Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Jesse Sepala, Pexels
Broome, Australia, is a coastal town in the Kimberley region known for its unique blend of natural beauty and rich pearling history. It offers visitors stunning white sandy beaches like Cable Beach, contrasted with vibrant red earth and turquoise waters, and serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Kimberley.
Broome offers various areas for socializing. Chinatown, the heart of old Broome, provides a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and pearl showrooms, often hosting night markets. The Cable Beach area features resorts and restaurants, including popular spots like Sunset Bar & Grill. Town Beach also hosts a colourful night market during the Staircase to the Moon event. For those seeking a more vibrant nightlife, venues such as Matso's Broome Brewery offer a relaxed setting with unique beers, while places like Divers Tavern and The Conti Bar & Bistro provide live music and drinks. Backpackers might find a social hub at Roey Backpackers and Party Bar, which includes a nightclub and bar.
Top 7 Things to do in Broome
Experiences range from iconic beach adventures and natural phenomena to deep dives into pearling history and Indigenous culture, along with opportunities for wildlife encounters.
1. Cable Beach Sunset Camel Ride
Witnessing the sunset from the back of a camel on Cable Beach is an iconic Broome experience. The camels gracefully traverse the 22-kilometre stretch of white sand as the sun dips into the Indian Ocean, creating a picturesque silhouette. Many operators offer these rides, providing a memorable and relaxed way to enjoy the beach's renowned beauty. You often have the opportunity to interact with the camels and capture stunning photographs. The experience typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes.
Cost: Adult tours generally range from AUD $105 - $138. Child fares are typically AUD $75 - $80.
Transport: Cable Beach is approximately 4 kilometres from Broome town centre. The Broome Explorer Bus offers frequent services to Cable Beach for AUD $5 per single adult fare, or you can purchase a 24-hour pass for AUD $15 for unlimited travel. A taxi from the town centre to Cable Beach costs approximately AUD $7-$18.
2. Staircase to the Moon
Observe the natural phenomenon known as the 'Staircase to the Moon', where the rising full moon reflects off the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide, creating an illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon. This spectacular sight occurs for two to three days each month between March and October. The Town Beach precinct is a popular viewing spot, often accompanied by night markets offering local produce, handmade goods, and international food, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Cost: Free to view. The night market stalls have varying costs for goods and food.
Transport: Town Beach is centrally located and accessible by walking from many accommodations. The Broome Explorer Bus operates extra services to the Town Beach Markets on Staircase to the Moon nights. Taxis are also available.
3. Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour
Embark on a captivating journey to a working pearl farm to learn about Broome's significant pearling history and the modern cultured pearl farming process. The tour typically includes a pearling masterclass, a live pearl harvest demonstration, and a boat cruise on Willie Creek, where you can see live oysters in their natural environment. This provides a unique insight into how South Sea cultured pearls are grown and harvested. Opportunities to browse the showroom are available after the tour.
Cost: Adult tours typically start from AUD $169, with options including lunch for a higher price. Child and concession rates are also available. The tours generally include hotel pickup and air-conditioned coach transfers.
Transport: The pearl farm is approximately 38 kilometres north of Broome. Tours include coach transfers from Broome accommodations. Self-driving is an option, though a 4WD is recommended for the partially unsealed road.
4. Gantheaume Point & Dinosaur Footprints
Visit Gantheaume Point, where striking red cliffs meet the turquoise Indian Ocean. This scenic headland is home to ancient dinosaur footprints, preserved in the reef rock for over 130 million years, which are visible at very low tides. If the tide is high, plaster casts of the footprints are embedded at the top of the cliff for viewing. The area offers stunning coastal scenery and a glimpse into Broome's prehistoric past.
Cost: Free to visit. Guided tours focusing on the dinosaur footprints are available from approximately AUD $90-$130.
Transport: Gantheaume Point is about 6 kilometres from Broome town centre, a 10-15 minute drive. It is accessible by car, and parking is available. The Broome Explorer Bus services Gantheaume Point during the dry season. A taxi would be approximately AUD $14-$17 from Broome to Willie Creek Pearls, which is a similar distance to Gantheaume Point.
5. Matso's Broome Brewery
Experience Australia's most remote brewery, Matso's Broome Brewery, located opposite Roebuck Bay. It is known for its unique range of craft beers, including popular ginger and mango beers, and offers a relaxed atmosphere with panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tastings and explore the history of this award-winning establishment. It provides a casual setting for a meal or drink.
Cost: Tastings may be complimentary with tours; food and drinks incur separate costs. Tours that combine Matso's with other attractions, like the Broome Museum and Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, start from AUD $85 and often include tastings.
Transport: Matso's is located near Town Beach, which is serviced by the Broome Explorer Bus. It is also easily accessible by taxi or a short walk from the town centre.
6. Snubfin Dolphin Eco Tour
Embark on an eco-tour in Roebuck Bay to observe the elusive Australian snubfin dolphins in their natural habitat. Broome is one of the best places to encounter these unique creatures. These tours often take place on comfortable vessels with viewing platforms and also offer opportunities to spot other marine life such as bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and manta rays depending on the season. Many tours include commentary on the bay's diverse ecosystem and provide morning tea.
Cost: Adult tours are typically around AUD $155. Concession and child fares are available. Courtesy bus transfers from accommodation are generally included in the tour price.
Transport: Tours often include courtesy bus transfers from your Broome accommodation to the departure point.
7. Indigenous Cultural Experience
Engage with the rich Aboriginal culture of the Broome (Rubibi) area through guided experiences. These can range from walking tours that explore the local environment and its traditional uses, to storytelling sessions and learning about the pearling history from an Indigenous perspective. Opportunities to witness traditional dance performances or learn about bush tucker can also be part of these immersive tours. These experiences offer a deeper understanding of the land and its traditional custodians.
Cost: Prices vary widely depending on the duration and inclusions of the tour. A 3-day expedition can be AUD $4,400 per person (excluding accommodation), while shorter tours may be around AUD $95. Many tours include transfers.
Transport: Some tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, or transfers in 4WD vehicles for excursions outside of town. Shorter walking tours may start from central locations like Town Beach.
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