Things to do in Broome

Things to do in  Broome

At the edge of the wilderness

Set on the Indian Ocean—and the western gateway to the Kimberley wilderness—Broome boasts one of Australia’s best beaches. The white-sand expanse of Cable Beach is delightful any time of day, but taking a sunset camel ride across the beach is one of the best things to do in Broome. You can also learn about Broome’s pearling history on a guided tour of a working pearl farm; soar over turquoise water and red cliffs on a helicopter tour; and spot marine wildlife on a boat tour along the Kimberley coast.

Top 15 attractions in Broome

Horizontal Falls

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The Horizontal Falls were once described by David Attenborough as one of the “greatest wonders of the natural world.” Located in Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago, the waterfalls are caused by the shifting of ocean tides through the rocks, and are one of Western Australia’s most spectacular sights.More

Cable Beach

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Cable Beach encompasses 14 miles (22 kilometers) of unspoiled white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is almost perfectly flat and therefore its calm waters are ideal for swimming. From the shore, you can see the occasional pearling boat—an industry that supported Broome before it was discovered by travelers.More

Gantheaume Point

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Located just outside of Broome, Gantheaume Point is one of the region’s most impressive natural landmarks and serves as an important paleontological site. The red-rock cliffs contrast with the waters of the Indian Ocean below and offer spectacular photo opportunities.More

Cape Leveque

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One of Australia's most stunning stretches of coastline, Cape Leveque, located on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, has been home to Aboriginal communities for some 7,000 years. Visit to see the area’s brick-red cliffs, pearl-white sand, and clear blue water, explore the remote landscape, and learn about the local Aboriginal communities.More

Town Beach

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While Town Beach isn’t Broome’s largest beach, it’s just a stone’s throw from the center of town. Popular with picnickers who lay out their spreads on grassy areas and public tables, the landscaped beach also draws visitors looking for the Staircase to the Moon, a local phenomenon whereby moonlight creates what looks like a staircase climbing the sky.More

Broome Japanese Cemetery

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Founded in 1896, the Broome Japanese Cemetery is the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia and a testament to the close ties between Western Australia and Japan. The cemetery is the final resting place for more than 900 Japanese people who came to Broome to work in the pearling industry, many of whom died while diving or from decompression sickness.More

Tunnel Creek

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Go underground at Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Compared to other national parks in the area, Dimalurru is small, covering just 225 acres (91 hectares) of the Napier Mountain Range. But it has a popular main attraction: Western Australia’s oldest cave system.More

Sun Picture Gardens Cinema

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The world’s oldest, still-operating open-air movie theater, Sun Pictures is a major tourist attraction in Broome, Australia. Both locals and travelers visit the picture gardens, where you can relax in a deck chair under the stars and enjoy the latest movies in a historic ambiance.More

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park

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From the moment you walk through the giant fiberglass replica of a crocodile's head, you know that Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is wild about crocs. Located on the outskirts of Broome, this adventurous park is home to native saltwater crocodiles deemed too aggressive to remain in their Outback communities.More

Windjana Gorge

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Windjana Gorge sits within the Windjana Gorge National Park in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. Formed by the Lennard River, Windjana Gorge runs for 3.5 kilometres through the Napier Range – of which Tunnel Creek is also a part. Windjana Gorge is over 100m wide in parts, and the walls range between 10 and 30 metres high.The Lennard River runs through Windjana Gorge during the wet season, and forms into pools in the dry season. Like much of the Kimberly, Windjana Gorge is home to many species of Australian wildlife – including some which aren’t found anywhere else – and is steeped in Aboriginal culture. Windjana Gorge is a significant spiritual site for the Bunuba people, who believe that there are powerful creation spirits that reside in the Gorge.A path runs the length of the gorge (3.5km), following the path of monsoonal vegetation alongside the permanent pools of water in the dry season. A ruined homestead, Lillimooloora, was built in 1884 from local limestone, and sits within the park.The Windjana Gorge Campground is the only place to stay in the park, and is well maintained. Bathrooms with showers are situated on site, and the campground is suitable for caravans – though there are no powered sites. Camping does incur a fee, and park rangers collect it in the evenings.More
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Beagle Bay

Beagle Bay

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Beagle Bay started as a Catholic mission founded by Trappist monks in the late 1800s. Today, the community is best known for the small Sacred Heart Church housing an ornate mother of pearl and seashell altar, built by two German Pallottine priests in 1918.More

The Kimberley

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Three times larger than England, the red desert Kimberley region takes up the northwestern corner of Australia. It’s one of the longest-settled areas on the continent, yet fewer than 40,000 people call it home. The beach town of Broome serves as the gateway to the Kimberley’s numerous cultural and natural attractions.More

Broome Historical Museum

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Run by volunteers, this museum aims to preserve Broome’s heritage and history by giving sweeping overviews of life in the area, from the Australian Aboriginal era to World War II and beyond. Exhibits here include information on Broome’s pearling industry, a history of domestic life in the isolated town, and the impact and effects of cyclones in the region.More

Danggu Geikie Gorge

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One of the most accessible parks in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park is a popular day trip from Fitzroy Crossing. The gorge for which it is named was carved out by the Fitzroy River, which flows between the massive limestone walls, over 98 feet (30 meters of which have been exposed by the river.More

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

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Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is Australia’s oldest operating pearl farm and one of the few open to the public. Touring the farm gives visitors insights into the evolution of pearl farming in Australia, from its Indigenous beginnings through the four generations of the Brown family, who have been running the business since 1946.More

All about Broome

When to visit

You have two choices of seasons in Broome: wet or dry. The dry season runs from May through October and is the best time to enjoy the beach. (It is also the busiest season.) Between March and early November, try to time your visit to see the Staircase to the Moon, which occurs 2 to 3 times per month when the moon rises over the local tidal flats. Visit in late August and early September for the Shinju Matsuri Festival, celebrating the town’s pearl producing history.

Getting around

It can be time consuming (and hot) to get around Broome on foot because many of the area’s top attractions are spread out around town. One good option is to rent a bicycle, as the town has extensive bike paths, but be careful not to overdo; it gets hot in the summer. The Town Bus runs regular services between Cable Beach, downtown, and Chinatown, and guided tours often include hotel pickup.

Traveler tips

The Broome Courthouse hosts markets in its tropical gardens every Saturday morning year-round (as well as on Sunday mornings from April to October). Visit to browse through locally made jewelry, clothes, handicrafts, art, and produce. Even if you’re not planning on shopping, it’s worth a visit to stretch out on the lush lawn, under shady trees, and enjoy the live music, food trucks, and family entertainment.

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People Also Ask

Why is Broome famous?

Broome was known as the pearling capital of the world in the 19th century, and it’s still the heart of Australia’s pearling industry. The Western Australia city is also famous for its landscapes, including the Staircase to the Moon at Roebuck Bay and Horizontal Falls.

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How long should I spend in Broome?

Plan three days to take in Broome’s highlights and explore the Kimberley region. Visit a pearl farm, marvel at the red sands of Roebuck Bay, and see the dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. Other unmissable activities include a camel ride along Cable Beach and a seaplane flight over Horizontal Falls.

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What recreational activities is Broome known for?

A camel ride along Cable Beach and a pearl farm tour are the quintessential activities for travelers to Broome. After that, you can head to the beach to kayak and stand-up paddleboard, take a dolphin- or whale-watching cruise, or snorkel and scuba dive at Rowley Shoals Marine Park.

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Does Broome have crocodiles?

Salt and freshwater crocodiles can be found in Broome and the Kimberley region, but they are most likely to be seen in rivers and creeks in the wet season (Nov.–Apr.). Crocodiles are rarely spotted along the coast, and it’s generally safe to swim at patrolled beaches during the dry season.

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Do you need a 4WD to get to Coconut Wells?

Yes, access to the lagoons and rock pools of Coconut Well is via a sandy road that’s a 4WD-only route. They’re about a 20-minute drive north of Broome. Alternatively, it’s possible to drive along the beach from Cable Beach at low tide, but this route also requires a 4WD.

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Is Broome worth visiting?

Yes, Broome is a worthy addition to any Western Australia itinerary—especially as it’s the largest city in the far north and gateway to the Kimberley region. Visitors come to Broome to admire its unique natural landscapes, tour the pearl farms, and take a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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