There are places that feel like a holiday. And then there are places that feel like another world. Broome is one of them.
At the edge of Western Australia’s Kimberley region. where deep red earth meets brilliant turquoise water and enormous skies stretch towards the horizon. Broome feels wonderfully removed from everyday life. It is a place of spectacular sunsets. Ancient landscapes. Pearl farms. Aboriginal culture and beaches that seem to go on forever.
Known as Rubibi in the language of the Yawuru people. Broome has a history shaped by the sea and the pearling industry. Yet its identity today is much broader. It is a meeting place of cultures. Landscapes and experiences. From camel rides along Cable Beach to dinosaur footprints. Indigenous cultural tours and the extraordinary Staircase to the Moon.
Broome is also the gateway to the Kimberley. one of Australia’s great wilderness regions. making it an ideal destination for travellers who want their holiday to feel adventurous without giving up beautiful places to stay. good food and long afternoons beside the ocean.
Come for the famous sunsets. Stay for the feeling that you have travelled somewhere truly far away.
Why Visit Broome?
Broome has an unusual kind of beauty. It is not polished in the way of a traditional resort town. Instead. its charm comes from contrast.
Red pindan cliffs sit beside clear blue water. Pearl boutiques sit alongside relaxed cafés and breweries. Ancient Aboriginal culture exists alongside the history of Japanese and other Asian pearlers who helped shape the town.
And then there is the landscape.
Broome gives you the chance to spend a morning learning about pearls. an afternoon walking along one of Australia’s most famous beaches and an evening watching the moon create an optical illusion across the mudflats of Roebuck Bay.
If Western Australia’s enormous landscapes have captured your imagination. our Ultimate Perth Travel Guide is a beautiful place to continue planning a wider Western Australian journey.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Broome?
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Broome has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season.
The dry season runs from May to October and is generally considered the best time to visit. Days are warm. skies are clearer and many roads and attractions are open. The most popular period is generally from mid June through mid August.
The wet season runs from November to April. Temperatures remain high and humidity increases. but the landscape becomes lush and the town is generally quieter. The wet season can also bring spectacular thunderstorms and dramatic skies.
If witnessing the famous Staircase to the Moon is important to you. plan around the full moon between March and October. During this phenomenon. moonlight reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay and creates the illusion of a glowing staircase rising towards the moon.
Fall in Love With Cable Beach
Cable Beach is the image most people associate with Broome.
Photo by Wael Belkahla
The beach stretches for around 22 kilometres. creating an enormous sweep of white sand against the Indian Ocean.
Come early in the day when the beach feels peaceful and expansive. Walk barefoot along the shoreline. Swim during the appropriate season and let the huge Kimberley sky remind you just how far away you are from the ordinary. But come back in the evening.
As the sun begins to disappear over the ocean. the entire beach becomes golden. One of Broome’s most memorable experiences is watching this sunset from a camel caravan moving slowly along the sand.
You do not have to ride a camel to enjoy the spectacle. Simply finding a quiet place on the beach and watching the colours change is enough.
Experience the Magic of the Staircase to the Moon
There are sunsets. And then there is the Staircase to the Moon.
Between March and October. around the full moon. the rising moon reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. creating a shimmering optical illusion that looks remarkably like a staircase reaching towards the sky.
It is one of those natural experiences that photographs struggle to capture properly.
Find a place around Town Beach or another suitable viewpoint. Bring something to sit on and give yourself time to watch the moon rise slowly.
The experience becomes even more beautiful because it does not feel manufactured.
You simply have to wait for the right moment.
Discover Broome’s Pearling History
Photo by Clifford Coulter
Broome’s relationship with pearls is woven into the identity of the town.
The pearling industry helped shape Broome from the late nineteenth century and attracted workers and communities from Japan. China. Malaysia. Indonesia and Europe alongside the region’s First Nations cultures.
A visit to a working pearl farm is one of the best ways to understand this history.
At places such as Willie Creek Pearl Farm. visitors can learn about pearl cultivation. see oysters growing in their natural environment and discover how the pearls eventually become jewellery.
It is much more interesting than simply buying a beautiful pearl in a shop because you leave understanding the story behind it.
Learn About Yawuru Culture
Broome is located on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people and its Aboriginal heritage is an essential part of understanding the destination.
Look for locally led cultural experiences that introduce visitors to the area’s mangroves. plants. animals. stories and connection to Country.
These experiences offer something that a conventional sightseeing tour cannot.
Instead of simply looking at the landscape. you begin to understand its meaning.
Take the time to listen. Ask questions respectfully and choose experiences led by Traditional Owners whenever possible.
Explore Gantheaume Point
Photo by Alex Dos Santos
Just a short distance from Broome. Gantheaume Point is where the colours of the Kimberley seem to come together.
Red cliffs rise dramatically above turquoise water while white sand stretches along the coast. The contrast is spectacular and makes the area particularly beautiful around sunrise or sunset.
Gantheaume Point is also famous for dinosaur footprints. Fossilised tracks estimated to be around 120 million years old can be seen in the area when conditions allow.
It is difficult to imagine dinosaurs walking across this landscape.
And yet their footprints remain.
Go Looking for Dinosaur Footprints
One of Broome’s most unexpected experiences is stepping into the distant past.
The coastline around Broome contains fossilised dinosaur footprints dating back around 120 million years. Some are found in remote areas and can be explored as part of guided experiences.
The experience is especially memorable because the setting is so beautiful.
You are not walking through a museum or looking at an exhibit behind glass. You are standing on the same ancient coastline where enormous creatures once moved across the landscape.
It is a reminder that Broome’s story stretches far beyond the pearling era.
Explore the Kimberley
Photo by Josh Withers
Broome is more than a destination in itself. It is a doorway into the Kimberley.
The region is famous for enormous wilderness landscapes. rugged coastlines. dramatic gorges and ancient geological formations.
One of the most spectacular experiences is a trip towards the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. where powerful tidal movements force water through narrow gaps between rocky ranges. Scenic flights and boat experiences offer different ways to experience the landscape.
If you have extra time. consider extending your trip beyond Broome rather than trying to squeeze every experience into a few days. The Kimberley deserves time.
Take a Trip to the Horizontal Falls
The Horizontal Falls are one of those places that sound almost impossible until you see them.
Located in the Kimberley. the falls are created by enormous tidal movements pushing water through narrow gaps in parallel ranges. The effect changes with the tides and can be experienced from the air and by boat.
A scenic flight from Broome gives you the chance to appreciate just how vast this landscape really is.
From above. the coastline seems endless.
Then you descend towards Talbot Bay and suddenly the landscape becomes dramatic and intimate.
It is the kind of experience that reminds you why travelling to remote places can be so rewarding.
Meet Broome’s Marine Wildlife
The waters around Broome are just as fascinating as the land.
Depending on the season and conditions. marine experiences can include encounters with turtles. dolphins. dugongs. manta rays and other wildlife. Broome is also known as a particularly good place to look for the rare snubfin dolphin.
Kayaking is a gentle way to experience the coastline while boat cruises offer opportunities to explore further offshore.
If you love marine adventures. Western Australia has even more to offer. Our guide to Ningaloo Reef explores one of the country’s most extraordinary underwater landscapes. including its whale sharks. coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Visit the Japanese Cemetery
Broome’s history is deeply multicultural and the Japanese Cemetery is one of the places where that history becomes especially visible.
The cemetery contains more than 900 graves and reflects the important role Japanese pearlers played in Broome’s early pearling industry.
It is a quiet place to visit and offers a very different perspective from the beaches and adventure experiences.
Take your time here.
Broome becomes much more interesting when you look beyond its postcard-perfect coastline and discover the stories that shaped it.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Broome has another wonderfully nostalgic experience waiting in the centre of town. Sun Pictures is an outdoor cinema with a long history and is recognised by Tourism Australia as the world’s oldest operating outdoor picture garden.
Watching a film beneath the Kimberley night sky feels almost surreal.
It is the perfect kind of experience for an evening when you have already spent the day exploring and simply want to slow down.
Discover Broome’s Food Scene
Broome’s food culture reflects the many communities that have shaped the town.
You will find fresh seafood. Asian influences. tropical flavours and relaxed outdoor dining. Local ingredients are often the star rather than complicated preparation.
Fresh prawns. barramundi and other seafood are natural choices while tropical fruit and Asian-inspired flavours appear across menus.
For a relaxed afternoon. visit one of Broome’s local breweries or cafés and enjoy the fact that meals here do not need to be rushed.
The best Broome meals are often the ones eaten slowly.
Visit Matso’s Brewery
Matso’s is one of Broome’s most recognisable food and drink stops.
Located in a historic building opposite Roebuck Bay. the brewery is known for tropical-inspired drinks and its famous ginger beer. It also serves food influenced by the multicultural character of Broome.
Come for lunch. stay for the atmosphere and leave room for an afternoon that does not involve checking the time. That is very much the Broome way.
Where to Stay in Broome
Broome has accommodation for different styles of travellers.
For the classic Broome experience. staying close to Cable Beach puts you near the ocean and those famous sunsets.
For a more central experience. staying around the town centre gives you easier access to restaurants. markets. Chinatown and historical attractions.
If you want something more luxurious. Broome also has beautiful resorts where the tropical landscape becomes part of the stay.
For a wider Western Australian luxury inspiration. you can also explore Eat Live Escape’s feature on Crown Towers Perth for another take on a sophisticated Western Australian escape.
Getting Around Broome
Broome is relatively easy to explore once you arrive.
Car hire. taxis and buses are available and many hotels offer airport transfers. Broome Airport is very close to the town centre.
Having a car becomes particularly useful if you want to visit places outside the immediate town area or explore at your own pace.
For organised experiences such as pearl farms. cultural tours and Kimberley adventures. transfers are often available.
Settle into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring Cable Beach. Stay for sunset and let your trip begin without rushing into a packed itinerary.
Day 2: Pearls and Broome History
Spend the morning learning about the pearling industry at a local pearl farm. Then explore Chinatown and the Japanese Cemetery before enjoying an evening at Sun Pictures.
Day 3: Gantheaume Point and the Coast
Explore Gantheaume Point and look for dinosaur footprints when conditions allow. Spend the afternoon around Cable Beach before enjoying another sunset.
Day 4: Kimberley Adventure
Take a scenic flight or organised excursion towards the Horizontal Falls and experience one of the region’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Day 5: Slow Down
Keep your final day deliberately open.
Enjoy breakfast. Take a final walk along the beach. Browse the boutiques or simply sit somewhere beautiful and watch Broome move around you.
If your visit coincides with the full moon season. finish your trip with the Staircase to the Moon.
What to Pack for Broome
Broome’s tropical climate means lightweight clothing is essential.
Bring breathable clothes. comfortable sandals or walking shoes. swimwear. sunglasses. a hat and strong sun protection.
A lightweight long-sleeved shirt is useful for protecting yourself from the sun while a light rain jacket can be handy during the wetter months.
If you are planning a Kimberley adventure. bring practical clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities.
And leave a little space in your suitcase.
You may find yourself coming home with a beautiful pearl.
For a stylish approach to warm-weather dressing. you can also explore eleSTYLED for wardrobe inspiration that works beautifully for relaxed coastal travel.
How to Travel Responsibly in Broome
Broome is a place where travel and culture are closely connected.
Take time to learn about the Yawuru people and the significance of Country. Choose Aboriginal-led experiences where possible and follow guidance when visiting culturally significant places.
The landscape also deserves care.
Stay on marked paths. Follow beach and marine safety advice. Do not disturb wildlife and leave natural areas exactly as you found them.
When you travel somewhere as extraordinary as Broome. the best souvenir is the knowledge that you helped preserve it.
Broome for Different Types of Travellers
For Beach Lovers
Cable Beach is the obvious starting point. Spend your days swimming. walking and watching extraordinary sunsets.
For Adventure Lovers
The Kimberley offers unforgettable experiences from the Horizontal Falls to dinosaur footprints and remote coastal landscapes.
For Wildlife Lovers
Look towards the water for turtles. dolphins. dugongs and other marine life.
For History Lovers
Broome’s pearling industry. Japanese Cemetery and multicultural history provide plenty to discover.
For Couples
Sunset camel rides. beautiful resorts. long beach walks and intimate dinners make Broome an unforgettable escape for two.
For Slow Travellers
Broome is perfect for doing less.
Give yourself time to sit by the ocean. wander through town and watch the colours change across the landscape.
The Magic of Broome
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about Broome is the way it makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
A walk along the beach becomes memorable because the sand seems endless.
A full moon becomes an event because its reflection creates a staircase across the ocean.
A simple dinner feels different because the evening air is warm and the red earth glows in the fading light.
And somewhere between the pearl farms. ancient footprints and tropical sunsets. you realise that Broome is not trying to impress you.
It simply exists in all its wild beauty.
You just have to slow down enough to notice.
The Wrap
Broome is a destination of contrasts.
Red cliffs and white sand. Ancient culture and modern travel. Tropical beaches and rugged wilderness. Pearls and dinosaur footprints. Quiet mornings and spectacular sunsets.
It is a place where you can spend one day learning about the history of the pearling industry and the next flying over one of the world’s most extraordinary tidal landscapes.
But perhaps the experience you will remember most is much simpler.
Standing barefoot on Cable Beach as the sun disappears into the Indian Ocean.
Watching the sky turn gold.
Realising you have nowhere else you need to be.
That is Broome.
And that is exactly why you should go.
FAQs
What is Broome best known for?
Broome is best known for Cable Beach. its pearling history. spectacular sunsets. the Staircase to the Moon and its location as a gateway to the Kimberley.
What is the best time to visit Broome?
The dry season from May to October is generally considered the best time to visit because of warm days. clearer skies and lower humidity. The most popular period is around June to August.
How many days do you need in Broome?
Three days is enough to experience the major highlights. but five days gives you more time to explore the beaches. pearling history and surrounding landscapes without rushing.
If you want to add the Kimberley or Horizontal Falls. consider staying longer.
Is Cable Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely. Cable Beach is one of Broome’s defining experiences and its enormous stretch of sand makes it particularly beautiful at sunset.
When can you see the Staircase to the Moon?
The Staircase to the Moon occurs around the full moon between March and October when moonlight reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.
Can you see dinosaur footprints in Broome?
Yes. Fossilised dinosaur footprints dating back around 120 million years can be found around Broome. including near Gantheaume Point and on remote beaches accessible through guided experiences.
Is Broome good for a romantic getaway?
Yes. Cable Beach sunsets. camel rides. beautiful accommodation. warm evenings and unforgettable natural experiences make Broome particularly romantic.
Can you swim at Cable Beach?
Swimming conditions vary throughout the year. Tourism Australia notes that Cable Beach is generally suitable for swimming during the dry season. but visitors should always follow local signs and safety advice.
Is Broome expensive?
Broome can be more expensive than some Australian destinations because of its remote location. Booking accommodation and major experiences ahead of time can be helpful during the popular dry season.
Can Broome be combined with a Kimberley road trip?
Absolutely. Broome is an excellent gateway to the Kimberley and can be combined with longer adventures through one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness regions.
Where to Next?
If Broome has inspired you to explore more of Western Australia. start with The Ultimate Perth Travel Guide for beaches. food. culture and some of the best day trips around the state’s capital.
For another unforgettable Western Australian experience. Must-Visit Australian Destinations: Ningaloo Reef takes you beneath the surface to discover coral gardens. whale sharks and an extraordinary marine world.
If island life sounds tempting. escape to Samphire Rottnest for a barefoot stay surrounded by beaches. quokkas and the beautiful waters of Wadjemup.
For a completely different Australian adventure. take inspiration from Great Road Trips: The Red Centre Way and imagine swapping Broome’s turquoise coastline for the ancient red landscapes of Australia’s interior.
There are places that feel like a holiday. And then there are places that feel like another world. Broome is one of them.
At the edge of Western Australia’s Kimberley region. where deep red earth meets brilliant turquoise water and enormous skies stretch towards the horizon. Broome feels wonderfully removed from everyday life. It is a place of spectacular sunsets. Ancient landscapes. Pearl farms. Aboriginal culture and beaches that seem to go on forever.
Known as Rubibi in the language of the Yawuru people. Broome has a history shaped by the sea and the pearling industry. Yet its identity today is much broader. It is a meeting place of cultures. Landscapes and experiences. From camel rides along Cable Beach to dinosaur footprints. Indigenous cultural tours and the extraordinary Staircase to the Moon.
Broome is also the gateway to the Kimberley. one of Australia’s great wilderness regions. making it an ideal destination for travellers who want their holiday to feel adventurous without giving up beautiful places to stay. good food and long afternoons beside the ocean.
Come for the famous sunsets. Stay for the feeling that you have travelled somewhere truly far away.
Why Visit Broome?
Broome has an unusual kind of beauty. It is not polished in the way of a traditional resort town. Instead. its charm comes from contrast.
Red pindan cliffs sit beside clear blue water. Pearl boutiques sit alongside relaxed cafés and breweries. Ancient Aboriginal culture exists alongside the history of Japanese and other Asian pearlers who helped shape the town.
And then there is the landscape.
Broome gives you the chance to spend a morning learning about pearls. an afternoon walking along one of Australia’s most famous beaches and an evening watching the moon create an optical illusion across the mudflats of Roebuck Bay.
If Western Australia’s enormous landscapes have captured your imagination. our Ultimate Perth Travel Guide is a beautiful place to continue planning a wider Western Australian journey.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Broome?
Broome has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season.
The dry season runs from May to October and is generally considered the best time to visit. Days are warm. skies are clearer and many roads and attractions are open. The most popular period is generally from mid June through mid August.
The wet season runs from November to April. Temperatures remain high and humidity increases. but the landscape becomes lush and the town is generally quieter. The wet season can also bring spectacular thunderstorms and dramatic skies.
If witnessing the famous Staircase to the Moon is important to you. plan around the full moon between March and October. During this phenomenon. moonlight reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay and creates the illusion of a glowing staircase rising towards the moon.
Fall in Love With Cable Beach
Cable Beach is the image most people associate with Broome.
The beach stretches for around 22 kilometres. creating an enormous sweep of white sand against the Indian Ocean.
Come early in the day when the beach feels peaceful and expansive. Walk barefoot along the shoreline. Swim during the appropriate season and let the huge Kimberley sky remind you just how far away you are from the ordinary. But come back in the evening.
As the sun begins to disappear over the ocean. the entire beach becomes golden. One of Broome’s most memorable experiences is watching this sunset from a camel caravan moving slowly along the sand.
You do not have to ride a camel to enjoy the spectacle. Simply finding a quiet place on the beach and watching the colours change is enough.
Experience the Magic of the Staircase to the Moon
There are sunsets. And then there is the Staircase to the Moon.
Between March and October. around the full moon. the rising moon reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. creating a shimmering optical illusion that looks remarkably like a staircase reaching towards the sky.
It is one of those natural experiences that photographs struggle to capture properly.
Find a place around Town Beach or another suitable viewpoint. Bring something to sit on and give yourself time to watch the moon rise slowly.
The experience becomes even more beautiful because it does not feel manufactured.
You simply have to wait for the right moment.
Discover Broome’s Pearling History
Broome’s relationship with pearls is woven into the identity of the town.
The pearling industry helped shape Broome from the late nineteenth century and attracted workers and communities from Japan. China. Malaysia. Indonesia and Europe alongside the region’s First Nations cultures.
A visit to a working pearl farm is one of the best ways to understand this history.
At places such as Willie Creek Pearl Farm. visitors can learn about pearl cultivation. see oysters growing in their natural environment and discover how the pearls eventually become jewellery.
It is much more interesting than simply buying a beautiful pearl in a shop because you leave understanding the story behind it.
Learn About Yawuru Culture
Broome is located on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people and its Aboriginal heritage is an essential part of understanding the destination.
Look for locally led cultural experiences that introduce visitors to the area’s mangroves. plants. animals. stories and connection to Country.
These experiences offer something that a conventional sightseeing tour cannot.
Instead of simply looking at the landscape. you begin to understand its meaning.
Take the time to listen. Ask questions respectfully and choose experiences led by Traditional Owners whenever possible.
Explore Gantheaume Point
Just a short distance from Broome. Gantheaume Point is where the colours of the Kimberley seem to come together.
Red cliffs rise dramatically above turquoise water while white sand stretches along the coast. The contrast is spectacular and makes the area particularly beautiful around sunrise or sunset.
Gantheaume Point is also famous for dinosaur footprints. Fossilised tracks estimated to be around 120 million years old can be seen in the area when conditions allow.
It is difficult to imagine dinosaurs walking across this landscape.
And yet their footprints remain.
Go Looking for Dinosaur Footprints
One of Broome’s most unexpected experiences is stepping into the distant past.
The coastline around Broome contains fossilised dinosaur footprints dating back around 120 million years. Some are found in remote areas and can be explored as part of guided experiences.
The experience is especially memorable because the setting is so beautiful.
You are not walking through a museum or looking at an exhibit behind glass. You are standing on the same ancient coastline where enormous creatures once moved across the landscape.
It is a reminder that Broome’s story stretches far beyond the pearling era.
Explore the Kimberley
Broome is more than a destination in itself. It is a doorway into the Kimberley.
The region is famous for enormous wilderness landscapes. rugged coastlines. dramatic gorges and ancient geological formations.
One of the most spectacular experiences is a trip towards the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. where powerful tidal movements force water through narrow gaps between rocky ranges. Scenic flights and boat experiences offer different ways to experience the landscape.
If you have extra time. consider extending your trip beyond Broome rather than trying to squeeze every experience into a few days. The Kimberley deserves time.
Take a Trip to the Horizontal Falls
The Horizontal Falls are one of those places that sound almost impossible until you see them.
Located in the Kimberley. the falls are created by enormous tidal movements pushing water through narrow gaps in parallel ranges. The effect changes with the tides and can be experienced from the air and by boat.
A scenic flight from Broome gives you the chance to appreciate just how vast this landscape really is.
From above. the coastline seems endless.
Then you descend towards Talbot Bay and suddenly the landscape becomes dramatic and intimate.
It is the kind of experience that reminds you why travelling to remote places can be so rewarding.
Meet Broome’s Marine Wildlife
The waters around Broome are just as fascinating as the land.
Depending on the season and conditions. marine experiences can include encounters with turtles. dolphins. dugongs. manta rays and other wildlife. Broome is also known as a particularly good place to look for the rare snubfin dolphin.
Kayaking is a gentle way to experience the coastline while boat cruises offer opportunities to explore further offshore.
If you love marine adventures. Western Australia has even more to offer. Our guide to Ningaloo Reef explores one of the country’s most extraordinary underwater landscapes. including its whale sharks. coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Visit the Japanese Cemetery
Broome’s history is deeply multicultural and the Japanese Cemetery is one of the places where that history becomes especially visible.
The cemetery contains more than 900 graves and reflects the important role Japanese pearlers played in Broome’s early pearling industry.
It is a quiet place to visit and offers a very different perspective from the beaches and adventure experiences.
Take your time here.
Broome becomes much more interesting when you look beyond its postcard-perfect coastline and discover the stories that shaped it.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Broome has another wonderfully nostalgic experience waiting in the centre of town. Sun Pictures is an outdoor cinema with a long history and is recognised by Tourism Australia as the world’s oldest operating outdoor picture garden.
Watching a film beneath the Kimberley night sky feels almost surreal.
It is the perfect kind of experience for an evening when you have already spent the day exploring and simply want to slow down.
Discover Broome’s Food Scene
Broome’s food culture reflects the many communities that have shaped the town.
You will find fresh seafood. Asian influences. tropical flavours and relaxed outdoor dining. Local ingredients are often the star rather than complicated preparation.
Fresh prawns. barramundi and other seafood are natural choices while tropical fruit and Asian-inspired flavours appear across menus.
For a relaxed afternoon. visit one of Broome’s local breweries or cafés and enjoy the fact that meals here do not need to be rushed.
The best Broome meals are often the ones eaten slowly.
Visit Matso’s Brewery
Matso’s is one of Broome’s most recognisable food and drink stops.
Located in a historic building opposite Roebuck Bay. the brewery is known for tropical-inspired drinks and its famous ginger beer. It also serves food influenced by the multicultural character of Broome.
Come for lunch. stay for the atmosphere and leave room for an afternoon that does not involve checking the time. That is very much the Broome way.
Where to Stay in Broome
Broome has accommodation for different styles of travellers.
For the classic Broome experience. staying close to Cable Beach puts you near the ocean and those famous sunsets.
For a more central experience. staying around the town centre gives you easier access to restaurants. markets. Chinatown and historical attractions.
If you want something more luxurious. Broome also has beautiful resorts where the tropical landscape becomes part of the stay.
For a wider Western Australian luxury inspiration. you can also explore Eat Live Escape’s feature on Crown Towers Perth for another take on a sophisticated Western Australian escape.
Getting Around Broome
Broome is relatively easy to explore once you arrive.
Car hire. taxis and buses are available and many hotels offer airport transfers. Broome Airport is very close to the town centre.
Having a car becomes particularly useful if you want to visit places outside the immediate town area or explore at your own pace.
For organised experiences such as pearl farms. cultural tours and Kimberley adventures. transfers are often available.
If you are extending your trip into a longer Australian road adventure. Hit the Road: Our Road Trip Adventure in an Apollo Motorhomes Euro Deluxe Camper is a lovely source of inspiration for embracing the open road.
A Perfect 5 Day Broome Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Discover Cable Beach
Take your first day slowly.
Settle into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring Cable Beach. Stay for sunset and let your trip begin without rushing into a packed itinerary.
Day 2: Pearls and Broome History
Spend the morning learning about the pearling industry at a local pearl farm. Then explore Chinatown and the Japanese Cemetery before enjoying an evening at Sun Pictures.
Day 3: Gantheaume Point and the Coast
Explore Gantheaume Point and look for dinosaur footprints when conditions allow. Spend the afternoon around Cable Beach before enjoying another sunset.
Day 4: Kimberley Adventure
Take a scenic flight or organised excursion towards the Horizontal Falls and experience one of the region’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Day 5: Slow Down
Keep your final day deliberately open.
Enjoy breakfast. Take a final walk along the beach. Browse the boutiques or simply sit somewhere beautiful and watch Broome move around you.
If your visit coincides with the full moon season. finish your trip with the Staircase to the Moon.
What to Pack for Broome
Broome’s tropical climate means lightweight clothing is essential.
Bring breathable clothes. comfortable sandals or walking shoes. swimwear. sunglasses. a hat and strong sun protection.
A lightweight long-sleeved shirt is useful for protecting yourself from the sun while a light rain jacket can be handy during the wetter months.
If you are planning a Kimberley adventure. bring practical clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities.
And leave a little space in your suitcase.
You may find yourself coming home with a beautiful pearl.
For a stylish approach to warm-weather dressing. you can also explore eleSTYLED for wardrobe inspiration that works beautifully for relaxed coastal travel.
How to Travel Responsibly in Broome
Broome is a place where travel and culture are closely connected.
Take time to learn about the Yawuru people and the significance of Country. Choose Aboriginal-led experiences where possible and follow guidance when visiting culturally significant places.
The landscape also deserves care.
Stay on marked paths. Follow beach and marine safety advice. Do not disturb wildlife and leave natural areas exactly as you found them.
When you travel somewhere as extraordinary as Broome. the best souvenir is the knowledge that you helped preserve it.
Broome for Different Types of Travellers
For Beach Lovers
Cable Beach is the obvious starting point. Spend your days swimming. walking and watching extraordinary sunsets.
For Adventure Lovers
The Kimberley offers unforgettable experiences from the Horizontal Falls to dinosaur footprints and remote coastal landscapes.
For Wildlife Lovers
Look towards the water for turtles. dolphins. dugongs and other marine life.
For History Lovers
Broome’s pearling industry. Japanese Cemetery and multicultural history provide plenty to discover.
For Couples
Sunset camel rides. beautiful resorts. long beach walks and intimate dinners make Broome an unforgettable escape for two.
For Slow Travellers
Broome is perfect for doing less.
Give yourself time to sit by the ocean. wander through town and watch the colours change across the landscape.
The Magic of Broome
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about Broome is the way it makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
A walk along the beach becomes memorable because the sand seems endless.
A full moon becomes an event because its reflection creates a staircase across the ocean.
A simple dinner feels different because the evening air is warm and the red earth glows in the fading light.
And somewhere between the pearl farms. ancient footprints and tropical sunsets. you realise that Broome is not trying to impress you.
It simply exists in all its wild beauty.
You just have to slow down enough to notice.
The Wrap
Broome is a destination of contrasts.
Red cliffs and white sand. Ancient culture and modern travel. Tropical beaches and rugged wilderness. Pearls and dinosaur footprints. Quiet mornings and spectacular sunsets.
It is a place where you can spend one day learning about the history of the pearling industry and the next flying over one of the world’s most extraordinary tidal landscapes.
But perhaps the experience you will remember most is much simpler.
Standing barefoot on Cable Beach as the sun disappears into the Indian Ocean.
Watching the sky turn gold.
Realising you have nowhere else you need to be.
That is Broome.
And that is exactly why you should go.
FAQs
What is Broome best known for?
Broome is best known for Cable Beach. its pearling history. spectacular sunsets. the Staircase to the Moon and its location as a gateway to the Kimberley.
What is the best time to visit Broome?
The dry season from May to October is generally considered the best time to visit because of warm days. clearer skies and lower humidity. The most popular period is around June to August.
How many days do you need in Broome?
Three days is enough to experience the major highlights. but five days gives you more time to explore the beaches. pearling history and surrounding landscapes without rushing.
If you want to add the Kimberley or Horizontal Falls. consider staying longer.
Is Cable Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely. Cable Beach is one of Broome’s defining experiences and its enormous stretch of sand makes it particularly beautiful at sunset.
When can you see the Staircase to the Moon?
The Staircase to the Moon occurs around the full moon between March and October when moonlight reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.
Can you see dinosaur footprints in Broome?
Yes. Fossilised dinosaur footprints dating back around 120 million years can be found around Broome. including near Gantheaume Point and on remote beaches accessible through guided experiences.
Is Broome good for a romantic getaway?
Yes. Cable Beach sunsets. camel rides. beautiful accommodation. warm evenings and unforgettable natural experiences make Broome particularly romantic.
Can you swim at Cable Beach?
Swimming conditions vary throughout the year. Tourism Australia notes that Cable Beach is generally suitable for swimming during the dry season. but visitors should always follow local signs and safety advice.
Is Broome expensive?
Broome can be more expensive than some Australian destinations because of its remote location. Booking accommodation and major experiences ahead of time can be helpful during the popular dry season.
Can Broome be combined with a Kimberley road trip?
Absolutely. Broome is an excellent gateway to the Kimberley and can be combined with longer adventures through one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness regions.
Where to Next?
If Broome has inspired you to explore more of Western Australia. start with The Ultimate Perth Travel Guide for beaches. food. culture and some of the best day trips around the state’s capital.
For another unforgettable Western Australian experience. Must-Visit Australian Destinations: Ningaloo Reef takes you beneath the surface to discover coral gardens. whale sharks and an extraordinary marine world.
If island life sounds tempting. escape to Samphire Rottnest for a barefoot stay surrounded by beaches. quokkas and the beautiful waters of Wadjemup.
For a completely different Australian adventure. take inspiration from Great Road Trips: The Red Centre Way and imagine swapping Broome’s turquoise coastline for the ancient red landscapes of Australia’s interior.
And if you are craving another Australian road adventure. explore 6 Essential Road Trips and Scenic Drives in Victoria for forests. mountains. waterfalls and spectacular coastal roads.
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