Author: Matt and Danielle
03 November 2023
While driving a lap around Australia all we heard the whole way was "Just wait until you get to Broome" and "You are going to LOVE Broome". It set a lot of expectations, and we weren't sure that Broome was going to live up to the hype. Little did we know. We had booked 2 nights at a campsite. We pulled in, parked up and from the moment our foot first touched the floor we knew that everyone had been right all along. There was something in the air, something that told us we were going to love this place. After our first few hours in Broome, we ran to the check-in desk so we could extend our booking to 2 weeks.
What makes Broome so special?
Broome is a coastal town in the Kimberley region of Northern Western Australia. It's a very colourful town, due to the bold natural landscape everywhere you look. This is where you see bright red rock formations that stretch all the way out to bright blue and turquoise waters. It's a unique experience to witness a place like this with your own two eyes. Some of the best beaches in Australia are also right here. When you combine it all with the beautiful tropical climate you find a paradise on earth.
There is a lot to love and some very unique places to visit in Broome. It didn't take long for it to become our new favourite town in Australia. There are so many things to do, and each one is very different from the last. It's rare that you get to go to the same place twice and have two completely different experiences. Here is everything you need to know about Broome. These are all the best places, top things and must-see spots in WA's best beach town.
There is a reason Broome is one of Western Australia's best holiday destinations. There are a tonne of incredible and unique things to do during your trip. Here are all the best things to see when you're visiting Broome.
Cable Beach is a 22 km long white sand beach that looks straight out onto the Indian Ocean. It's the perfect place to rest and relax on a bright sunny day when you're not out exploring the town's other highlights. This is the first place we came when we arrived in Broome, and what made us immediately run to extend our stay here. We had recently driven from Cairns to Alice Springs, up to Darwin and now over to Broome. As people who love to be by the ocean, we missed it a lot...so to the beach we went! We walked up to the tall steps that looked down onto the soft white sands and saw groups of people all having the best time. Music was being carried along by the ocean breeze. You could see people playing with frisbees and footballs. Everyone was having a classic incredible beach day out. That was the moment we fell in love with Broome.
It's not only a fantastic beach, but also where you can get the best view of a spectacular sunset. When we say spectacular, we mean it! This is where the sun sets right over the ocean. It sets right on the horizon, and the colours painted throughout the sky are unrivalled. Western Australia is known for its epic sunsets, and in Broome, you can see some of the best there are.
Seeing a sunset is always amazing, but it's rarer to sit and watch the moon set. There are a few different places where you can witness this natural phenomenon, but Broome is the most popular place to see it. The staircase to the moon happens twice a month, and the best time to see it is between March to October. It's when the full moon rises up over the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, which creates "steps" leading up to the big bright moon in the sky. It's a unique experience that is worth planning your trip to Broome around. Make sure that you're there at the best time to see it.
Another thing that you can see on Cable Beach is sea turtles nesting. This happens every year between October to March. The vehicle access ramp to the beach closes and the turtles can begin laying their eggs. Around 7 weeks after they lay their eggs you can begin to see the tiny baby turtles making their way to the ocean. If you're a nature lover then you will want to make sure that you're there to witness it.
No trip to Broome is complete without a stop-off to enjoy a scenic sunset camel ride. It's an experience that Broome has become very well-known for. It's an experience that comes with incredible views whether you're on a camel or not. The Northern end of Cable Beach is a great location to drive onto the beach, pick a great spot and watch the sunset (as long as you have a 4WD). The camels walk across the sun in a perfect line while it sits right on the horizon, and it makes for a brilliant view. You can either enjoy this incredible view or be one of the lucky people sitting on one of the camels enjoying a nice relaxing guided tour.
Not everything in Broome is at Cable Beach. Each place has so many amazing experiences that are all unique and wonderful. If you make your way along to the Southern end of Cable Beach then you meet Gantheaume Point. This is one of our favourite Broome attraction and it's where you can see the red cliffs stretching towards the blue water. You can see unrivalled scenic views here, they are spectacular. Like most places in Broome, you can have two completely different experiences depending on how high the tide is when you visit.
If you visit during a very low tide then make your way all the way to the furthest point here that looks out over the ocean. From here you can safely make your way down to the rocks at the bottom and look for dinosaur footprints along the dinosaur coast. It's not a hoax, they are completely real! You can peer straight into the very distant past. Look back to when huge dinosaurs roamed these lands, and see their actual footprints embedded in the rocks. If you're looking for fun activities for the whole family then we guarantee your kids will love this.
If you come back during a very high tide, at least 12.5m, then you can find a rock pool to enjoy a refreshing dip. This is a little more difficult to find, but we will offer the best directions that we can. Once you reach the car parking area, make your way down the short walking trail that leads to Gantheaume Point. Very soon you'll notice a house on your left. From here you need to find a small cutting through the bush on your right and go all the way to the cliff edge. If you keep walking along the edge and back on yourself then you'll see it. The perfect rockpool where you can jump and swim. Being difficult to find also means you may not need to share it with many others either.
Town Beach is as the name suggests...right in the town of Broome. It's a smaller beach than Cable Beach, but still a good place to enjoy a nice beach day out. It's a short walk from the historical museum, so you can include it on your day exploring the town. It looks out over the tropical waters of Roebuck Bay and is a family favourite due to the calm ocean where you can swim and cool down on a hot day.
If you have been around some of the historical sights in Broom then you will know all about the pearl luggers and thriving pearling industry. This is the home of the South Sea Pearl, known as the finest pearl in the world. You can see the jewellery that it makes on display around many of the shops in Chinatown. Two of the big farms that you can visit are Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. The perfect way to learn all about the pearl trade in Broome is to hop on a guided tour. You can cook a unique 1-hour pearl luggers tour here or head on over to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm...why not do both?!
It's not only the oceans that are packed with wildlife, but the skies too. Roebuck Bay is an important bird migration area. There are plenty of incredible birds that you can learn all about at the observatory. There are a variety of birds that call these shores home. You can see them all perched along the rocks, or out at sea fishing. If you're interested in learning more about the shorebirds in the area then head over to the discovery centre during your Broome trip.
We have covered ocean life and bird life, but if there is one thing Australia is famous for it's saltwater crocodiles. A short drive from Broome you can visit the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and see these huge reptiles in their natural environment. They do daily crocodile feedings and you can see all kinds of reptiles and animals here. It's a great day out for any families visiting Broome. Book your tour here.
Roebuck Bay has come up a few times, and that's because it's a prominent part of Broome. The bay itself is a beautiful blue water bay that is packed with diverse plant and marine life. You can find the Australian snubfin dolphin here so keep an eye out if you visit the beach. You may see them playing and fishing off the coast in the distance, and if not you can always jump on a Broome whale-watching tour. It's not just dolphins, because you also have a chance to see humpback whales too. The beach here differs from Cable Beach and Town Beach because the sand has a slight red hue to it. This comes from the red rocks that line the bay, and you can also see patches of mangroves. The combination of these reds, blues and greens is marvellous to see.
That covers everything you will want to do around Broome Town Centre. Now that you've seen and explored the area why not get a unique perspective? Hop on a helicopter for a scenic flight to get a view of Broome that is unlike anything else. This is where you will be able to see the crazy colours of the incredible landscape all side by side. Once you've seen Broome from up high, you can head out to the ocean for a boat ride on a sunset catamaran cruise. It's the perfect activity for families and couples visiting Broome.
Coconut Wells is still near Broome, but we are getting further from the town. This is one of our favourite places in the area that is well worth visiting. You are going to need to make the trip twice, as again...it is very different depending on the tides. If you visit during a low tide, park up and walk straight out and over the sand dunes ahead. Once you get to the top you'll be able to see the beach and to your right, there will be lots of rock pools waiting to be explored. Some are big enough to take a dip in, but be careful as the rocks are quite sharp. It's a fun place to walk around and you can see what ocean life is hiding among the rocks.
During a very high tide, Coconut Wells completely transforms. You will barely recognise it. I will stress that it has to be a very high tide for this...and you're going to want to bring a floaty. When you come back, park up again, and walk out over towards the same sand dunes. This time turn left and head to the far side of the beach. It's a little bit of a walk down, but don't worry because it's only a one-way trip. At the far side of the beach, the ocean has come up so high that it bursts through and floods the large open space between two sets of sand dunes. This forms the most amazing lagoon. Jump in with your floaty and it will take you all the way back to the start again. We had so much fun here jumping in, swimming and floating all the way back to our car again. It's one of the top things and best attractions in Broome that we would recommend.
Check out more amazing Beaches in Western Australia here!
Now we are into the 4-wheel drive territory. There are some incredible places that you can explore North of Broome if you have the right vehicle for it. James Price Point has stunning scenery, and the campsite here is often among people's favourites in all Australia. Camping for a night or two here is a great way to get deep into nature and live a much more simple lifestyle for a little while. The landscape here is like what you've seen around Broome. You have the green plant life, red rock cliffs and crystal blue water...but it's on a much grander scale.
Remember to buy a Western Australia National Parks Pass. You need it if you are looking to visit any of the incredible places spread throughout the Kimberley region. Buy your park pass here.
If you keep going further North then you'll be able to drive along the stunning coastline of the Dampier Peninsula. More stunning coastline awaits you here as you set off on an epic off-grid road trip unlike anything else. Drive along Manari Road through the Aboriginal community at Beagle Bay. Head towards the beautiful and very remote Pender Bay and then Lombadina. This is another Aboriginal Community in the Kimberly region. Along your way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop. Go fishing, paddle boarding, snorkelling and exploring the wonderful nature all around. It is a remarkable part of Australia, and up there with some of the best natural beauty you can find Down Under. If you have your heart set on visiting the Dampier Peninsular but don't have a 4WD then book onto this awesome tour from Broome.
You may have crossed the Gibb River Road on your trip to Broome, but if you didn't then there is no better time to do it. It doesn't get much more iconic than the Gibb River Road. While you're out exploring this part of Western Australia, why not tackle it yourself? This is a true outback adventure. The Gibb River Road is one of the most unique 4WD tracks in Australia. There is a lot of vast and untouched wilderness out here, but that's what makes it such an epic Western Australia road trip. You have to plan this well and pack plenty of fuel and food, but what awaits is nature unlike anywhere else. There are breathtaking ancient gorges, remote communities and wonderful sights everywhere you look.
If you're planning on driving the Gibb River Road then it's important to know that it opens in early April and closes in early December. You will have to plan your trip around this as the road is completely inaccessible when it closes.
Cape Leveque is the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsular. If you've explored along that coast so far you will no doubt be eager to keep on going. You can expect to find more of the same stunning scenery that you'll have seen all along the picturesque drive so far. It's remote and not easy to reach but once you're there you will be grateful that you made the trip. The red cliffs that you will be familiar with will have lightened a little when you get here. It's no longer the deep red that you will have seen in Broome, but more of a golden red, and the beaches are pristine. The Beaches of Broome are beautiful, but out here in the remote Outback they are bliss.
Even further than Cape Leveque is Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay. This is a marvellous place described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". From a man who has quite literally seen the entire world, that speaks volumes! Horizontal Falls is a stunning natural phenomenon. It's where fast-moving tidal currents squeeze through two narrow gorges. This pushes the water through at an incredible speed. All of this combined is what forms the "horizontal falls". A remarkable sight which resembles a waterfall turned on its side. It's an incredible sight that will have you scratching your head in confusion as much as rubbing your eyes in disbelief.
Talbot Bay is difficult to reach, even in your own 4WD. If you are looking to visit this natural wonder then the best way is to hop on a seaplane. that you also get to marvel at it from the sky. You can take this incredible trip from Broome.
We've told you about all the must-see spots and best places in, around and outside of Broome. You've got your bags packed and you're rearing to go...but how do you get there? The fastest way to get to Broome is to fly, but this is also the most expensive option. You can fly to Broome via any of the major cities in Australia, but if you want some more adventure then the best option is an epic road trip.
The easiest city to drive to Broome from is Perth. It's a long way, we won't lie to you. Perth to Broome is a 22-hour drive, and you will want to stop off at a few places along the way. Exmouth, Karijini National Park, Monkey Mia... there are some incredible places along that route. You can plan a fantastic road trip if you have the time to spare. Once you get to Broome you can spend some time seeing all the amazing sights above.
If you don't have the time to drive, then fly straight there and rent a vehicle. You'll need it to get around Broome and see all the amazing sights.
Accommodation in Broome can be tough to come by if you're visiting in high season, so make sure to book in advance. If your plan is to get there and free camp then you'll struggle. There are no free camping spots in Broome, and the nearest is around 45 minutes outside of town. You'll likely spend similar on fuel by driving in daily as you would on a place to stay in the town.
We stayed at a great campsite in central Broome and it's a stone's throw from Cable Beach. We met a bunch of amazing people here. We would all spend nights on the beach or around a campfire sharing stories and laughing. Tarangau Caravan Park quickly became one of our favourite paid campsites in Australia because of the fond memories we have here. The facilities are clean, and it's a great price.
If you're not camping then Broome has some amazing accommodations to choose from. The Mangrove Hotel is a popular option because it's a perfect location. Book as far in advance as you can because it gets booked up fast.
Click here to book your Broome accommodation and check out other amazing places to stay.
The best time to visit Broome is during the Dry Season, which is from April to October. The peak season is from mid-April to mid-June, which is when most of the events and attractions are running. You should have many issues visiting a little outside of the Dry Season, but be warned. When the Wet Season hits they shut off a lot of roads. It can even be almost impossible to get out of Broome after this point.
We hope you enjoyed our complete Broome travel guide. This small coastal town in Northern WA stole our hearts from the moment we arrived, and we hope it does the same for you.
Have we given you the travel bug? Book your flights, accommodation and travel insurance all here.
This blog may contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
BROOME