Broome is a remote and captivating town perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean in Western Australia's far north - a place where red pindan cliffs meet turquoise water, camels parade along 22 kilometres of pristine white sand, and the world's most spectacular natural staircase appears on the beach by moonlight. Once the pearling capital of the world, Broome retains a fascinating multicultural heritage born of its Japanese, Chinese, Malay, and Aboriginal pearling communities. Today, it is one of Australia's most unique holiday destinations and the gateway to the ancient wilderness of the Kimberley.
Getting There
Broome Airport (BME) receives direct flights from Perth (about 2.5 hours), Melbourne and Sydney (seasonal). The airport is just 2km from the town centre. Broome is approximately 2,200km north of Perth by road - a two-day drive via the Great Northern Highway (or three days with stops). Greyhound operates bus services from Perth (about 26 hours). Once in Broome, a car is useful for exploring Cable Beach and the surrounding area, but the town centre (Chinatown) is compact and walkable. Many tours include hotel pick-up.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is one of Australia's most iconic beaches - 22 kilometres of broad white sand lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean:
- The beach: The sand is wide, flat, and pristine. The water is warm year-round (25-30C) and the swimming is generally safe, though be aware of seasonal stinger (jellyfish) warnings from November to May. A stinger net operates at the main swimming area during stinger season.
- Camel rides: A sunset camel ride along Cable Beach is the quintessential Broome experience. Several operators offer rides (from $45 for 30 minutes, $75 for 60 minutes). Book ahead in peak season (June-September).
- Sunsets: Cable Beach faces due west, and the sunsets are legendary. The sky turns deep orange, red, and purple against the Indian Ocean. Many visitors bring a picnic and wine to the beach for the show.
- 4WD access: North of the rocks, 4WD vehicles can drive along the beach at low tide. This section offers more secluded stretches of sand.
Staircase to the Moon
The Staircase to the Moon is Broome's most famous natural phenomenon - a stunning optical illusion created when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay:
- What happens: As the moon rises, its light reflects off the wet mudflats in a series of golden steps, creating the illusion of a staircase stretching from the shore to the moon. The effect lasts about 15-20 minutes as the moon rises.
- When: The Staircase occurs on 2-3 nights each month from March to October, coinciding with the full moon and very low tides. Check the exact dates with the Broome Visitor Centre.
- Where to watch: Town Beach is the best viewing spot. On Staircase nights, the Town Beach Night Markets operate with food stalls, live music, and artisan crafts - one of Broome's best events.
- Photography: Arrive early to secure a good position. A tripod is essential for capturing the effect.
Pearling History & Chinatown
Broome's identity is inseparable from its pearling heritage. From the 1880s to the mid-20th century, Broome was the world's leading source of mother-of-pearl shell:
- Pearl Luggers Museum: An excellent museum with two restored pearl luggers and immersive displays about the history, danger, and cultural impact of the pearling industry. Tours $35 adults. The stories of the Japanese, Malay, and Aboriginal divers are powerful.
- Chinatown: Broome's historic centre was the hub of the pearling trade and retains its multicultural character. Today, Chinatown is a compact precinct of pearl showrooms, galleries, cafes, and shops. Paspaley, Willie Creek Pearls, and Allure South Sea Pearls have showrooms here.
- Japanese Cemetery: The largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, with over 900 graves of pearl divers who lost their lives. A sobering reminder of the dangers of early pearl diving.
- Willie Creek Pearl Farm: A working pearl farm 38km north of Broome offering tours that explain the modern cultivation of South Sea pearls ($95 adults, includes boat cruise).
Dinosaur Footprints
Gantheaume Point, 6km south of Cable Beach, features 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints embedded in the reef rock:
- Viewing: The footprints are visible at very low tides. Check tide charts before visiting. At other times, plaster casts of the prints are accessible on the cliff top.
- Red cliffs: The dramatic red pindan cliffs at Gantheaume Point are spectacular at any tide, and the contrast with the turquoise ocean makes for incredible photographs.
Where to Eat
- The Aarli: (Chinatown): Modern Australian with Asian influences. Fresh local seafood and creative cocktails. Mains $32-45.
- Matso's Broome Brewery: (Chinatown): Iconic Broome brewery with a shaded beer garden. Try the mango beer. Mains $22-36.
- 18 Degrees: (Cable Beach): Relaxed beachside dining with ocean views. Woodfired pizzas and seafood. Mains $24-38.
- The Zookeepers Store: (Chinatown): Excellent cafe for breakfast and lunch. Great coffee and creative dishes. Mains $16-26.
- Cable Beach Club: (Cable Beach): Fine dining at the Sunset Bar & Grill with Cable Beach views. Mains $36-52.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Broome's Last Resort (from $30 dorms/$95 private), Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (powered sites from $45, cabins from $130).
- Mid-Range: Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary (from $180), Bali Hai Resort & Spa (from $170).
- Luxury: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (iconic Broome resort, from $350), Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat (remote luxury 90 minutes south of Broome, from $300).
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (May-October) offers warm days (25-32C), cool nights, clear skies, and minimal humidity. This is peak season - book well ahead. The wet season (November-April) brings high humidity, afternoon storms, and occasional cyclones, but also dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists. Some tours and attractions close in the wet. - Stingers: Box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish can be present from November to May. Swim only within the stinger net at Cable Beach during this period and wear stinger suits if swimming elsewhere. - Tides: Broome has some of the largest tidal ranges in Australia (up to 10 metres). Tides dramatically affect beach access and activities like Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints and the Staircase to the Moon. Check tide charts daily. - Remoteness: Broome is remote. Fuel and supplies are more expensive than in Perth or the east coast. If driving, carry extra water and fuel. - Kimberley gateway: Broome is the starting or finishing point for Kimberley adventures. Many Gibb River Road and Kimberley coast tours begin or end in Broome.
AUBIS Tip
: Broome is one of Australia's most unique destinations. Use AUBIS to plan your Broome stay - book a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach, check Staircase to the Moon dates and reserve your Town Beach viewing spot, schedule a Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour, and arrange your onward Kimberley adventure. The platform will coordinate your Broome experience with accommodation, dining, and flights from Perth.