for fishing, and you can arrange a fishing charter trip, heli-fishing (yes, that’s a thing), kayak fishing, and even spearfishing. Plus, while you’re out in Roebuck Bay, you can keep an eye out for the rare Snubfin Dolphin. Expect to pay around 359 AUD for a shared fishing charter.

4. Watch a Film Outdoors

Sun Pictures is a heritage-listed movie theater; it’s the oldest operating outdoor theater in the world! It still shows new releases and it has retained much of its original character. Relaxing in one of the well-worn deck chairs while eating popcorn under the starry sky and watching a film is one of the best things you can do in Broome. The theater was opened in 1903, and if you’re inclined, you can take a history tour for 5 AUD (June-August only). Tickets for a movie are 18.50 AUD and movies are played nightly.

5. Visit the Broome Historical Museum

This is a small historical museum run by a group of volunteers but it’s full of artifacts, old photography, and tons of pearling memorabilia from Broome’s past. The Sailmaker’s Shed is especially interesting, as it was once the home of Charles Bagge’s sailmaking business. It won’t take long to see everything, but it’s worth a visit to get a sense of the region’s past. Admission is 12 AUD.

6. Relax at the Buddha Sanctuary

The Buddha Sanctuary at Cable Beach is a wonderful ornamental garden that invites guests to relax, meditate, practice yoga, or simply just enjoy the space. Opened in 2003 as a community space, it has a deck platform, landscaped gardens, lots of shade to relax in, and a 3-meter (10-foot) crystal Buddha statue. It’s free to visit, or you can sign up for a yoga class for 20 AUD (mats and blocks are included) or 150 AUD for a 10-class pass.

7. Visit the Japanese Cemetery

This tranquil cemetery is dedicated to the memory of the Japanese workers who lost their lives to Broome’s pearling industry in the early 20th century. Harvesting pearls and operating pearl luggers was risky business, and many foreigners died as a result (many others suffered from the bends, aka diver’s paralysis, as well). The cemetery is peaceful and beautiful, with more than 900 graves marked by pink beach rocks and stones inscribed in Japanese.

8. See the Crocodiles at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park

Named for Australian wildlife filmmaker Malcolm Douglas, here you can see crocodiles, dingoes, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, giant snakes, and lizards. It’s very much a family place (expect lots of children!) but it’s a good way to see some unique wildlife. In the shop, you can watch some vintage footage of Malcolm’s documentaries. Admission is 35 AUD.

9. Wander the Broome Courthouse Markets

The Broome Courthouse Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday (April-October) from 8am-1pm in the heritage-listed gardens of the Courthouse. What started as a small group of locals trading local products 25 years ago has now turned into dozens of stalls chock full of food, arts, and crafts. There’s always a really upbeat vibe here and it makes for a great place to do a bit of shopping and snacking.

10. Take an Aboriginal Walking Tour

Broome and the surrounding area have a rich Aboriginal history and you owe it to yourself (and the locals) to learn a little about this fascinating culture. You can join Bart Pigram from Narlijia Cultural Tours on a tour where he’ll tell you all about the history of the region as well as stories from the pearling industry and the role of Aboriginals in the industry. He’ll also talk about how the Yawuru people made use of the surrounding landscape. It’s 85 AUD per person (there are also several other tour options available, including a cultural catamaran tour).

For more information on specific cities in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Broome

Broome is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent attacks and petty theft are rare. People are nice and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble here.

Most incidents in Broome tend to occur because visitors are not used to the region’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. If you’re hiking, make sure you know what to expect ahead of time. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders, and if you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

Furthermore, if you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

The climate during Broome’s wet season can be quite severe, with unpredictable weather and heavy rainfall that may cause flooding and impassable roads. This is especially true of the Kimberley area. You also have to be aware of jellyfish during the wet season: the large Box Jellyfish and the smaller Irukandji jellyfish are found off the coast of Broome from November to May. They’re dangerous, and you do not want to be stung by one!

Mother nature in Broome is NOT a force to be reckoned with so prepare accordingly.

Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult other solo female travel blogs for specific advice.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in Australia though.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Broome

While small, Broome still has a couple of hostels worth checking out if you’re on a budget. Here are my suggested places to stay in Broome:

• Cable Beach Backpackers
• Kimberley Travellers Lodge Broome

Broome Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 29-39 AUD per night
• Hostel private rooms – 75 AUD per night
• Budget hotels – 150 AUD per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 125-250 AUD per night
• Airbnb apartments – 200-600 AUD per night
• Campsite – 20-30 AUD per night
• Sit-down restaurants – 25-40 AUD
• Casual take-out places – 14-18 AUD
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 13 AUD
• Beer – 12-13 AUD
• Cappuccino/latte- 5 AUD
• Bottled water – 2 AUD
• Groceries for a week – 90-100 AUD

Broome Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 80 aud per day.

On a backpacker budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, and using the bus to get around (or walking). You’ll need to limit your drinking and do mostly free activities like hiking and enjoying the beach. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.

Midrange – 225 AUD Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, and rent a bicycle to get around. You’ll get to do some paid activities too, like museum visits and an Aboriginal walk.

Upscale – 425+ AUD Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, rent a car for a few days, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few nights out, and do guided tours and hiking excursions. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Broome Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Broome can be an expensive place to visit. If you aren’t careful, you’ll blow through your entire budget in no time flat. Here are some ways to save money when you visit:

Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.

Cook your own meals – Eating out is not cheap. The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Stay in a hostel or Airbnb with a kitchen to ensure you can skip the restaurants.

Car share – Australia is a big country that can be expensive to get around. If you don’t have a ride, hitch a ride with other travelers using sites like Gumtree, Jayride, or a hostel message board. And if you do have a vehicle, offer rides to other travelers. They can chip in for gas to help you lower costs.

Book tours as a package – This region has a lot of exciting activities and tours that eat into any budget. Booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency can get you a discount and save you hundreds of dollars as a repeat customer.

Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the opportunity to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed to sleep in. Commitments vary but most hostels ask that you stay for at least a week.

WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a program that allows you to work on organic farms in exchange for free room and board. Everyone I’ve met who stays in the country long-term does it for at least one month. It’s a great way to reduce your expenses and extend your travels.

Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host to host you during your stay. This way, you not only have a place to stay but you’ll have a local that can share their insider tips and advice.

How to Get Around in Broome

Public transportation – The Broome Explorer Bus is the best way to get around Broome (and is really the only public transportation in town). A 24-hour pass is 15 AUD and a 72-hour pass is 35 AUD. There’s also a 10-ride pass for 38 AUD. Otherwise, a single-fare ticket is 4.50 AUD.

Bike rental – The terrain around Broome is flat and easy to navigate on a bicycle. Broome Cycles has a variety of bikes available, including children’s bikes and fat-tire bikes for riding on the beaches. It’s 30 AUD per day for a standard bike and 60 AUD per day for a fat tire bike. The more days you rent, the cheaper it gets. They also have electric bikes.

Taxis – While convenient, taxis are expensive. Fares start at 6 AUD and go up by 4 AUD per kilometer. Skip them if you can! There is no Uber here.

Car Rental – Car rentals aren’t cheap here, costing upwards of 150 AUD per day. You don’t need one to get around Broome, but they can be helpful for exploring the region. For the best deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Broome

The best time to visit Broome is during the dry season, which lasts from May to October. The weather is the best during this time, with warm days and nights, and clear skies nearly every day. The average daily high during this time is around 30°C (86°F) or higher.

The wet season usually lasts from November to April. It gets hot during this period and temperatures average around 33°C (91°F) (though it can get much hotter as well). Thunderstorms and torrential downpours can occur, especially during January and February when monsoons and cyclones are more common. Getting into the Kimberley area is not recommended during this time due to flooding and other hazards.

Most people prefer to come just after the wet season when things are lush and green, but not yet overrun with travelers. In other words, avoid the wet season!

Broome Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Broome Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Broome travel and continue planning your trip:

The Best Tour Companies in Australia

The Real Oz Experience: Stuck in the Outback

How to Get Around Australia on the Cheap

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Plan Your Holiday To Australia’s North West

Roebuck bay, broome.

The colours of nature at Roebuck Bay, Broome are a feast for the senses, with pindan red stained sands washed by clear blue…

Where the red dirt meets the ocean, the colourful pearling capital of Broome beckons travellers from around Australia and the world.

Once a sleepy outback pearling town, broome has long been renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and unique character..

The town is surrounded by the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, with the white sandy stretch of  Cable Beach  contrasting with the red rocks of  Gantheaume Point  and the dusky sands of  Roebuck Bay . Compact to explore, Broome’s two main areas are  Chinatown  in the heart of old Broome, and Cable Beach, home to resorts and restaurants

How to get to Broome

Broome is serviced by twice daily direct flights from Perth year round, a three times weekly nonstop flight between Darwin and Broome, as well as seasonal direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne.  Find more information here .

About Broome

Broome’s natural environment draws visitors from around the world. The amazing turquoise waters and the intensely coloured red earth leave an indelible impression and continue to inspire artists and photographers. Roebuck Bay is a haven for thousands of migratory birds, and the waters around Broome attract fishing enthusiasts keen to try their hand at catching some of the tropical species. Whales, dolphins and turtles all populate local waters, and the dinosaurs that roamed the ancient lands have left their mark, with their footsteps preserved in reef rock in Roebuck Bay and along the coast towards the  Dampier Peninsula .

Learn about the rough and tumble early days of pearling, when Broome’s name was known the world over for the size and quality of its mother of pearl, and browse the jewellery showrooms to discover the exquisite Australian South Sea Pearl. Evidence of the past can be seen around the town, including restored pearling luggers, the world’s oldest outdoor picture gardens and heritage buildings.

A well known holiday destination, Broome is also the gateway to further adventure in  the Kimberley region , with extended tours and cruises departing from Broome as well as car and campervan hire. 

When is the best time to visit Broome?

The warm and dry winter months, from May to October, is the Kimberley's Dry Season and the most popular time to travel. A smaller number of visitors choose to travel in the quieter months between November and April, during the Wet Season. Some tour and accommodation options may not be available at this time of year.

Dampier Peninsula

Take the 200km trip north of Broome to the Dampier Peninsula and Cape Leveque, where a…

Once a bustling hub of pearl sheds, billiard saloons, opium dens and brothels, Broome’s…

Broome's location on a peninsula means it has water on both sides and many beaches to…

Heritage & Culture

Broome's history is a rich, colourful and multilayered tapestry threaded with Aboriginal…

Pearls And Pearling

Broome’s story is forever entwined with the pearling industry, and it’s said that…

Adventure On The Water

Experience the coastline and beautiful ocean surrounds of Broome first-hand from the…

Accommodation in Broome & on the Dampier Peninsula

Choose to use Broome as your starting point to the adventures of the Kimberley and Pilbara or stay a little longer to Slip into Broome Time, with almost every…

Day trips from Broome

Broome aviation.

Join us on the most spectacular scenic flights in the Kimberley. Broome Aviation has operated…

Willie Creek Farm Tour

Our award-winning tour gives a unique insight into the fascinating process of modern pearl…

Brian Lee Tagalong Tour

Join one of the Kimberley’s most colourful characters on an amazing adventure based around the…

Getting Around

Whether you’d prefer to hop on a bus, hire a bike or a scooter, pick up a car or call a taxi, Broome has plenty of options to help you get around!

Sunrise Car Hire Broome Pty Ltd

Sunrise Car Hire are the Broome car hire specialists. Located in Cable Beach we can assist you with the right vehicle choice and show where to go, to get the most out of your Broome holiday. As a…

Thrifty Car and Truck Rental - Broome

Thrifty Broome is part of a franchise that covers the Kimberley region of Western Australia and all of the Northern Territory; it is owned and operated by people who live in this region. The Kimberley…

Broome Restaurants 

Broome locals love to eat out, and the dining scene is lively and varied. Restaurants are dotted around the Chinatown and Cable Beach areas, perfect for a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Bay Club at Mangrove Hotel

The Bay Club is a stylish outdoor restaurant and bar overlooking Roebuck Bay. You can listen…

Bali Hai Café

The Bali Hai Cafe captures the essence of Broome. Fresh produce and other high quality…

Cables Restaurant at Oaks Cable Beach Resort

Relax and enjoy a contemporary yet relaxed dining experience at Cables Restaurant & Bar…

Restaurants at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

Cable Beach Club has a range of restaurants for guests to enjoy. Sunset Grill Relaxing at the…

The Conti is home to Papá Fuego. Capturing the tropical setting and dialling it up with a…

The Aarli is located in the heart of Chinatown and is the perfect place for all day dining…

Three Days In Broome

Visit one of Australia’s most unique towns to stroll along one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, see the sunset from a camel train and explore…

Sightseeing Tours of Broome

Kimberley quest.

Kimberley Quest offers the ultimate in wilderness expedition cruising between Broome…

APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

Explore the Kimberley with the experts, with over 45 years experience and every detail taken…

Narlijia Experiences Broome

Bart Pigram is a Yawuru man from the West Kimberley region of northwest Australia. Born and…

Australian Pinnacle Tours

Discover the beauty of Western Australia with ADAMS Pinnacle Tours. Travel in comfort & style…

Air Kimberley

Air Kimberley has been flying the skies of Western Australia for 29 years, exploring ancient…

Kimberley Wild Expeditions

Kimberley Wild Expeditions offer the best value tours in Western Australia. Family-owned and…

Broome and Around

Welcome to Broome and Around, your portal to Broome's finest. As locals, our mission is to…

Mabu Buru Tours

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Broome’s Cultural Festivals and Events

Shinju Matsuri, Broome’s unique cultural festival, has been delighting audiences since 1970. Reviving memories of its pearling history when South Sea pearls attracted tourists from far and wide; Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Koepangers Indonesians and Filipino

The History of Broome’s Pearl Diving Industry

After Shark Bay pearl beds succumbed, industry shifted northward to Broome where Pinctada maxima oysters could grow to vast sizes. By 1912 twelve British ex-Navy divers and tenders had arrived – encouraged by a federal

Broome’s Community Markets – Shop Local Treasures

Discover an eclectic variety of local treasures at this week of markets! From breakfast bao buns to boab tree necklaces. Shop directly from producers and artisans that help our community flourish at Broome Courthouse Markets,

Broome’s Sandcastle Building Competitions

Sand sculptures are captivating works of art that leave audiences transfixed and mesmerised. Typically large and complex in design, sand sculptures attract spectators and enthusiasts. No matter if you’re just getting into sand sculpting or

Broome’s Nightlife – Restaurants, Bars and Live Music

Broome’s history and culture are seamlessly interwoven, manifested through its restaurants and bars, and nature that changes colors with every tide cycle. Salty Plum Social offers the ideal way to experience these newer bars –

Broome’s Rich History

Broome offers something for every visitor – camel rides on Cable Beach, exploring Chinatown and discovering its pearling history are just a few stories this town can share with visitors. Beautiful beaches set against red

Eco-Friendly Angling in Broome

Eco-friendly fishing practices minimize their environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. Learn about innovative environmental-friendly fishing innovations, and discover ways to protect our oceans for future generations. Broome’s rugged terrain comes alive when exploring Gantheaume Point

Broome’s Aboriginal Bush Art – Nature-Inspired Creations

Aboriginal artists employ an impressive range of styles. Some, like Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s Map series sold for an astonishing $1 Million USD in 2007. Other artists focus on regional scenes. In Broome, Aboriginal artists depicting

Broome’s Best Beach Activities

Broome’s breathtaking coastal scenery is legendary. Enjoy witnessing the changing tides at Cable Beach, or ride one of Australia’s renowned tourism experiences: riding a camel at sunset! Explore more of Broome’s history at the Broome

Historical Tours of Broome – Journey Back in Time

Broome’s frontier history is interwoven into its fabric; from red dirt extending down to the sea to pearl boutiques rubbing shoulders with laid-back breweries and ancient Aboriginal traditions coexisting alongside western colonial influence, Broome is

11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Broome, WA

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 28, 2023

Basking under a tropical sun and bathed by turquoise seas, Broome is the gateway to the natural wonders of Western Australia's Kimberley region. But this remote tourist town has many treasures of its own.

Eye-popping coastal scenery is a highlight. Striking blue seas splash against red-hued coastal cliffs, and a diversity of shorebirds dot the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay . Broome also hosts one of Australia's iconic tourism experiences: riding a camel at sunset along the sweeping shores of Cable Beach. It's a must-do.

Broome fishing is legendary – in fact, it's one of the top fishing destinations in Australia . Other popular things to do in Broome include relaxing along the white-sand shores, kayaking the clear waters, and spotting marine life on a whale-watching cruise.

Broome was also once the pearling capital of the world . Many Japanese, Malay, and Chinese divers came here seeking their fortune, and today, you can explore this fascinating history in the town's museum or on a local pearl farm tour .

Broome and The Kimberley region is one of Australia's most remote areas. The distance from Western Australia's capital city of Perth to Broome is about 2,200 kilometers, and from Darwin to Broome it's about 1,870 kilometers, so once you make it here, whether by car or plane, it makes a great base for day trips to other attractions in The Kimberleys . Book a scenic seaplane tour to the spectacular Horizontal Falls, or plan a 4WD safari to Cape Leveque or Windjana National Park , and explore Tunnel Creek along the legendary Gibb River Road .

No matter what you plan to do, pop into the Broome Visitor Centre when you arrive. The friendly staff here have all the information you need to get the most out of your visit. And before you go, pinpoint the best places to visit with our list of the top things to do in Broome, Australia.

Ride a Camel on Cable Beach

Soar over the horizontal falls on a scenic flight, admire the scenery at gantheaume point, see the staircase to the moon at town beach, visit malcolm douglas wilderness wildlife park, delve into the past at broome historical museum, see a movie at sun pictures, take a pearl farm tour, book a broome whale watching trip, plan a day trip to windjana gorge & tunnel creek, map of things to do in broome, wa, broome, australia - climate chart.

Stretching for 22 kilometers, Cable Beach is one of Australia's best beaches . This iconic strand of dazzling white sand and turquoise sea takes its name from the communications cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889. Today, riding camels along this famous stretch of sand is one of the top things to do at Cable Beach, and many travel brochures feature photos of silhouetted figures on camelback padding along the shore.

You'll also see 4WD vehicles trundling along the beach as sun seekers search for the perfect patch of sand, and there's plenty to go around. Be sure to bring an umbrella or awning; the beach sizzles in the heat of the day.

A word of warning: It's best to stay out of the water from November to May, when dangerous irukandji jellyfish inhabit the waters. You can paddle along the shore at other times of the year, but keep an eye on the tides; they can vary by as much as nine meters.

For an adrenaline-packed adventure, it's hard to beat a scenic seaplane flight to the magnificent Horizontal Falls. The falls are actually seething tides squeezed through two narrow gorges.

One of the most popular day trips from Broome, the Horizontal Falls Full-Day Tour from Broome by 4x4 & Seaplane gives you multiple perspectives of this breathtakingly beautiful region. First, you'll travel by 4WD along the Dampier Peninsular to pristine beaches. Then, you'll board a seaplane for an exhilarating flight along Western Australia's northwest coast to Cape Leveque . You'll see the red cliffs and rocky islets of the Buccaneer Archipelago, known as the Thousand Islands, before landing on the water at Talbot Bay.

From here, passengers usually board a jet boat for an exhilarating cruise through the falls. Shark feedings and shark swims add to all the excitement (swimmers can view the action from the safety of a shark cage), and a picnic lunch on a pontoon tops off the day before your return flight to Broome.

Nature's colors pop at Gantheaume Point. The striking contrast between the red cliffs and the bright blue sea make this a beautiful place to take photos. The point lies south of Cable Beach , about six kilometers from town, and visiting here is one of the best free things to do in Broome.

At low tide, dinosaur footprints , reputedly more than 130 million years old, are barely perceptible in the exposed reef, but you can view a plaster cast of them embedded into the top of the cliff. If you're hunting for the footprints in the intertidal zone, make sure you wear appropriate shoes for clambering over the rocks.

A lighthouse overlooks the Indian Ocean and, at the end of the road to Gantheaume Point, lies Anastasia's Pool. The former lighthouse keeper carved this small rock pool so his arthritic wife could bathe. It's a lovely place to visit for a dip on a hot day. And if you're an avid angler, you'll find a great fishing beach to the left of Gantheaume Point.

Looking for unusual things to do in Broome? The Staircase to the Moon fits the bill. About two or three days a month between March and October, locals and tourists flock to Broome's Town Beach for this mesmerizing sight. When a full moon rises over Roebuck Bay, its reflection gleams off the vast tidal flats, creating an optical illusion that resembles steps ascending into the dusk sky. The Mangrove Hotel overlooking the beach is a great vantage point.

During this popular phenomenon, Town Beach hosts the Staircase Markets . They are held from April to October on the night of the full moon. Here, shoppers can stock up on handmade gifts, and sample snacks from around the world; the cuisine ranges from Thai and Chinese to laksa, satay, and pizza. Live music lends a festive ambience.

At other times, Town Beach is a local's favorite with a popular café where mom and dad can relax while the kids run wild in the adjacent water park.

Cuddle a baby crocodile, see the rare cassowary, or pat a kangaroo. At the Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park, about a 15-minute drive from Broome, animal lovers can enjoy close-up views of some of Australia's quirkiest and most formidable creatures and learn about their habitat and behaviors.

This is more than just a crocodile park. Wallabies, dingoes, snakes, and lizards also inhabit the park, as well as a range of feathered critters, from emus to cockatoos and kookaburras. Stay for the croc feeding at 3pm, when some of the largest crocodiles in Australia demonstrate their surprising agility as they lunge for food.

About a five-minute drive from here, 12 Mile Bird Park features an array of exotic and indigenous birds representing 80 different species.

Address: Broome Road, Roebuck, Western Australia

Official site: https://www.malcolmdouglas.com.au/

Visiting Broome for the first time? Pop into the Broome Historical Museum for an overview of the town's fascinating history. Though small, the museum features informative exhibits on the pearling industry, cyclones, Broome's One Day War, seashells, and displays of Aboriginal artifacts.

Allow a couple of hours here to fully absorb all the history, but if you run out of time, ask the friendly volunteers for a pass, so you can revisit the museum during your stay. Kids can embark on their own learning adventure with the museum's quiz. If you're looking for cheap things to do in Broome on a rainy day, this is a great option.

History buffs who are particularly interested in Broome's pearling past may want to visit the Japanese cemetery . Here, a tall column commemorates the Japanese pearl fishers who lost their lives in a cyclone in 1908.

Address: Robinson Street, Broome, Western Australia

Official site: http://www.broomemuseum.org.au/

If you're looking for things to do in Broome at night, head to Sun Pictures in the heart of Broome's Chinatown . Here, you can recline in a deck chair under a star-spangled sky, and enjoy a movie at the oldest outdoor cinema in operation. Sun Pictures, screens a couple of movies a night, and it also has an interesting story of its own.

The cinema was born in the early 1900s as a store owned by the Yamasaki family. The family happened to love movies, so they converted part of their shop into a little Japanese playhouse. In 1913, a pearler purchased the building and transformed the store into a cinema.

Sun Pictures welcomed its first official audience in 1916 with a silent movie and has been screening movies ever since, despite frequent tidal flooding over the years. Today, the cinema is heritage-listed, and a levy tames the tides.

Before the movie, film buffs can pop into the small museum and browse the cinema memorabilia.

Address: Carnarvon Street, Broome, Western Australia

Official site: https://www.broomemovies.com.au/

Broome was once the pearling capital of the world. Today, you can learn more about this interesting facet of the town's history on a pearl farm tour, and see how they culture these highly acclaimed South Sea pearls.

Willie Creek offers a popular Pearl Farm tour from Broome, which demonstrates the entire process: from the initial oyster seeding to harvesting and grading. You'll also enjoy a boat cruise on Willie Creek and learn how to care for pearls.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm offers a land-based tour, as well as a pearl grading class.

Of course, no visit would be complete without an opportunity to purchase some of these South Sea beauties as a souvenir when you're shopping in Broome. You can pick up some pretty pearl jewelry at the many stores in Chinatown.

Seeing a humpback whale breach from the turquoise water is an unforgettable experience, and you can reserve a front row seat for this must-see experience in Broome. From June through September, these gentle giants of the sea migrate from the frigid waters of Antarctica to the warm waters off Broome to mate, give birth, and nurse their young.

The popular way to see them is on a whale watching sunset cruise aboard a comfortable catamaran. Not only can you see these magnificent animals up close, you'll also hear their sounds with the onboard hydrophone. Whale sightings are typically guaranteed during July and August.

If you don't have time for a multi-day trip to the rugged outback of The Kimberley, a day trip from Broome is a great way to get a taste of this spectacular region.

First stop is the Boab Prison Tree , outside the town of Derby. Although legend has it that the tree was once a temporary prison, evidence suggests that it was actually used by the local Indigenous people as a shelter and possibly a burial site.

Next, traverses the legendary Gibb River Road , a famous 4WD-route through the Kimberley, and one of Australia's top outdoor adventures , to the saw-toothed Windjana Gorge. Here, you can gaze up at the soaring 90-meter rock walls and look for fossils along this ancient reef. Corellas flock in the surrounding gum trees, and freshwater crocodiles lurk in the pools.

From here, head to Tunnel Creek , where you can delve deep inside Australia's oldest cave system to see more freshwater crocodiles, bats, and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

Broome fishing is diverse and rewarding. Creek fishing can be excellent. Cast a line here for barramundi, javelin fish, catfish, mangrove jacks, and threadfin and bluenose salmon.

Love to fish from the beach? Cable Beach is the best option. Here, you can cast along the gutters, or try your luck from the rocky headlands. Possible catches include dart, blue-spotted trevally, and threadfin salmon. Another decent fishing spot sits to the left of Gantheaume Point. If you're lucky, you might hook queenfish and trevally here.

Offshore fishing in Broome is another great option. Sailfish, Spanish mackerel, northern bluefin tuna, black marlin, cobia, and mahimahi are all possible catches. And if you just want an easy place to cast a line with the kids, head to the Town Jetty.

Anglers should note that huge tidal variations can impact your success. If you're fishing on your own, chat with local experts before you head out. Better still, book a guided trip.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Wonders of Western Australia: While you're in this ruggedly beautiful state, save time to explore some of the other things to see and do in Western Australia . Visit the vibrant capital of Perth , frequently voted one of the world's most livable cities, and explore the city's rewarding day trip destinations , like Rottnest Island, the picturesque Swan Valley, and historic Fremantle. In the state's far north, you can swim with whale sharks near Ningaloo reef and take a sightseeing tour of the remote red-rock wonderland of The Kimberley. Head south from Perth to bask on the dazzling beaches of Esperance .

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Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

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13 Best Things To Do In Broome, Western Australia You Can’t Miss

Located in the Kimberley region of   Western Australia , Broome is a small town home to just 14,000 people. Known as the  pearling capital of Australia , this town is surrounded by the  crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean  and is renowned for its iconic 22.5 km long white sandy Cable Beach.

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Broome is a place where the sun dips into the ocean, red cliffs and blue waters coexist in perfect harmony, and red dirt meets white sandy beaches. It’s a true  highlight of Australia’s unique Dinosaur Coast  and a must-visit in North-Western Australia. 

It’s one of our favourite destinations in Australia. 

If you’re itching for a Western Australia road trip, this Broome travel guide covers  everything you need to know about visiting Broome.

How To Get There 

Broome is located in northern Western Australia, nearly  2,000 km away from both Perth and Darwin . Needless to say, the easiest way to get there is by flying into Broome’s International Airport. There are  daily flights from Perth and Darwin  and seasonal flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. 

While the 2.5-hour flight from Perth is  a lot  quicker than the 22.5-hour drive, a  road trip to Broome is pretty awesome.  You can reach Broome by traveling along Highway 95 from Perth or via the Gibb River Road or Stuart Highway through Kununurra from NT or Queensland. Both trips offered incredible scenery that you just can’t find anywhere else in Australia.

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Perth To Broome Road Trip Itinerary   

Best Time To Visit Broome 

The best time to go to Broome is during the  dry season,  typically from  May to October,  when the days are warm, the nights are balmy, and the skies are clear. Think sunny 30C° days and crisp 15C° evenings. 

Because of Broome’s tropical climate, the wet season can get pretty sticky hot and you guessed it, rainy. You’ll find cheaper travel rates during the summer, but many tours and hotels don’t even operate during this time. 

Things To Do In Broome, Australia

Broome tourist attractions are all about enjoying the  incredible wilderness  of the Broome coastline and soaking in  unique cultural experiences.  Explore the beaches, eat delicious food, and get a taste of laid-back living.

Enjoy The Laid Back Lifestyle

Mosey through the streets lined with bohemian-style caravans while kids saunter around in the grass. Here, laughter mixes with the notes of Bob Marley’s classics echoing in the distance. This once sleepy outback pearling town is now a haven for  outdoor adventure and relaxed, beachside living.  It’s also a  favourite for Australia’s grey nomads  who leave their homes on the East Coast to spend 3-6 months in Broome to escape the cold. It’s easy to grab a chair and join the holidaymakers lounging with a book or beer in hand, soaking in the late afternoon sun.

Visit Cable Beach

If there’s one thing to do in Broome, it’s to get yourself a blanket and make your way to  Cable Beach . We promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Despite being the biggest attraction in Broome, it’s so big it feels  almost secluded . You can visit the beach on a busy day and find only about a dozen lounge chairs dotted in the sand. 

Take a walk down towards the southern end of the beach by the swim area and enjoy one of the best Broome beaches. Or drive your 4WD onto the northern end of the beach for the ultimate beach hangout!

You can also find a trailer at the back of the beach offering visitors a pick of activities for a fun beach day. Hire umbrellas, lounge chairs,  boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards , or even a bucket of toys for the little ones. There are lots of things to do in Cable Beach, whether you’re feeling active or just want to relax.

The water can be a bit chilly, but it’s crystal clear and nothing short of dreamy. If you don’t fancy a refreshing dip in the ocean, just stretch out on the white sand and  enjoy the sunshine . Cable Beach is  generally croc-safe , although be vigilant and follow local warnings, as saltwater (estuarine) crocs have been known to move into the waters along the beach.

READ NEXT: Best Beach Towns in Australia

Catch A Magnificent Cable Beach Sunset

If you’re on a budget and searching for  free things to see in Broome , you can’t go wrong with a sunset! There is something really magical about watching the sun dip into the ocean. Especially for us, having lived on the East Coast for so long. Admittedly, we’re not committed enough to wake up for sunrise, so sunsets are something we never get tired of seeing.

Sit back and watch as the colours start to change. Blue shades blend with the golden rays of the sun and fill the beach with a warm glow.

Just as the sun grazes the horizon, you’re likely to see a  train of camels appear   in the distance . They’ll slowly meander along Cable Beach, loaded with tourists enjoying a sunset camel ride. Keep your camera handy for the perfect photo moment.

And, of course, you can’t visit beaches in Broome without a sundowner. Finish the day with  cocktails and snacks at Zanders  on the Esplanade before taking a leisurely sunset walk up the beach.

Enjoy A Camel Ride

As we just mentioned, one of the top things to do in Broome is to  take a camel ride along the splendour of Cable Beach.  There are many different operators providing camel rides in Broome, and prices range from $40 to $95. You can go for a camel tour that uses a  reputable and sustainable provider  and makes sure the animals are well cared for. You can opt for a morning, afternoon, or sunset stroll along the pristine sand atop one of these unique animals.

Go Bargain Hunting At The Broome Courthouse Markets

One of our favourite things to do in Broome (or anywhere for that matter!) is to wake up early and head to the markets. The  Courthouse Markets have been a fixture in Broome  town  for over 20 years , operating weekly on  Saturdays and Sundays  (May  to October) . They are truly at the heart of the Broome community, where local flare meets rich history.

Not only will you get an enjoyable shopping experience, but it’s a great way to support small, local businesses, artisans, and organic farmers.

Soak up the atmosphere as stallholders joyfully chat with one another, catching up on the week’s events while you browse the stalls. You’ll find local pearls, local produce, handmade clothing, jewellery, and local art as  live music  fills the air. Plus, don’t forget to try goodies from  Kimberly Coffee  and crepes from the Patty Wagon. Worth getting up early for!

Take A Day Trip Or Weekend Getaway To Cape Leveque

An absolute must on the list of things to do in Broome is a  visit to Cape Leveque . It’s located on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, just 200 km north of Broome, Australia. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach, but the road is freshly sealed, so  4WD is no longer required . If you don’t want to drive it, you can join one of the Broome   tours to Cape Leveque .

Once you get there, you’ll be greeted with  colourful, natural beauty . We love Cable Beach, but Cape Leveque takes the beaches of Broome to a whole new level. Pristine white sand runs into turquoise water, backed by red sandstone cliffs that seem to turn to gold in the sunshine.

There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained at Cape Leveque. Go  snorkelling  in the azure waters, try a spot of  fishing , or jump aboard a  glass-bottom boat.  If you have a day to spare, take a  scenic flight over Horizontal Falls  for an adventure like no other. It’s one of the Broome attractions that you will never forget!

READ NEXT: Ultimate Guide To Visiting Cape Leveque & Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia

Visit Gantheaume Point

Gantheaume Point is another great spot to visit in Broome. It’s a popular sunset spot, a fun rock formation to explore, and a site for some unique dinosaur history. Here, you can view  130 million-year-old dinosaur footprints , which can be spotted on the red rock cliffs overlooking the water. You’ll want to  visit at low tide  for the best view, but there’s also a replica of the footprints at the entrance. This allows visitors to see the signs of ancient life even at high tide! 

You may also find remains of  Anastasia’s Pool , a once sprawling pool carved out by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife. The red rocks hug the jagged shore, offering a stark contrast and ideal opportunity for photo enthusiasts. 

Witness The Staircase To The Moon Over Roebuck Bay

One of the most unique Broome attractions is its seasonal phenomenon called  Staircase to the Moon . Visit  from March to November  to see a spectacular optical illusion that’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. If you can time it right, it’s  one of the best free things to do in Broome.

When a full moon rises, the moonlight reflects over the tidal flats at Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a staircase. The coolest part is that at low tide, the stairs appear to stretch all the way to the moon! You can  sit back on the sand at Town Beach  and admire the view. 

During Staircase to the Moon, Broome also hosts “Moon” or “ Staircase Markets ” where local vendors set up a festival-style market. There’s a huge variety of snacks and art to take over to the beach for the sunset festivities. Alternatively, head to  The Mangrove Hotel  to watch the moonrise from their lawns overlooking Roebuck Bay.

Fall In Love With Broome’s History And Culture

Broome has made its way onto the list of our favourite places in all of Australia. Its simplicity and uncomplicated ways make it a perfect place to  wind down and enjoy Western Australia’s life.  Yet, learning about Broome’s history in the pearling industry makes it even more intriguing.

You can easily spend a day walking around Broome’s centre, where shops and restaurants line Robinson Street. For a dose of history, stop into the  Broome Historical Museum  for snapshots of former pearling glory circa World War II. Or, wander through the  Japanese Cemetery , which pays homage to the many divers who contributed to the gruelling pearling industry.

For a hands-on experience, join in on  tours at Willie Creek  Pearl Farm . You’ll learn all about how modern pearling has evolved and even get to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch. Given that the town is built on pearling, this tour offers one of the most interesting things to do around Broome.

For another slice of history, head to  Sun Pictures  to catch a film at the oldest operating picture garden in the world! The 100-year-old   outdoor cinema  is a Broome staple in its northern Chinatown area.

Join a Whale Watching Tour in Kimberley Marine Park

If you happen to be in Broome during the winter months (June to October), this is a great time for a whale watching tour. Every year during this time, 35,000 humpback whales seek refuge in Kimberley’s warm, tropical waters to mate and calve.

The  Broome Visitor Centre  provides  information  on whale-watching tours, as well as recommendations for responsible operators in the area. As always, it’s best to go with a tour company that is experienced and focused on sustainable practices. 

Cruise the Kimberley

Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley Coast, and serves as the starting point for several boat cruise operators.  Day cruises  visit destinations like King George Falls, the  Buccaneer Archipelago , Hidden Island, Silica Beach,  Horizontal Falls  and much more. This is a great way to see some stunning natural beauty that you just can’t reach any other way. Plus, you get to kick back and not worry about logistics.

Go on a Turtle Kayak Adventure

The warm, turquoise waters off the coast of Broome are home to a large variety of marine life. Sea turtles and dolphins can be seen throughout the year, and humpback whales are often seen close to the shore during their migratory season. 

Visit a Local Distillery or Brewery

Sample locally produced spirits at one of the nearby distilleries. Located in Broome town,  Moontide Distillery  produces gin and other spirits with local botanicals using sustainable practices. The Moontide Distillery Cellar Door offers gin tastings paired with curated cheese boards. 

Famous for its ginger beer,  Matso’s Broome Brewery offers tasting paddles that feature their permanent and seasonal brews. The onsite restaurant offers a wonderfully varied menu, including unique vegan options.

Where To Stay: Broome Accommodation

Here are the best places to stay in Broome, from caravan parks to luxurious hotels. The local tourist office also has a  comprehensive list  of accommodations for visitors with specific needs.

Cable Beach Holiday Park

Just off the shores of Cable Beach, the   Cable Beach Holiday Park  is a  lovely destination for caravans.  The park is covered in lush tropical gardens with a refreshing saltwater pool and mini-golf course. It’s a  favourite for families  but offers a range of options for accommodation in Broome. Book a powered campsite, self-contained cabin, or family cabin for bigger groups. Rates range from $45-260 per night. 

Broome Bird Observatory

Some 30 minutes outside of town, the  Broome Bird Observatory  is  our favourite campground in Broome.  The peaceful sounds of birds in the distance are the ultimate way to relax under the stars. And it’s an ideal spot for any bird lover. The Observatory has a birdbath right outside of the camp kitchen that attracts hundreds of bird species on a daily basis. 

The Observatory offers unpowered campsites, basic rooms, and a self-contained chalet. It’s the  best place to stay in Broome for pure tranquillity . Rates range from $20-160 per night.

Beaches Of Broome

For travellers on every budget,   Beaches of Broome  has it all. A  budget-friendly resort , the grounds take backpacker luxury to a new level. The hotel has a variety of dorm-style and private rooms, along with an outdoor pool and sundeck, with the famous Cable Beach just a 5-minute walk away. 

Bicycle and motorbike rentals are available to guests, and the onsite tour desk will help arrange your adventures in and around Broome. Bunks start at just $23, while private rooms start at $106.

The Billi Resort

Settle into a  tropical escape  at   The Billi , a gorgeous boutique resort at the north end of Cable Beach. The contemporary design is complemented by  lush outdoor gardens , a swimming pool, and meandering timber walkways. The resort offers standard rooms, villas, and luxurious eco-safari tents. 

The resort tour desk can arrange car and scooter rentals, camel riding tours, and scenic flights. Rooms start at $186 per night

Eco Beach Resort

Along the other side of Roebuck Bay,   Broome’s Eco Beach Resort  is a  stunning wilderness retreat.  It’s 130 km south of Broome and offers luxury eco villas and safari tents on a stretch of pristine coastline. Guests get the option of either garden view or sunset view tents, all with private ensuite bathrooms and balconies. 

There is an onsite restaurant and bar, and on certain dates, long table dinners are held, which feature dishes made with local produce and single vineyard wines. The resort provides complimentary kayaks and SUPs, free yoga sessions, as well as guided nature tours throughout the season. Enjoy what Kimberley living is all about as you  reconnect with nature . Tents start at $140 per night.

Have you got more ideas for the best things to do in Broome? Share them with us!

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Broome (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Broome (Australia)

Blending staggering coastal scenery, awesome natural wonders and an origin story that demands investigation, the Western Australian town of Broome has a lot going for it.

Broome’s modern story begins with the pearling industry in the 1870s.

The local abundance of pinctada maxima oysters created a pearl-diving boom, as well as Australia’s first genuinely multicultural district.

Broome’s Chinatown today is a mix of Asian restaurants and glittering jewellery shops, and is home to the world’s oldest open-air cinema.

The coast around Broome has a huge tidal range of 10 metres, causing incredible natural phenomena like Staircase to the Moon, and Horizontal Falls in the nearby Buccaneer Archipelago.

1. Cable Beach

It’s no exaggeration to call the 22-kilometre ribbon of perfect white sand on the west side of Broome one of the best beaches in the world.

Cable Beach’s spotless sands are trimmed with low, ochre red cliffs and washed by mostly gentle turquoise surf.

There are campgrounds and resorts all along the Broome section of the beach, but there’s ample space for everyone especially at low tide and even during peak season from May to October.

When it comes to activities there’s fishing, kayaking in the light surf, swimming and camel rides (more later). This last activity normally takes place late in the day when the sunsets on the west-facing beachfront are a thing of rare beauty.

Between October and February the beach is a nesting site for sea turtles, while the beach and the reserve at Minyirr Park are crucial to the local Aboriginal as Broome’s dreamtime birthplace.

2. Pearl Tours

We’ve seen that both the past and present of Broome are anchored in the lucrative pearling industry.

Some of the finest pearls on the planet continue to come out of this town, and for a sight of these riches make for the glitzy jewellery showrooms in Chinatown.

The trade has weathered the Second World War, when the entire pearling fleet was burnt, as well as the advent of plastic as a cheap alternative to genuine mother of pearl for buttons.

To truly get a handle on the pearling industry in Broome, you have to see a farm in person.

You can do this with the Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour through the online tour platform GetYourGuide.com .

You’ll travel by air-conditioned coach to the lease, set on a sheltered tidal estuary, learning every stage of the pearl-making process, from seeding to harvesting.

You’ll also get to see just how tricky it is to extract a pearl from an oyster, and will embark on a water tour of the farm.

3. Horizontal Falls

One of a couple of extraordinary natural phenomena to be witnessed close to Broome is Horizontal Falls.

This takes place in a set of twin canyons in the Buccaneer Archipelago, north-east of the Dampier Peninsula.

When the tide is just right and seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, the waters surge through the two openings at high speed literally horizontal waterfalls.

The spectacle has been praised by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world”. There’s no way to get to Horizontal Falls by road, but listed on GetYourGuide.com is the “ Horizontal Falls Half-Day Seaplane & Boat Tour “. After a brief seaplane flight from Broome to Talbot Bay, you’ll board a high-speed boat for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the falls.

Afterwards you can unwind on a cruise through the archipelagos creeks and bays, and can bathe in a massive protective cage safe from crocs or sharks.

4. Gantheaume Point

While mapping the coast in 1801, the explorer Nicolas Baudin named this promontory after French naval officer Honoré Joseph Antoine Ganteaume.

You can find it just minutes out of Broome at the south end of Cable Beach.

There’s a beach area on the north-east side, an embarkation point for fishing charters and kayak trips.

The promontory meanwhile is adored for its medley of colours, in the blazing red of the pindan cliffs and the turquoise and white of the Indian Ocean.

At very low tide you can walk out to find dinosaur footprints preserved in the reef rock for 125 million years.

Plaster casts have been made, and you can see them on the cliff top at other times.

Another endearing detail is Anastasia’s Pool, a kind of natural jacuzzi, carved decades ago from the rock by a lighthouse keeper to alleviate his wife’s arthritis.

5. Sun Pictures Cinema

The world’s oldest open-air cinema still in operation can be found in Broome’s old Chinatown.

Sun Pictures opened its doors in December 1916, having been converted from a Noh theatre that belonged to a Japanese family and opened three years before.

This weatherboard building was added to the Western Australia Heritage Register in 1996, and in 2002 an indoor cinema opened next door so you can watch a new release or Hollywood classic in any weather.

Movies are screened in double bills, and the schedule is posted on Sun Pictures Facebook page.

One quirk of the outdoor cinema is that it sits under the flight path of Broome Airport, and it’s a tradition for the audience to clap when planes pass overhead.

6. Staircase to the Moon

If you’re planning a trip to Broome, check the calendar to see if you’ll coincide with a wonderful natural phenomenon that occurs just three times a month.

Staircase to the Moon happens when the full or nearly full moon rises above the exposed tidal flats in Roebuck Bay.

This creates a kind of notched shaft of light resembling steps, and is a beautiful sight to behold.

You can pack a picnic and watch the show from the newly refurbished terraces behind Town Beach (more below). The first two nights of Staircase to the Moon each month are also accompanied by the Staircase Markets, while the Mangrove Hotel Resort puts on live entertainment every staircase night.

7. Whale Watching

Every year, tens of thousands of humpback whales make the long trip up from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warm Indian Ocean off the Kimberley Coast.

Arriving around June and staying to October, these humpbacks visit to mate and calve in the sheltered waters around the Bonaparte and Buccaneer Archipelagos.

Whale watching tours, taking you close to this inquisitive and acrobatic species, set off from Broome between July and September.

One company, Broome Whale Watching, has guaranteed whale sightings on every trip since its first voyage in 2008. Outside whale season you can also head out into Roebuck Bay to sight the snubfin dolphins native to Australia’s northern coasts.

8. Broome Historical Museum

You can bet that a town like Broome has some riveting tales to tell, and the Broome Historical Museum has a host of different rabbit holes to go down.

One is the series of deadly Japanese air raids on Broome in 1942. One of these attacks destroyed more than 20 aircraft, the wreckage of which can still be seen at low tide off Town Beach.

There’s background on Broome’s multicultural origins, as well as the pearling industry that has supported the town for generations, as well as the complex Aboriginal culture that predates everything else.

Even the location is significant, as the Broome Historical Museum is housed in an old general store that opened in the 1890s

9. Broome Bird Observatory

Set on the north side of Roebuck Bay , the Broome Bird Observatory was established in 1988 as a base to study and appreciate the amazing birdlife that flocks to this part of the coast.

More than 300 species have been recorded around the rich mudflats of Roebuck Bay, among them an incredible variety of shorebirds.

The best time to come is between August and April, outside the period that the migratory shorebirds spend breeding across Asia and Siberia, but many thousands do remain behind on the bay as they’re not ready to breed.

August to October is spectacular, when the birds return to the bay, many still in their brilliant breeding plumage.

The facility is set in the pindan woodland common to Dampierland, and offers self-guided walks and guided tours to day-trippers, but also multi-day courses, with campsites and air-conditioned accommodation for people staying overnight.

10. Dampier Peninsula

For some people, the prospect of traversing this sparsely inhabited and naturally beautiful peninsula north-east of Broome will be too enticing to resist.

This is a red-tinted land of pindan bush, far-reaching tidal flats and totally unspoiled beaches.

Offshore the waters are packed with dugongs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales during calving season A diversity of Aboriginal communities (Djarindjin, One Arm Point (Ardyloon), Lombadina and Beagle Bay) can be found on the peninsula, sharing the land with remote pearling camps.

To experience the Dampier Peninsula, head to the Broome Visitor Centre, which can put you in touch with a guide who will give you an Aboriginal perspective.

You’ll discover the craft of spear-making, catch mid crabs and try traditional bush tucker.

Hardy travellers can also explore the peninsula under your own steam in a 4WD, and the visitor centre will help you hire a vehicle and prepare for your adventure responsibly.

11. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park

This animal attraction just out of town on the Broome Road upholds the legacy of the documentary maker, crocodile farmer and conservationist , Malcolm Douglas (1941-2010). Entered via the gigantic fibreglass jaws of a saltwater croc, the park is home to some of the largest crocodiles on display in the world.

You can get a sense of these reptiles’ incredible power on a daily feeding tour, while the park contains a wealth of other wildlife, including all sorts of birds, snakes, wallabies, kangaroos, emus and a cassowary.

At the shop you can retrace Malcolm Douglas’ 40 years as a documentary filmmaker and purchase a variety of saltwater crocodile products.

12. Broome Town Beach

As well as being the perfect place to witness Staircase to the Moon, this stretch of waterfront facing east towards Roebuck Bay has been transformed in the last few years.

With the reconstruction of the terrace and revetment wall, there’s an inviting, landscaped green space on the foreshore, complete with a new kids’ water park, shaded by colourful canopies.

Check the tide times and you can head out into the tidal flats for a long walk, passing the remnants of WWII-era Catalina flying boats destroyed by Japanese raids, normally concealed by the ocean.

Next to the Water Park and Town Beach Cafe is the Pioneer Cemetery, with 11 gravesites, the oldest of which goes back to 1883, the year Broome was gazetted as a town.

13. Camel Tours

The endless sands and vast tidal range of Cable Beach set the scene for a captivating experience at sunset.

You can saddle up on a friendly camel for a trek across the tidal flats as the low sun illuminates the beach.

The various hues of the ocean and sky, and the sight of your caravan reflected in the mirror-like sands will stay with you long after you’ve gone home.

You can access your camel from a platform, and your guide will be happy to take photos from the beach.

You’ll also have lots of opportunities to interact with the camels and will find out their habits, diet and history.

The three companies providing sunset camel tours on Cable Beach are Red Sun Camels, Broome Camel Safaris and Sundowner Camel Tours.

14. Kimberley Cruises

Horizontal Falls is just one of an overwhelming assortment of natural wonders ready to be discovered on the Kimberley Coast.

To see them, there’s a directory of tour operators and charter companies with packages to suit your plans and pocket, like Kimberley Coast Cruises, True North, Go Beyond Broome, Coral Expeditions, One Time Charters and Kimberley Expeditions.

Some cruises even offer helicopter flights so you can witness this scenery from the air.

For just a taste of some of the splendour in store, there’s the vast Montgomery Reef, which seems to rise from the sea at low tide, the terraced falls of King’s Cascades, the sublime Aboriginal rock art at Raft Point and the majestic , 80-metre King George Falls.

15. Broome Courthouse Markets

Dating back to 1889, Broome’s functioning courthouse was initially used as the town’s cable station, before being converted into a court in 1921. Every Saturday all year, and every Sunday from April to October, the heritage-listed gardens put on a bustling market with well over 100 stallholders.

With live music in the air, you can potter around for seasonal fruit and vegetables, handmade fashion, jewellery, leather goods, homewares, arts and crafts, cosmetics, books, plants, flowers and a lot more besides.

Bring an appetite too as there’s always a lineup of food trucks and stands for Thai, kebabs, burgers, Filipino cuisine, arrosticini, lumpia, ice cream and crepes, to name but a few.

15 Best Things to Do in Broome (Australia):

• Cable Beach
• Pearl Tours
• Horizontal Falls
• Gantheaume Point
• Sun Pictures Cinema
• Staircase to the Moon
• Whale Watching
• Broome Historical Museum
• Broome Bird Observatory
• Dampier Peninsula
• Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
• Broome Town Beach
• Camel Tours
• Kimberley Cruises
• Broome Courthouse Markets

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Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia

Guide to Broome

Aboriginal name:  Rubibi (pronounced Roo-bee-bee)

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• Getting to Broome
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A multicultural melting pot, Broome is a tropical delight and the gateway to the Kimberley, one of the world’s great wildernesses.

Beginning life as a pearling town in the 1880s, Broome was a wild frontier, attracting workers from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan and Europe. Along with strong First Nations cultures, these influences are all here today, giving Broome a vibe unlike anywhere else. Red dirt sits beside aqua ocean, pearl boutiques rub shoulders with laid-back breweries, and activities range from world-class diving to unhurried camel rides.

Nagji gurrjin! Welcome from the Yawuru people, the Traditional Owners of Broome/Rubibi who occupied the region for over 30,000 years before Europeans settled and are known for their saltwater customs. Experience Aboriginal culture in Rubibi with local First Nations guide Bart Pigram, on a Narlijia (translated to ‘true for you’) tour.

• Traditional name: Rubibi (pronounced Roo-bee-bee)
• Indigenous Peoples: Yawuru peopls
• Traditional languages: Yawuru 
• How to say g’day in Yawuru: Ngaji gurrjin!

Most Australian capital cities fly directly into Broome Airport, or connect through Perth Airport.

• Broome Airport (BME) is conveniently located less than a kilometre (about half a mile) from the city
• Because of the close proximity to the city centre, there are taxi and car hire services if you do not wish to walk to or from the city
• Most hotels in Broome offer an airport transfer

There are car hire operators, taxi services and bus services operating seven days a week throughout Broome’s city and the surrounding attractions.

Broome’s tropical weather is defined by a wet and dry season. While Broome is an incredible destination all year round, the dry season (May - October) is largely regarded as the best time to visit, when days will be warm and skies will be clear. The wet season (November - April) is known for its rainy nights and hot days, but visitors will also enjoy fewer crowds.

• High season: Dry season (May - October)
• Low season:   Wet season (November - April)
• Don’t miss: getting a view of the ‘staircase to the moon’, when the light of the moon reflects off exposed tidal flats at Roebuck Bay (on the full moon from March to October)

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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Like a paste jewel set in a tiara of natural splendours, Broome clings to a narrow strip of pindan (red-soil country) on the Kimberley's far-western edge, at the base of the pristine Dampier Peninsula. Surrounded by the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean and the creeks, mangroves and mudflats of Roebuck Bay, this Yawuru Country is a good 2000km from the nearest capital city.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cable Beach

WA's most famous landmark offers turquoise waters and beautiful white sand curving away to the sunset. Clothing is optional north of the rocks, while…

Rowley Shoals Marine Park

These three coral atolls lie approximately 300km from Broome in the Indian Ocean, on the edge of Australia's continental shelf, and have a reputation for…

Broome Bird Observatory

The RAMSAR-recognised tidal mudflats of Roebuck Bay are a vital staging post for thousands of migratory birds, coming from as far away as Siberia. In a…

Sun Pictures

Sink back in a canvas deck chair under the stars in the world's oldest operating picture gardens, dating from 1916. The history of the Sun building is the…

Gantheaume Point & Dinosaur Prints

Beautiful at dawn or sunset when the pindan cliffs turn scarlet and the Indian Ocean brilliant turquoise, this peaceful lookout holds a 135-million-year…

Roebuck Bay Lookout

At the end of Dampier Tce this lookout has a view of Roebuck Bay and its mangroves and features interpretative panels from the local Yawuru and high…

Short Street Gallery's Hopton St stock room at Town Beach holds a stunning collection of canvases from across the Kimberley and beyond.

WWII Flying Boat Wrecks

On a very low tide (

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Horizontal Falls

The turquoise water of Talbot Bay ( Ganbadba ) and the fast-moving tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, pushing the water into rapid like formations which rush through the twin gaps at an astonishing rate, producing waterfalls turned on their side. The powerful tides in the Kimberley can reach more than 10 metres and the direction of the flow reverses ensuring the water flows two different ways each day.

The white waters are thrilling to see up close and awe-inspiring to view from the air. Join a scenic flight and land in Talbot Bay or day cruise to the Horizontal Falls from Cygnet Bay, Broome or Derby to see and experience it for yourself.

Nicknamed ' the Horries ' and known as Garaanngaddim to the Aboriginal community, the Horizontal Falls are located in the Lang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park.

The North Lalang-garram Marine Park lies between Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park and the North Kimberley Marine Park and covers about 110,000 hectares.

Please read the Dambimangari Visitor Code of Conduct when planning a visit to Dambimangari country.

Lalang-garram is a Dambimangari name that evokes the saltwater as a spiritual place of great natural abundance. Call for personalised service from the Broome Visitor Centre on +61 8 9195 2200 Please note: A 7km drone exclusion zone surrounding Garaanngaddim (Horizontal Falls) has been created for the safety of seaplanes and helicopters. For more information on flying remotely piloted aircraft / drones visit Drones in Parks .

Please note that ALL boat tours as part of Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure tours no longer go through the narrow gap, but they do traverse the wider gap at the falls (subject to the operator's terms and conditions at all times). Kimberley Day cruises get up close to the falls but do not go through either gap.

Huge tidal movements are not to be missed!

Described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world", the Horizontal Falls are powered by the huge tidal movements of the Indian Ocean . Whether exploring them by boat on a day cruise or extended luxury cruise, by sea plane or take a Horizontal Falls scenic flight these awesome beauties have to be seen. A unique experience which demonstrates the awesome power of the Kimberley tides.

#1 on the bucket list

A unique experience which demonstrates the awesome power of the Kimberley tides.

Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago this unique waterfall is not accessible directly by vehicle/road. You can see it with half day, full day, overnight stays, helicopter flights or small plane tours. We do have some options that include a 4WD journey that meets the seaplane at Cygnet Bay (these are the Fly/Drive or Drive/Fly tours).

Get up close with an multi day, extended Kimberley cruise that includes a visit to Talbot Bay, or visit by seaplane and land at the Horizontal Falls floating pontoon base to enjoy a thrilling boat ride close to the rushing water torrents. Guests can also choose to get close to the Horizontal Falls with a brand new one-day cruise departing Broome or Cygnet Bay .

Choose from scenic flight only options , or full day tours which include on the ground experiences on the Dampier Peninsula.

On neap tide dates , there are alternative options to still see the falls and you can flyover the Horizontal Falls with a scenic flight from Broome, Cygnet Bay or Derby all year round.

It is always a great idea to call us on 08 9195 2200 to explain the various options for your preferred travel dates.

A popular destination for adventure tourism

The Horizontal Falls have become a popular destination for adventure tourism. Visitors can enjoy fast boat rides through the wider gap* at the Horizontal Falls or enjoy a swim in the marine viewing platform for a truly thrilling experience. * when conditions are suitable

Check out the fantastic ways to explore the Horizontal Falls with the operators below...

Our members.

FLY BROOME is a scenic and charter flight company based in the historical town of Broome, Western Australia. FLY BROOME showcases the iconic attractions of the West Kimberley coast, highlighting the world famous Horizontal Falls, stunning 1000…

Kimberley Day Cruise

Join Kimberley Day Cruise for a full-day tour departing Broome and Cygnet Bay to the remarkable natural wonder of the Kimberley, the Horizontal Falls.*Guests departing from Broome will be picked up at 5:00am, don’t worry you’ll be able to get some…

KAS Helicopters

No matter your helicopter requirements in the Kimberley, get off to a flying start with the specialist Kimberley team at KAS Helicopters.Our safe, highly skilled pilots will fly you in comfort to famous landmarks and incredible destinations…

Eclipse Expeditions

Eclipse Expeditions has launched a new and exceptional charter operation on Australia's pristine West Coast. We will explore parts of Australia's remote Kimberley, the untouched magic of the Montebello Islands and the awarded Southwest wine…

Air Kimberley

Fly the Kimberley with Air Kimberley experiencing the unique advantage of scenic air adventures to see Australia's, and the world's last great wilderness frontiers, the Kimberley, wild and remote in the North-west of Western Australia.Air Kimberley…

Broome Aviation

We are proud to offer a variety of sensational scenic flights over Broome and Cable Beach, through to awesome land and air adventures encapsulating natural wonders like the Bungle Bungle ranges, Geikie Gorge, Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls and the…

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

As the region’s longest-running Horizontal Falls Tour operators, we know there’s no better way to experience the Kimberley than at close quarters. That’s why we pioneered seaplane tours over this magnificent wilderness.We have our own fleet of…

Ventur Atlas

At Ventur Atlas, we take curious travellers on an immersive and authentic adventure at land, air & sea. More than just a tour company, we craft once-in-a-lifetime ventures that are ideal for time-pressed travellers wanting to indulge in the full…

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