Where the red dirt meets the ocean, the colourful pearling capital of Broome beckons travellers from around Australia and the world. This pearl in the heart of the North West is a gateway to the west Kimberley with all of its adventures. Broome boasts plenty of reasons to stay for a relaxing getaway, a family holiday or a fishing adventure. If you’re a planning to visit, here are the best things to do in Broome.
Photo credit: Lauren Bath, Tourism Western Australia
Photo credit: Lauren Bath, Tourism Western Australia and @saltywings
Staircase To The Moon & Roebuck Bay
One of mother nature’s spectacular phenomenon that only happens on a full moon at certain part of the year. As the moon ‘rises’ it reflects off the exposed mudflats in Roebuck Bay at extremely low tide, creating a beautiful optical illusion of a ‘staircase’ reaching to the moon. It is a real spectacle that really has to be seen to be believed. If you are going to stay in Broome, plan so that you can be in town to witness the Staircase to the Moon. This spectacular sight occurs from March through to November. When the Staircase to the Moon is scheduled to occur, the first two days host the markets at Town Beach. Enjoy local, produce, entertainment, souvenirs and delicious dinners from all corners of the globe. A delightful vibe and energy to experience! If timing for you is limited for the Staircase To The Moon, the bay’s extraordinary landscape is still reason enough to visit. Roebuck Bay is a striking sight, where you can see red sand beaches, turquoise water, and green mangroves at the same time. The bay is also one of the best places in Australia to view migratory birds (from September to April) and home to the species of the Australian snubfin dolphin, making it popular for wildlife watching.
The ‘Red Dirt’ from Broome to Dampier Peninsula
As one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth, a road trip on its tracks will leave you with unforgettable idyllic outback landscapes you won't see anywhere else. The red dirt track stretches from Broome to the remote Dampier Peninsula. While here, indulge in spectacular fishing spots and explore the culture and lifestyle of local Indigenous people. Make sure to visit Broome Pearl Farm and Gantheaume Point for sweeping views of the famous Cable Beach and petrified dinosaur footprints. An ideal family trip if you ask us!
Sunset Camel Ride on Cable Beach
It would be remiss to visit Broome without ticking off its most iconic experience – trekking along the white sands of Cable Beach in a camel. Cable Beach is the most popular beach in Broome, and for a reason! Try plan your trip to Broome for the high tide going out around sunset time. Every afternoon camel rides take place along the beach and the tides can create insane mirror like reflections on the sand. Perfect for photographers to capture a scene like no where else on earth.
Visit a Pearl Farm
Broome is all about the Pearl, once the largest Pearling Port in the world, delving into the region's pearling history is a unique experience. Its history is steeped in stories of luggers, skullduggery, pearl diving and the infamous pearl masters of Broome. The best way to immerse into its pearling culture is visiting pearl farms at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farms to see the current pearling process first hand. From harvesting to grading pearls, you’ll leave feeling like a pearl expert! Delve deeper and visit the Broome Historical Society & Museum which showcases fascinating exhibits about Broome’s culturally rich and entertaining pearling past.
Sunset, Seafood And Pearling Cruise
Take adventure out to sea and Get an all-in-one ultimate experience of Broome in one complete adventure. Broome is known from its iconic sunsets, seafood and pearls. So why not delight your tastebuds on a journey of the senses as you wine, dine and savour the rich flavours on a Sunset Seafood and Pearling Cruise- only one of its kind in Australia! Experience wild live pearl fishing onboard, sample the rare delicacy of pearl meat fresh from the ocean’s catch and marvel at Cygent Bay pearls on board. Anchor at the renowned Cable Beach for an exclusive sunset vantage point as you sip on free-flowing premium wines and feast on a 7-course banquet! The ultimate treat!
Grab A Drink At Australia’s Most Remote Brewery: Matso’s Brewery
If you love a craft beer and some delicious pub grub, Matsos is perfect for you with its rustic and old building charm. Australia’s most remote brewery, Matso’s is a local institution known for its delicious ginger, mango and chilli beers. Make an occasion of it by stopping by the restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and trying a few of the delicious brews.
Search For Dinosaur Footprints At Gantheaume Point
This is a little way out of town, about 6km, but definitely worth the trip. Here, you’ll find petrified dinosaur footprints that are over 130 million years old! However these footprints can only be found and seen at low tide. If you can't get down to the tide line, there is replica casts of the same footprints on the cliff top which has sweeping views of Cable Beach. Even if dinosaur print hunting isn’t your thing, the other-worldly landscape of Gantheaume Point is still a great reason to visit. Rust red cliffs contrasting against the aqua blue water of the ocean – no trip to Broome is complete without a wander down to Ganethaum point. (Which is right at the end of Cable Beach). The spectacular views from the cliff section of Gantheaume Point is reached by a short stretch of unsealed road.
Minyirr Park
Minyirr Park, a hidden treasure of Broome, is a place of cultural significance to the Aboriginal people who believe the park is situated where Aboriginals were created. It’s tucked behind sand dunes and a good place to escape the crowds. Here you’ll find several walking trails that take you through bush land and dunes. Minyirr Park offers a touch of local culture, you can learn of the unique role the sea and river systems of the Kimberley have played in the life of the local indigenous communities on a guided cultural walk and excursion through Minyirr Park, a natural coastal area covering both land and sea.
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, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Best Time To Visit Broome
As Broome is so far north it experiences a tropical climate, which is considered as hot/semi-arid. There are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season lasts from October-March and can have torrential rain, cyclones and seriously high humidity. Wetter months are the quieter season where visitor numbers are typically lower (and often you can get great deals!). Broome is also the best place to venture into the Kimberley and experience the waterfalls flowing!
The dry season from April-September has beautifully warm weather still which makes it the most popular time of year to visit.
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