With it’s pure white sands, turquoise waters and contrasting red earth, Broome is a picturesque and stunning holiday destination. It’s no wonder hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this Western Australian Kimberley town each year.
Boasting a tropical climate and a lush local ecosystem, Broome encourages you to relax, enjoy, and get on ‘Broome time’. With a rich history as a pearling town and lasting significance from World War II, experience this popular Kimberley tourist destination for yourself.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, experience a magical sunset cruise, get out exploring, or even walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, Broome has something for everyone. Here’s a quick guide to some of the top Broome tourist attractions you must see and do on your next trip:
Whale Watching or Fishing Charters
The turquoise waters surrounding Broome are teeming with life, and there’s no better way to get the full experience than out on the water.
Fishing charters are a fun way of trying your hand at fishing, whether you’re a complete novice or you’re a pro with your own gear. Find out for yourself just what’s hiding under the surface of the Indian Ocean surrounding Broome with a fishing charter here at Absolute Ocean Charters.
If fishing isn’t for you, Broome has plenty more up its sleeve to keep you entertained. Every year the warm waters surrounding Broome play host to a large population of humpback whales on their annual migration. Our Broome whale watching tours are a fantastic way of getting out onto the water and seeing the majestic humpback whales up close as they calve and teach their young. Our family-friendly tours are engaging for the little ones, and allow you to get unparalleled views of the gentle giants breaching, playing and saying hello.
Staircase to the Moon
This natural phenomenon only occurs for a few nights a month between May and November, so check the dates online if you want to make sure you catch the event on your trip. Witness the stunning staircase illusion as the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats at Roebuck Bay. It’s a truly spectacular event that needs to be seen to be believed. The best places to witness Staircase to the Moon are from Broome Town Beach or the nearby Mangrove Hotel.
If you’re in town for Staircase to the Moon, make sure you check out the local Moon markets at Town Beach to sample culinary delights and shop local wares.
Camel Ride on Cable Beach
Perhaps the most iconic image conjured in the mind at the mention of Broome – a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach. The flat white sands at Cable Beach offer a smooth path for the wonderful camels to carry you and your family across as you appreciate the stunning sunsets that Broome is famous for. Several tour companies in town offer camel rides, and your tour guide will be able to answer any questions you have about Broome or surrounds.
Visit the Dinosaur Footprints
Yes, the footprints are from real dinosaurs! Dating back some 130 million years, there are many instances of documented dinosaur footprints in and around Broome and along the Dampier Peninsula. One of the best places to see them for yourself is at Gantheaume Point – but be mindful when you visit, as low tide is necessary to see the prints. Other prints are visible at low tide at Cable Beach, Reddell Beach and Entrance Point.
Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
Get up close and personal with giant saltwater crocodiles at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. Visit in the afternoon to see the beasts at feeding time, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to hold a baby crocodile for yourself.
Be sure to check out the attached shop museum, which displays forty years worth of documents and photographs from the production of Malcolm Douglas’s famous adventure films.
Sun Pictures Cinema
As the world’s oldest picture gardens still in operation, the Sun Pictures Cinema in Broome’s Chinatown is an important part of history. This is the perfect place to soak up the 100+ years of history while you watch a film in a unique atmosphere.
Pearl Farms
Broome was first put on the map thanks to its importance in the pearling industry, so learning more about the pearl farms is a must. Take a visit to Cygnet Bay or Willie Creek pearl farm, and check out the finest pearl in the world – the South Sea Pearl. The shops around Broome’s Chinatown offer some of the finest pearl jewellery in the region, so make sure you pick up a keepsake or souvenir to take home.
Broome Historical Museum
Created by locals who expressed concerns over historical objects being removed from the town, The Broome Historical Society is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to preserve Broome’s history and heritage. You can find out all about Broome then and now at the Historical Museum.
Matso’s Brewery
Sample all of the unique beers on offer at Matso’s Brewery, boasting views over Roebuck Bay. With outdoor seating and an award-winning restaurant, Matso’s Brewery is suitable for the whole family.
Indigenous Cultural Tours
The Indigenous populations of Broome and the surrounding areas have deep cultural connections to the Kimberley region. On your next visit, learn about and understand the spiritual connection Aboriginal people have to this land. Many Indigenous-led tourism businesses operate in the region, so book in for a guided tour and see an Indigenous art trail, a sunset walking tour on country, or learn more about cultural awareness.
There’s so much to do and see in the Kimberley region – this is just a quick list of some of the best Broome tourist attractions to put on your itinerary for your next trip. We’re sure you’re going to love your visit to Broome – and we’re sure you’ll be back again soon!
