Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season, 25-33°C, clear skies). November to April is wet season with cyclone risk
Language
English; Yawuru is the local Aboriginal language
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AWST (UTC+8)
Airport
Broome International Airport (BME), 2km from town center
Population
16,600 (town proper)
Climate
Tropical semi-arid, avg 33°C in dry season, 34°C in wet season with high humidity
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — swim only in stinger-safe areas (box jellyfish October-May)
A stunning 22km stretch of white sand backed by red pindan cliffs meeting turquoise Indian Ocean water. Free access. Camel rides at sunset from AUD 75/person (30 minutes, book with Red Sun Camels or Broome Camel Safaris). Drive your 4WD onto the beach north of the rocks. Best swimming at the southern end near the surf club (stinger net in season).
A natural optical illusion where the full moon rising over exposed mudflats at Roebuck Bay creates a shimmering 'staircase' to the sky. Free to view from Town Beach. Occurs 2-3 nights per month March-October (check Broome Visitor Centre for exact dates). Arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot. Night markets run on Staircase nights.
Two restored pearl lugger boats and a fascinating history of Broome's dangerous pearling industry that once supplied 80% of the world's mother-of-pearl. Entry: AUD 35 (~$23) adults. Guided tours at 9AM, 11AM, 2PM, 4PM (1 hour). Includes a working dive suit demonstration. The Japanese Cemetery nearby tells the tragic story of hundreds of drowned divers.
130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints (theropod tracks) visible in the reef rocks at extremely low tide. Free access. Located 6km south of town. Casts of the prints are viewable on the cliff top at any tide. The red pindan cliffs against the turquoise ocean make this one of Broome's most photogenic spots. Check tide charts before visiting.
A working South Sea pearl farm 38km north of Broome offering guided tours of the entire cultured pearl process — from seeding to harvest. Tours from AUD 95/person (2.5 hours including transfer) or AUD 55 self-drive. Book ahead as tours are limited to small groups. The showroom sells pearls at farm-gate prices. Open March-November only.
The world's oldest operating outdoor cinema (est. 1916), screening current movies under the stars in vintage deckchairs. Tickets: AUD 18 adults. Movies screen nightly at 6:30PM and 8:30PM during dry season. Heritage-listed building with a fascinating history — originally segregated seating for pearling workers. BYO snacks or buy at the candy bar.
Fly into Broome International Airport (BME) — flights from Perth (2.5 hours), Darwin, or other capitals. This remote pearling town sits where the red outback meets the turquoise Indian Ocean.
Airport transfer to town(15 minutes)
BME is 2km from town. Rent a car (AUD 60/day, 4WD for AUD 120 if doing Dampier Peninsula). Taxi AUD 15
Check-in at Cable Beach Club Resort(1 hour)
Iconic resort from AUD 250/night. Or Kimberley Klub backpackers from AUD 35. Eco Beach is a stunning eco-resort 90 min south (AUD 300+)
Sunset camel ride on Cable Beach(1.5 hours)
AUD 75/person (30 min). Red Sun Camels or Broome Camel Safaris. String of camels silhouetted against an Indian Ocean sunset on 22km of white sand. Book ahead in dry season
Dinner at Cable Beach Club sunset bar(1.5 hours)
Sundowner cocktails (AUD 18-25) watching the sun melt into the ocean. Or BYO wine and cheese — Cable Beach has no alcohol restrictions
Broome built its fortune on pearl diving — a dangerous industry with a dark multicultural history. Plus 130-million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
Pearl Luggers Museum(1.5 hours)
AUD 35. Two restored lugger boats, dive suit demo, and the story of how Broome supplied 80% of the world's mother-of-pearl. Tours at 9AM, 11AM, 2PM, 4PM
Japanese Cemetery(45 minutes)
Free. 919 graves of pearl divers — mostly Japanese, Malay, and Filipino — who drowned working Broome's pearl beds. Sobering and respectful. 10-minute walk from the museum
Lunch at The Aarli(1 hour)
Modern Australian with Asian influences. Barramundi and chips (AUD 28), Asian salads. Near Chinatown. Great coffee too
Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints(1.5 hours)
130-million-year-old theropod tracks visible at extremely low tide. Free. 6km south. Casts viewable anytime on the cliff top. The red pindan cliffs against turquoise water is Broome's most photogenic spot. Check tide charts
Sun Pictures outdoor cinema(2.5 hours)
AUD 18. World's oldest operating outdoor cinema (1916). Current movies under the stars in vintage deckchairs. Screenings 6:30PM and 8:30PM dry season. Heritage-listed. BYO snacks
See how the world's finest South Sea pearls are cultured, then catch the sunset from Town Beach.
Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour(3 hours)
AUD 95 with transfer (38km north) or AUD 55 self-drive. Small group guided tour of the entire cultured pearl process from seeding to harvest. Showroom sells pearls at farm-gate prices. Open March-November only. Book ahead
Lunch at Matso's Broome Brewery(1.5 hours)
Broome's craft brewery in a heritage building. Try the ginger beer (famous nationwide) and the mango beer. Fish tacos and Korean fried chicken. AUD 22-35 mains. The beer garden is lively
Chinatown precinct walk(1 hour)
Broome's Chinatown is actually the old pearling quarter — mix of Chinese, Japanese, Malay, and Aboriginal influences. Pearl showrooms, galleries, and cafes in corrugated iron buildings. The Short Street Gallery has excellent local Aboriginal art
Town Beach sunset and Staircase to the Moon (if dates align)(1.5 hours)
The Staircase occurs 2-3 nights per month (March-October) when the full moon rises over exposed Roebuck Bay mudflats creating a shimmering 'staircase.' Night markets run on Staircase nights. Check exact dates at the Visitor Centre. Even without the Staircase, Town Beach sunsets are beautiful
A day to enjoy Cable Beach and Broome's relaxed tropical pace.
Morning swim at Cable Beach(2 hours)
Swim at the southern end near the surf club (stinger net in October-May). 22km of sand — walk north for solitude. The turquoise water against white sand and red cliffs is stunning
Lunch at Zanders at Cable Beach(1.5 hours)
Beachfront dining. Fresh seafood, cold beer, ocean views. AUD 25-40 mains. The sundowner position is prime
Broome Historical Museum(1 hour)
AUD 10. Pearling history, WWII Japanese bombing of Broome (a largely forgotten event), and Aboriginal culture. Small but excellent. Near Chinatown
Dinner at 18 Degrees(1.5 hours)
Broome's fine dining — modern Australian seafood. Pearl meat sashimi, Kimberley barramundi. AUD 35-55 mains. Book ahead in dry season
Connect with the world's oldest living culture through Yawuru-led tours and the rich birdlife of Roebuck Bay.
Narlijia Experiences Aboriginal cultural tour(3 hours)
AUD 80-120/person. Yawuru-led tour of culturally significant sites, bush medicine, and Dreamtime stories. Walking tour along the coast. Deeply respectful and educational. Book at narlijia.com.au
Lunch at Good Cartel(1 hour)
Popular cafe in Chinatown. All-day breakfast, excellent coffee, and healthy bowls. AUD 18-28
Roebuck Bay bird observatory walk(2 hours)
Roebuck Bay is one of the most important shorebird sites in the world — up to 150,000 migratory birds from Siberia. Self-guided walk along the mangrove boardwalk. Free. Best at low tide. Binoculars recommended
Dinner at Dragonfly Café(1.5 hours)
Asian fusion in a tropical garden. Laksa, satay, and Vietnamese rolls. AUD 20-35. Lively atmosphere
Drive the red pindan road 220km north to Cape Leveque — sacred Aboriginal land with pristine beaches. 4WD essential.
Drive to Cape Leveque via the peninsula road(3 hours)
4WD only. Red dirt road through Bardi Jawi country. The road is corrugated — take it slow. Stop at Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church (built by Aboriginal and German monks, the altar is inlaid with mother-of-pearl)
Cape Leveque (Kooljaman)(3 hours)
Community-run wilderness camp at the peninsula's tip. Red cliffs meeting white sand and turquoise water on both sides. Swim, snorkel, walk. AUD 20 day visitor fee. The contrast of red, white, and blue is jaw-dropping
Lunch at Kooljaman cafe(1 hour)
Simple but fresh — fish and chips, burgers. AUD 15-25. Eat overlooking the Indian Ocean
Return to Broome(3 hours)
Start back by 2PM to avoid driving in the dark (kangaroos). The sunset from the road is spectacular
Final morning in Broome before your flight.
Sunrise walk on Cable Beach(1 hour)
The dawn light on the pindan cliffs is golden. Few people at this hour — the 22km beach will be yours
Breakfast at Matso's(1 hour)
Eggs benedict and a ginger beer for the road. AUD 20-28
Last-minute pearl shopping in Chinatown(1 hour)
Paspaley, Willie Creek Pearls, and Kailis have showrooms in Chinatown. Loose pearls from AUD 50. Strands from AUD 500
Airport transfer(15 minutes)
BME is a tiny airport. Allow 1.5 hours before your flight
US and Canadian citizens need an ETA (subclass 601, AUD 20 / ~$13). EU citizens use the free eVisitor (subclass 651). Both allow 90-day stays. Apply online at least 72 hours before travel.
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit creeks and estuaries around Broome — never swim in non-designated waterways. Box jellyfish (Irukandji) are present October-May; swim only within stinger nets at Cable Beach. Wear stinger suits if snorkeling or kayaking in season. These are not theoretical warnings — incidents happen yearly.
Qantas, Virgin, and Airnorth fly to Broome from Perth (2.5 hours), Darwin, and other cities. Driving from Perth is 2,200km (24+ hours) — an epic road trip but not for the faint-hearted. In town, rent a car (from AUD 60/day) or use the Town Bus service. A 4WD is needed for Cape Leveque and the Dampier Peninsula.
Broome sits on Yawuru country. Many beaches and rock formations have deep cultural significance. Don't climb on rock art sites or disturb shell middens. Some areas require permits — check with the Yawuru Rangers. Join an Aboriginal-led cultural tour (from AUD 80/person) for respectful access to significant sites and Dreamtime stories.
Accommodation in peak season (June-September) can be AUD 250-500/night for mid-range hotels. Book 3-6 months ahead. Budget alternative: caravan parks from AUD 45/night for powered sites. Shoulder season (May, October) offers good weather at 30-40% lower prices. Wet season is cheapest but many tours don't operate.
The best free entertainment in Broome is watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean from Cable Beach. For a splurge, sundowner cocktails at Cable Beach Club Resort (AUD 18-25) or Zanders at Cable Beach have prime sunset views. Alternatively, BYO a picnic and a bottle of wine — the beach has no restrictions on alcohol.
Travel GuidesYes, there are crocodiles. No, they won't bother you at Cable Beach. Here's everything you actually need to know about Australia's most remote coastal town.
SeasonalThe Staircase to the Moon only appears 2-3 nights per month. The pearl farms close in wet season. And the box jellyfish have a schedule too. Here's when to go.
Travel GuidesCamel trains at sunset, a cinema from 1916, and 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Broome is Australia's most underrated destination and it's not close.
