Broome is often considered as being the southern gate way to the Kimberley region and is perhaps best known for its extensive pearling history, as it was originally founded as a pearling port over 100 years ago, supplying over 80% of the world’s mother of pearl trade in the early 1900s. However, there is really so much more to Broome that you have to come and experience it for yourself. 

For starters, its location is superb, it offers the sparkling turquoise Indian ocean, alongside the infamous white sandy beaches, the expanse of red desert coupled with the green wilderness areas. And if that isn’t enough colour and variety, add to the mix a large indigenous population and the cosmopolitan cohesion of different cultures that have been integrated now for many years, extending back to the pearling days when a host of nationalities arrived at the port seeking their fortunes. It all adds to the pulse of the city that also offers a huge array of activities as well as a relaxing base to explore the Kimberley region. 

What to do in Broome

Beaches: Australia is of course synonymous with beaches and Broome offers one of the most famous, the 22km long pristine white sandy Cable Beach. Nestling next to the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is a fine place to hang out with friends and while away the hours. Pack your togs and a good book or 2 and you have it made! And for the more daring, Cable is home to one of Australia’s most famous nudist beaches! 

There is a natural phenomena in Broome that occurs 3 nights a month during March to October. It is known as the “Staircase to the Moon” and is caused by the rising of a full moon reflecting off the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. It is fascinating to see and would be a very good reason to arrange your trip to coastal Broome to coincide with this event. An even greater atmosphere is created by the bustling markets that are set up to add to the vibe of these special occurrences. 

Another spectacular outdoors beach based event occurs in Broome normally during August and is one for the culture vultures. ‘Opera under the Stars’ takes place at Cable Beach open air amphitheatre. Be transported to another world with world class performers entertaining you in the warm twilight breeze whilst you sip a glass of chilled wine and melt into the depths of the stories of love told through romantic arias. Could it be more perfect? 

Camel Rides: Have you ever indulged in fantasies of exotic travel across golden sands in a train of camels accompanied by unusual and colourful desert men and mysterious veiled ladies? Well, now’s your chance to experience it for real! Ok, well you may have to stretch your imagination when it comes to your travelling companions but the gentle giants with doleful eyes are yours for the taking so settle back and enjoy a magical sunset ride with the beautiful backdrop of the Indian Ocean and the richly coloured hues of the sun’s final moments. Heaven! 

Australian bush and Aboriginal Tours: Pack your swag and make for one of several bush and outback exploration tours available. How better to get a grasp of the history, culture and bush survival skills than with an Aboriginal guide? If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a medicine man you’ll come away armed to the hilt with fascinating facts about how to use native plants and herbs in a medicinal way and how to identify which seafood is edible. Finish up by enjoying some authentic bush tucker whilst regaling the day’s events with colourful stories around the camp fire. You’ll have many stories to bring back home with you too! 

Hiking: If you can summons the energy, why not hike to the top of waterfalls and then cool off with a swim in crystal clear rock pools? Follow up by a search for crocodiles in a billabong (make sure you don’t end up being dinner though!). For a real outback adventure you could set up camp and sleep under the multitude of stars, a world away from the fast paced existence of the big cities. 

Another good hike would be to Gantheaume Point, where you can marvel at the 130 million year old dinosaur prints that can be seen at low tide. You could suddenly feel very small!!! 

Safaris: Safaris are not only the domain of Africa. Ok, so you may not see the ‘Big Five’ but the wilderness experience of Broome comes a close second! Wilderness safaris are available in the 3000 square km Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary and you can feel good about the world and yourself by taking part in wildlife protection programs. Tented safari camps are available to give you a unique experience, something not to miss out on.
 
Birdlife: Equally, for aspiring twitchers there is every good reason to visit Broome and that reason is the Broome Bird Observatory. Over 300 species of migratory birds arrive on the shores of Roebuck every year, making this one of Australia’s prime bird watching areas. Get those binoculars at the ready! 

Water activities: As with most of Australia, water activities are always on the menu.......and if you’re lucky, a piece of fresh fish or 2 might also be on the menu for evening supper!! All type of fishing is possible here – you can either chance your luck or hop on a guided fishing charter to up the odds! Kayak fishing is also a fun way of throwing the line. You may be competing with the fish eagles but you’ll enjoy gently gliding through tropical mangroves all the same! But if you’d rather dinner be a sure thing, then why not sign up for a gourmet sunset sail in an original wooden pearling lugger where you can enjoy a sumptuous feast on board whilst truly relaxing. 

Or extend your stay on the water with a luxury live aboard dive cruise. 

Broome Historical Museum: Broome has such a rich history that a trip to the museum is really a must, if only to appreciate that there is more to Broome than pearls!! 

Pearl Farms: Given the strong pearling history of Broome you’d be missing out if you didn’t visit a pearl farm. See pearls in the making. Be warned though, this trip could come at an expense if you can’t resist the fruits of the labour!!!! 

Chinatown: Broome has a distinctly Asian flavour influenced by the many Asians that flocked to Brooms in the early 1900s in the hope of sharing a part in the pearling fortunes. The demographic remains an exotic cocktail and this only adds to the appeal of Broome. Chinatown is one of Broome’s oldest district and main shopping areas, coupled with a fantastic array of different Asian and other cuisine offered in the cafes and restaurants. East meets West, with a delightful outcome. 

Picture Gardens: Did you know that Broome is home to the oldest outdoor picture gardens in Australia? Now of course it also offers new releases, so pull up a deck chair and escape from reality for a few hours. 

Getting to and around Broome

By Air: There is an international airport at Broome servicing many destinations. However, the majority of visitors to Broome arrive inland from Australia by some means.
 
Domestic flights operate frequently from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin and other cities. There are also charter flights available from other rural regions. To get to and from more remote parts of the region, there are sea planes operating across areas of the Kimberley coast. 

By Road: A number of main highways run to/from the Kimberley region and hiring a car is always a good option. Alternatively, take a Greyhound coach and meet fellow travellers! There are excellent connections to Darwin and Perth. 

By Sea: There are a number of charter vessels and cruises available. Ask at any good tourist information centre. 


There really is a lot to see and do in Broome. Add to this the almost constant sunny climate and it makes for a very appealing place to base yourself for an exploring expedition!